Florida College System Commits to Support Veterans

Monday, August 12, 2013

DOE Press Office 850-245-0413

Florida College System Commits to Support Veterans

~ All 28 colleges support principles to improve access, affordability and success for veterans and their families ~

Tallahassee, Fla., August 12, 2013 - Today the 28 colleges in the Florida College System (FCS) signed on to a national initiative to promote veteran-friendly policies at colleges and universities. The eight strategies in "Keys to Facilitating Veterans' Success on Campus" encourages colleges to implement policies that help veterans, active-duty service members and their families achieve educational and training goals.

"Our system is proud to provide education, job-training and re-training to veterans, active-duty service members and their families," said FCS Chancellor Randy Hanna. "I commend all 28 colleges for supporting the keys to success, and look forward to strengthening our efforts to create veteran-friendly environments."

The 28 FCS institutions joined more than 250 colleges and universities from across the nation to support eight keys to success endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Education, Veterans Affairs and Defense:

• Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
• Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
• Implement an early-alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
• Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space (even if limited in size).
• Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
• Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention and degree completion.
• Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
• Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.

As of April 2012, the Florida College System enrolled 20,745 veterans, up from 14,171 in fall 2009. The U.S. Department of Education anticipates that number will continue to grow over the next several years.

"Our colleges have a strong history of responding to the needs of the state and local communities," said Chancellor Hanna. "We are proud to support the eight principles for creating veteran-friendly campuses that promote student success."