Operation Promise for Servicemembers

 

Located just 14 miles from New York City, Montclair State University (MSU) has a student body as diverse as the community it calls home. With such a variety of student populations, the institution has continuously strived to provide each with the distinct resources necessary to enhance the academic experience and optimize success. Today, this philosophy includes meeting the needs of an expected increase of student veterans and active duty military personnel on campus utilizing the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

MSU has always recognized that orientation programs leave a lasting impression on students as their transitional mechanism and play a complementary role in enhancing retention rates.  When a student is transitioning from high school, another institution, the workplace or the military, it is critical that the institution's orientation program meets the student's needs.  In the spring of 2008, Montclair extended its nationally recognized orientation opportunities to include veterans and active military personnel.  The two-hour program includes information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill, as well as representatives from Counseling and Psychological Services, Academic Advising and Adult Learning, and Academic Development and Assessment.  Student veterans also participate, offer input and provide information on the campus Veteran's Association.

The Veteran's Association has recently been re-chartered through the Student Government Association and is working in concert with the University's Administration to develop optimal resources for easing transition from service to school.  Celebrating its 20th year, the Association is open to all veteran students, and offers student-centered peer support, as well as providing a social and networking haven within the university.  They work cooperatively with community resources to aid in integration back to civilian status including access to housing, employment and other eligible resources.  

 

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Taken during MSU's 2009 Veteran & Military Student Recognition Week.  On Veteran's Day, the Montclair State Veteran's Association and the Office of Veteran and Military Resources held a campus-wide event in front of the Student Center.  We handed out tee-shirts to anyone who donated care-package items or made cards to send overseas.  The NJ National Guard and the USMC also came to campus to celebrate our student veterans.