The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has again identified Ferris State University
as one of more than 30 institutions of higher learning that has earned a gold-level
rating for the 2018-19 academic year related to veteran-friendly programming.
Assistant Director of Veterans Services Jacob Schrot said that the university, and its Veteran Resource Center, met each of the seven criteria that have been specified by the MVAA as it monitors and evaluates the support offered to students who are or have been in the military.
“Gold-level status is given to those universities, colleges and professional schools that meet at least six of the criteria,” Schrot said. “We strive for excellence in our dealings with every one of the veterans on campus and are pleased to retain our top veteran-friendly designation.”
In all, 35 institutions were granted gold-level status, 23 are rated silver-level veteran-friendly schools and another six are recognized at the bronze level. Schrot, who joined Ferris’ Office of Admissions in 2015, said he was joined in May 2018 by Sean Allen, who serves the Veteran Resource Center as its coordinator of veteran outreach and recruitment.
“We find it is important to provide qualified, full-time university staff who are available to meet with veterans,” Schrot said. “The agency requires us to apply during the spring semester each year, and there is a review process conducted before a designation is announced.”
Schrot added that Ferris’ Office of Transfer and Secondary School Partnership is collaborating with the center to develop an assessment of military training so that college credits can be granted to those who completed a corresponding level of instruction during their time in the service.
“We believe that giving appropriate value to that experiential credit will have a positive impact for all Ferris students,” Schrot said. “It should have a particular benefit for veterans as they transition into higher education and further their career pursuits.”
Ferris’ Veteran Resource Center, located in University Center Room 121, provides a
variety of services and amenities to those who are in active military duty, the reserve
guard, separated from the service or those who have retired, along with their dependents.
Schrot can be reached by email or by calling (231) 591-2022.
PHOTO CAPTION: Assistant Director of Veterans Services Jacob Schrot (left) and Ferris
State University's Coordinator of Veteran Outreach and Recruitment Sean Allen are
the full-time staff supporting the Veterans Resource Center. Ferris has been named
a Veteran-Friendly School for the 2018-19 academic year by the Michigan Veterans Affairs
Agency.