Columbus State University has again been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of “G.I. Jobs,” “STEM Jobs” and “Military Spouse.” This is the fourth year in a row CSU has made the list.

Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly School title by completing a survey of more than 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. 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.

Some examples of how CSU is serving the military include:

·         Two full-time enrollment counselors at Fort Benning in the Army Continuing Education System Education Center (Soldier For Life Center).

·         Three classes this semester on post and seven courses planned on post next semester (future plans include a possible two-year Criminal Justice degree on post).

·         An ROTC Program that is actively engaged with two briefings monthly on the Green-to-Gold program at Ft. Benning.

·         A longstanding partnership with the Maneuver Captains Career Course to offer graduate degrees in Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Master of Public Administration.

·         A new Military Service Center on main campus to better serve soldiers/veterans and their dependents who are enrolled. The center offers a lounge and computer lab with six computers.  

·         Three full-time staff and four student veterans who are able to assist students with veteran educational benefits.

·         The Student Veterans Association that began this year and has more than 18 active members this semester.

·         CSU reduces the cost of fees for active duty soldiers using tuition assistance.

“We are extremely proud to serve our military population here, and we do it purposefully,” said Tom Hackett, CSU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “About 10 percent of our enrollment is tied to the military. We have staff members, professors and physical space specifically designated for our military students. We are a better institution because of that partnership.”

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. 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.

“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 a 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.”