UF named to Victory Media’s 2016 Military Friendly Schools
The University of Florida has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly School by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse.
The Military Friendly Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation.
Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.
The methodology used for making the Military Friendly Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.
“The University of Florida has a rich tradition as a place where veterans are welcome,” UF President Kent Fuchs said. “Helping the men and women who have served our country start the next chapter in their lives is an honor and a privilege, and I’m thrilled to know we’ve earned recognition as a veteran-friendly campus.”
Dave Kratzer, UF’s vice president for student affairs and a retired Army major general, said he takes personal satisfaction in the recognition.
"As a veteran, I'm especially proud all of our military students who are here taking advantage of the new GI Bill,” Kratzer said. “Our one-stop shop approach to veteran services, our Veteran Service Center and our active Collegiate Veteran Society combine to create a welcoming place for the hundreds of military veterans and active-duty personnel who are such important members of The Gator Nation."
UF counted nearly 800 veterans and more than 200 active-duty military personnel enrolled as full- or part-time students for fall 2015.
“Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”
Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals. A full list of board members can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com/advisory-board.
UF will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
For more information about UF’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, go to the Collegiate Veterans Success Center website at www.dso.ufl.edu/veteran.