Under this program, about 20 student veterans will complete an internship in the admissions or enrollment-management office on their campus. Their work will be focused on increasing veterans’ enrollment and ensuring enrolled veterans are connected to additional support on campus, SUNY said.
SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. announced the program during a recent visit to Farmingdale State College on Long Island to meet with student veterans.
The announcement builds on actions the SUNY board of trustees took in September to encourage campuses to expand their focus on veterans for recruitment, outreach, pipeline programs, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and support as part of SUNY’s “commitment to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
“Veterans bring unparalleled leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to perform under pressure — qualities that greatly enhance the academic and community life on SUNY campuses, and provide inspiration for others transitioning out of the military to follow,” King said. “By creating the Veterans Enrollment and Support Internship Program we can better ensure that other veterans and military-connected individuals know there is a place for them at SUNY, with financial support and resources to ease their transition to academic life.”
SUNY says it educates about 3,000 veterans each year. Veterans, military personnel, and military-connected family members can apply to up to seven SUNY campuses for free, saving up to $350, throughout the year. Each campus has trained counselors who can assist veterans to “get the most out” of their GI Bill benefits, SUNY said.