2020 Guide for Military Students

MARINE VETERAN

BUILDS LEADERS IN THE CLASSROOM

SCHOLARSHIPS

PRESENTED BY AMERIFORCE MEDIA

CHECKLIST STUDENT

For service members

What’s your end goal in pursuing an off-duty education: certification, license, degree? What time commitment you have for a course load?

Do you want to attend in person or online? Speak with the installation education center to determine the best program for your goals and schedule.

Research schools including accreditation, student reviews, and its standing with the DOD [See list of institutions with a DOD MOU].

Examine financial aid options such as the FAFSA, tuition assistance, scholarships, and GI Bill benefits.

After gathering the above information, apply to the program that fits your goals, budget, and manner in which you want to attend.

Design a course schedule with the whole semester in mind. For example, if you will be deploying with limited internet, a full course load might not be the best option. Create a designated space for homework and studying, or find a remote location like the base library or a local coffee shop. Review syllabi ahead of the semester; documenting assignment due dates and materials needed.

Connect with support groups, like Student Veterans of America.

Need extra help? Check out Tutor.com’s free program for military students.

For military spouses

What’s your end goal in pursuing an education: certification, license, degree? What time commitment you have for a course load?

Do you want to attend in person or online? Speak with a MySECO counselor to determine the best education program for your goals.

Research schools including accreditation, student reviews, and its standing with the DOD.

Apply for the FAFSA

Evaluate additional financial aid options, including MyCAA, scholarships, and grants [See page 7].

After gathering the above information, apply to the program that fits your goals, budget, and manner in which you want to attend.

Design a course schedule with the whole semester in mind. For example, do you have an impending PCS move, shift change at work or child care limitations?

Create a designate space for study time. Review syllabi ahead of the semester; documenting assignment due dates and materials needed.

Need extra help? Check out Tutor.com’s free program for military students

Angela Caban is an Army National Guard spouse, published author, and advocate for military family financial readiness. She is the Director of Military Saves, a financial readiness and savings campaign that motivates, supports, and encourages the military community to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. She has an extensive background in Human Resources, with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resources. She lives inNew Jersey with her husband and two children.

Connect with Angela at www.instagram.com/military.saves

Tiffany Lawrence is a freelance writer and certified parenting strategist. She and her Marine have been married for 11 years and are the parents of twin girls. Tiffany likes to tackle difficult topics in her writing, from parenting to mental health. When she isn’t writing an article, she’s drawn to other things lyrical like songwriting, but her favorite thing in the world is making new memories with her family.

Connect with Tiffany at www.instagram.com/eveof4

Natalie Gross is a multimedia freelance journalist and host of The Spouse Angle podcast for military families. She previously covered veterans’ issues for Military Times and has also worked as a local news reporter in New Mexico and Texas. Her stories have appeared in The Washington Post Magazine, The Atlantic, The Christian Science Monitor, and elsewhere. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University.

Connect with Natalie at www.twitter.com/ByNatalieGross

Kalyn Edwards is currently stationed in Germany with her Army husband and two dogs. She obtained a Masters with a concentration in marketing in December of 2019 through an online program. Since completing her degree, she started writing her first ever Young Adult novel with the goal of getting traditionally published sometime in the near future.

Connect with Kalyn at www.instagram.com/KalynKae1

Jimmy Norris is a newly-retired Public Affairs soldier and freelance writer. His work has appeared in multiple military publications including Stars and Stripes and NCO Journal. He recently completed work on his bachelor of arts degree in communications with Thomas Edison State University.

by Jimmy Norris

Tiffany Lawrence

Tiffany Lawrence

MARINE VETERAN

BUILDS LEADERS IN THE CLASSROOM

By Jimmy Norris

Veteran Chris Molina’s days look much different from when he was on active duty with the Marines. The stay-at-home dad is a self-described leadership enthusiast who has spent the last few years speaking at college campuses, running a podcast, and more recently, publishing a book tailored to veterans.

Molina grew up in the town of East Chicago, Indiana. He enlisted in the Marine Corps immediately after high school and spent seven years on active duty in supply administration and operations.

His initial plan, he said, was to make a 20-year career in the military. Unfortunately, a knee injury in his sixth year of service forced a change of plans.

Following the end of his service, Molina attended Purdue University where he majored in management and minored in philosophy. His degree landed him a job with John Deere in the company’s supply management development program. He left that job two-and-a-half-years later to pursue an opportunity to inspire veterans in the civilian sector.

“Honestly, they’re [John Deere] a phenomenal company and I tell people I kind of wish they had treated me poorly because that would have made my decision very easy,” Molina said. “But I left because I found my passion.”

That passion is helping people become better leaders and better professionals; something he talks about at length in his book.

He was inspired to publish “I’m in a Leadership Role, Now What?” because of two problems he’s seen among college students and wouldbe leaders as he’s conducted his podcast participated in various speaking engagements.

The first problem, he says, is ambitious college students and graduates are being told they need to differentiate themselves, but they don’t know how. He said the short answer to that problem is they need to seek out leadership roles. Even then, he adds, they are often unprepared.

“No one is telling these college students how to lead when they first get that first leadership role and because they’re not taught how to lead they’re shooting from the hip,” Molina said. “They’re getting bad habits, and they’re also getting a bad taste in their mouths because as we all know, anybody that’s been in a leadership role, it’s not easy.”

The second problem happens a few years after students graduate when they get their first supervisor roles.

“They get their first leadership role where they’re a manager and they’re managing people. And that is when they start buying books on leadership, that’s when they start going to leadership seminars and conferences and that’s a problem because, why we wait that late to start teaching leadership to the managers and supervisors in our entire society is beyond me, and that’s something I’m trying to change. And those two things are the reasons why I speak to an audience, whether its college students or seasoned professionals, and I ask the question ‘please raise your hand if you’ve ever had a crappy boss in your life’. Everybody raises their hands and it doesn’t need to be that way,” he explained.

He said in the military, people are taught about leadership traits and principles. They’re exposed to people demonstrating leadership every day. But in college, students don’t always receive that kind of exposure.

He suggests college students try to take the lead on classroom projects or through part-time jobs.

“You might not be able to get into the leadership role but there are small opportunities always to take a leadership stance on something and just to take charge of a little project here or there,” he said.

Another suggestion he had, not just for younger students but also for transitioning student veterans was to get involved in campus organizations.

“There are so many student organizations and if there aren’t, because your campus is small, you can bring student organizations to your campus,” he said. “They’re always trying to expand so if you find one that you want to be on your campus you can bring it there or you can create your own.”

He said these organizations offer many leadership roles for students as well as a “safe place to fail.” He added these safe places to fail are advantageous for transitioning service members who may need to relearn some of their leadership skills.

“One thing that I’m trying to articulate that our transitioning veterans need to get over is that ego that comes with us having had life experience and having leadership experience,” he said. “So one thing that we pride ourselves on in the military is being really good at leadership. We’ve had tons of experience in it and so whenever we transition to the civilian world we think that’s naturally something

that we’re going to be good at. Sometimes we are and sometimes we’re not because we try to apply the same military leadership that we had into the civilian world and it’s different. So this stage of our transition, being on college campuses, is a perfect opportunity to practice that leadership.”

Molina adds only 1% of Americans have served in the military since 2001 and reminds transitioning service members they are the ones who need to adapt, both on campus and in their new careers.

“It’s not up to the 99% of the population to understand you and to adapt to you. It’s up to us, the 1% to adapt to them,” Molina said. “When we’re at school we can look at other student leaders and become student leaders ourselves and practice those skills while we’re at college.”

In addition to his own book, Molina recommends those with an interest in leadership to read “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” The former was written in 1989. The latter was written in 1936. Both are still in print for good reasons Molina said.

“People are still reading those books today. They each have tens of millions of books sold. And why is that?” Molina asked. “It’s because they teach the foundation of leadership and communication for the civilian world. So for any veterans that are out there, those are two classics that all successful professionals have read, and they practice.”

FOR MILITARY STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIPS

by Bianca Strzalkowski

Completing an education is hard enough without having to stress about how to pay for it. If you have a military affiliation and are thinking about college (or are already working on a degree), you’re in luck. Organizations have stepped up to offer education assistance to offset the cost of tuition and fees.

Yes, that’s right. There are programs — scholarships, loans, and grants — designed with you in mind. But it’s going to take some work and a lot of organization. Please note: If no deadline is indicated, it means the application period for 2020 has ended and you should check back during the same timeframe in 2021.

A few things to consider ahead of time:

1. Read all of the criteria early so that you can plan for any timeconsuming requirements, like letters of recommendation.

2. Create reminders for deadlines so that you don’t miss any important dates.

YEAR-ROUND SCHOLARSHIPS

National Military Family Association

Link:  https://scholarships. militaryfamily.org/offers/nmfaspouse-scholarship

What’s the basics:  Awards available for career funding, degrees, clinical supervision towards licensure in the mental health profession, and business expenses.

Deadline:  Year-round.

Army Emergency Relief

Link (for spouses):  https:// www.armyemergencyrelief.org/ scholarships/spouse/

What’s the basics:  The Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program established to assist Army spouses in obtaining an undergraduate degree or similar professional certification.

Deadline: None. Spouses can apply year-round and must re-apply each year.

MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account)

Link: https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil

Who’s eligible:  Spouses of service members with the rank of E1-E5; W1-W2; O1-O2.

What’s the basics:  Maximum tuition assistance benefit of $4000 to be used toward an associate degree, license or certification.

Deadline:  Rolling basis.

BRANCH AID SOCIETIES: Each service branch has an equivalent branch aid society that supports

service members and their families through various programs –including education assistance.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

Link:  http://www.nmcrs.org/pages/ education-loans-and-scholarships

Who’s eligible:  Spouses of active duty or retired sailors and Marines.

What’s the basics:  Interest-free loans and grants for undergraduates at an accredited 2- or 4-year education, technical or vocational institution.

Details:  Applications will be available November 1, 2020.

Air Force Aid Society

Link: https://www.afas.org/howwe-help/general-henry-h-arnoldeducation-grant

Who’s eligible:  Spouses of active duty and Title 10 Reservists, and widows.

What’s the basics:  Needs-based grant ranging from $500 – $4000.

Details:  Applications will be available January 2021.

Army Emergency Relief (for military kids)

Link (for military kids):  https:// www.armyemergencyrelief.org/ scholarships/child/

What’s the basics: The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program established to assist children of Army Soldiers in obtaining their first undergraduate degree.

Deadline:  The application cycle typically runs January - April.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Link:  https://www.cgmahq.org/ programs/education.html

Who’s eligible:  Spouses of Coast Guardsmen.

What’s the basics: Loans and grants for a degree, license or certification.

Deadline:  Rolling basis.

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

Modern Military Association of America

Link:  https://modernmilitary.org/ portfolio-items/scholarship/

What’s the basics: 10 military spouses will be awarded a scholarship ranging from $1,000 – $2,500

FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program

Link: https://www.afcpe.org/resource-center/funding-and-recognition/ finra-foundation-military-spouse-fellowship/read-first-then-apply/

What’s the basics:  The fellowship provides military spouses the opportunity to earn the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification.

ThanksUSA

Link:  https://www.thanksusa.org/ scholarships.html

What’s the basics: Scholarships awarded to spouses and military kids may be used for a first-time undergraduate study at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university, or accredited vocational technical or trade school program.

Deadline:  The application cycle typically runs March 1 – April 15.

Florida Advisory Council on Military Education

Link:  http://www.fla-acme.org/ scholarships

Who’s eligible:  Active duty, guard, or reserve service member of the U. S. Armed Forces; Spouse of any active duty, guard, or reserve service member of the U. S. Armed Forces; and veteran with an honorable discharge (must provide documentation).

Southeastern Council on Military Education (SECOME)

Link: https://www.secome.org/ scholarships

Who’s eligible:  Students (spouse, veteran, active duty, and/or guard/ reserves) attending 2019 member institutions (member institutions are posted on our website) who reside in NC, SC, GA, or AL are eligible.

What’s the basics: The organization will award scholarships ranging from $500-$1500.

Virginia ACME

Link: https://vaacme.org/scholarships

Who’s eligible:  Active-duty and military spouses/dependents of drilling reservists, National Guard or retirees.

Pat Tillman Foundation

Link: http://pattillmanfoundation. org/apply-to-be-a-scholar

Who’s eligible: Current spouses of veterans or active-duty service members, including surviving spouses.

What’s the basics:  $10,000 scholarship to assist with academic

expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books.

Details: Check back February 2021.

Hope For The Warriors

Link: https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/transition/military-spouse-scholarships/

What’s the basics:  Five different categories of scholarships with the application process for fall semester expenses opening in spring 2019.

Council of College and Military Educators (CCME)

Link:  http://www.ccmeonline.org/ scholarships

What’s the basics:  The organization awards $1000 scholarships with the application process typically running July to November.

Coast Guard Foundation

Link:  https://1coastguardfoundationscholars.communityforce.com/Funds/Search. aspx#4371597136646D517975544F5976596D4E73384E69673D3D

Who’s eligible:  Spouses and children of enlisted Coast Guard members; children of fallen Coast Guard members; and enlisted Coast Guard members.

Deadline:  Check back February 2021.

LOCAL SPOUSE CLUBS

There are dozens of spouse clubs co-located to military installations around the world. (Yes, we said world – including OCONUS locations). These organizations are a place of camaraderie for spouses, but also participate in philanthropic activities

like scholarships and charitable giving. At the start of each new year, the clubs usually open up applications for scholarship programs with specific eligibility requirements. Some require applicants to be a member and some do not.

How to find them: A simple internet search of your installation and the phrase ‘military spouse club’ should produce results. Also, the club may be officer, enlisted or combined.

TIP: Local spouse clubs typically open applications in December/January.

Below are a few examples of those currently offering education assistance:

Eielson Air Force Base Spouses’ Club (AK)

Link: https://eielsonspousesclub.com

Fort Huachuca Community Spouses Club (AZ)

Link:  https://fhcsc.com/ scholarships%2Fgrants

Details:  Spouses or dependent children whose sponsor is assigned to or living in the greater Fort Huachuca area are eligible to apply for FHCSC scholarships.

The Officers’ Spouses’ Club in Yuma (AZ)

Link:  https://www.oscyuma.org/ scholarshipsandgrants

Details:  Scholarships available to military dependents within a 50mile radius of Yuma, AZ.

Military Spouse Association of Camp Pendleton (CA)

Link: https://www.msa-cp.org/ scholarships-grants

Details:  The scholarship is open to spouses and dependents who have an AD or retired sponsor from Camp Pendleton.

Monterey Bay Officers Spouse Club (CA)

Link: http://mbosc.net/ScholarshipInformation-and-Eligibility

Travis Spouses Club (CA)

Link: http://www.travisspousesclub.com

Details:  Scholarships for graduating high school seniors, college/continuing education students, and military spouses attached to Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA.

Tinker Air Force Base (OK)

Link:  https://www.tinkerspouses. org/what-we-do

Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club (MD)

Link: https://www.ftmeadeesc.org/ esc-scholarship

Details: Open to spouses & dependents. See website for eligibility.

Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club (MD)

Link: https://fortmeadeosc.wordpress.com

Details:  Open to local Fort Meade affiliated dependents (including spouses).

Camp Lejeune Officers’ Spouses’ Club (NC)

Link: https://camplejeuneosc. wildapricot.org/CLOSC-Scholarship-Philanthropy

Details:  Spouses of active duty military personnel assigned to MCB Camp Lejeune, a tenant unit aboard Camp Lejeune, Camp Johnson, Camp Geiger, or MCAS New River; or deceased military personnel whose last active duty station was one of the above locations

Fort Bragg (NC)

Link:  https://fortbraggabs.membershiptoolkit.com/story/70930

Details:  Awarded to spouses, dependents, and service members who are continuing their education at the collegiate level, including undergraduate and graduate levels

MCAS New River Officer Spouses Club (NC)

Link: https://newriverosc.org/scholarship/ Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club (NE)

Link: http://offuttenlistedspousesclub.com/scholarships

Offutt Officers’ Spouses’ Club (NE)

Link: https://offuttosc.com/scholarships

Minot Spouses’ Club (ND)

Link: https://minotsc.com

Details:  Spouses & dependents of active duty, retired, or deceased military Members of any rank or service branch seeking a degree or certificate from an accredited college or vocational school.

North Country Spouses Club (Fort Drum, NY)

Link:  https://www.northcountryspousesclub.com/scholarships.html

Military Spouses of Newport (RI)

Link:  http://www.milspousenewport.org/Scholarships

Details:  Spouses of RI active duty military personnel; graduating high school students that reside in or are attached to a base in the state of Rhode Island that are dependents of active duty, retired or deceased military personnel.

Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association

Link:  https://thefbsa.org/scholarships

Details:  FBSA scholarships are for spouses and children of active-duty, retired, and Gold Star families of ALL RANKS in and around the El Paso area as well as the spouses and children of GS civilian employees who are members of FBSA.

Fairchild Spouses Club (WA)

Link: https://www.fairchildspousesclub.com/scholarships

NATIONAL SPOUSE CLUBS: Just as there are local spouse clubs, similar organizations exist on the national level and yes, they want to support military spouse education too.

Navy Wives Clubs of America

Link: http://www.navywivesclubsofamerica.org/scholarships

Who’s eligible: Up to 30 scholarships awarded annually, with eligibility for spouses/dependents of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.

GI Bill

MyCAA, updates

By Natalie Gross

Military spouses looking to boost their career prospects through education or a workforce credential now have better access to scholarship opportunities.

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, or MyCAA, has traditionally been available to spouses of junior enlisted service members looking to advance their training in portable career fields. And now, more fields than ever will qualify.

“What we heard from military spouses ... is that jobs work differently today,” said Lee Kelley, director for military community support programs at the Defense Department. “Careers that maybe didn’t used to be portable, now they have the ability to move from duty station to duty station.”

The update stems from the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that called for changes to MyCAA, a program under the Military OneSource

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities division (SECO) providing a host of free resources for all military spouses.

MyCAA offers $4,000 scholarships for spouses to pursue an associate degree, license or certification if their service members are in the E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2 pay grades. (Members of the National Guard and reserves must be on Title 10 orders for their spouses to qualify.)

Health and human services, business finance and administration, animal services, education, and information technology are traditionally the top programs spouses pursue with these funds, Kelley said.

Previously, if a career field did not meet the MyCAA definition of “portable,” a spouse could seek a waiver, and these were often approved if there was a compelling case, Kelley said. The recent changes eliminate the need for waivers, however, though education and training programs still need to get approved by a MyCAA coach.

“It’s putting the power in the hands of the spouse,” she said.

Another recent change to MyCAA allows spouses to finish their education plans even if their spouse gets promoted out of the qualifying ranks.

The NDAA also called for Coast Guard spouses to get MyCAA access, but the Department of Homeland Security and DOD have not yet worked out a funding agreement, Kelley said.

Another education benefit available to military families is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Service members can use it while on active duty, provided they have served at least 90 days — or transfer it to their dependents while still in uniform.

The top three fields beneficiaries pursue are business, management and information technology, said Charmain Bogue, executive director of education service for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers the cost of in-state tuition at public institutions and, currently, up to $24,476.79 at private institutions for service members who qualify for the full education benefit, meaning they have served at least 36 months on active duty, with some exceptions.

The benefit also comes with a housing stipend for users not receiving a basic housing allowance from DOD.

These housing stipends were briefly in question earlier this year, as the coronavirus pandemic saw

many schools switching to virtual instruction. Ordinarily, onlineonly students receive a housing stipend equal to the national average that can be much lower for students attending in-person classes, depending on the area. Yet Congress has passed a law that will offer students the same rates they would have received for traditional brick-and-mortar programs, even as schools move online.

“It does bring up a larger conversation about online vs in residence, right?” Bogue said. “This has been a topic of interest for a long time now but COVID-19 has really highlighted the concerns and the difference between a student who decides to go online versus someone who decides to go to a brick and mortar. The workload is still the same, they’re just taking it in a different form or a different avenue.”

Students will also continue to be paid for a time if their schools close, even temporarily. Bogue said the VA will be checking in with schools mid-fall to see if these exceptions need to continue into next spring.

From combat to classroom

By Tiffany E. Lawrence

For many veterans, trading in boots for books is an intimidating process, but taking a leap into higher education doesn’t have to be a lonely journey.

Student Veterans of America is a non-profit organization providing support, education and empowerment for 700,000+ U.S. veterans during their transition and time in college. With over 1,500 on-campus chapters, it has worked since 2008 to strengthen veteran inclusion at learning institutions. The organization also offers scholarships and advocates for veteran needs.

Marine Corps Reserve Staff Sgt. Will Hubbard, chief of staff at SVA, has been with the organization in different facets since it began.

“Being in the military, a lot of us have this mentality that no matter what comes at us we are resilient and we’re going to tackle it head on. And that’s good, but for the purpose of most transitions in life, realizing that you’re not alone is critical,” he said.

Leroy McKenzie is an Air Force veteran and student at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. When he decided to pursue college, he had no idea there was a support organization for student

veterans. He had a difficult time returning to the classroom as an adult with a family. But after connecting with SVA, he says he found what’s been missing since he left the military: camaraderie, mutual understanding, and support.

Because McKenzie has a reputation of advocating for veterans, the president of his university asked him to take over the university’s SVA chapter. After researching the group he, “realized how beneficial it is to transitioning students, whether you haven’t been in school for x amount of years or whether you’re coming straight out of the military and into education.”

McKenzie fits into the category of what Hubbard refers to as an “adult student.” While they have more maturity, work experience and experience with finances, they also have families and more responsibilities.

“The biggest struggle that I have is trying to balance the time between my extracurricular activities, my studies, my wife and my two-yearold daughter. It’s a very delicate balance,” McKenzie explained.

Although adult students have more of a challenge finding the time to give to networking and building relationships, they generally take studies more seriously and ultimately are earning higher grade point averages.

“The national average today for any higher education student is about a 3.3. Student veterans are higher at 3.45,” Hubbard said. “And they are studying much more rigorous degrees which are STEM, business or health. They are going after top tier and doing well.”

Because veterans are some of the most successful students in higher education, SVA doesn’t aim to help a group that’s having a hard time, but instead focuses on ways to make student veterans do even better or help them get to that point much sooner.

Hubbard gives five tips for veterans to focus on when returning to the classroom:

1. Find the right school and major based on your future goals.

2. Reach out to current student veterans at the school and get advice (Avoid asking advice from those who haven’t transitioned — their information is incomplete).

3. Approach school as more than “your next mission,” focusing on good grades and traditional classroom learning is good, but not enough. Get involved and network.

4. Engage with university administrators, counselors, professors and community leaders. They are a source of knowledge and experience you rarely find elsewhere.

5. Invest your time in internships to gain exposure to different career pathways, and to build your mentor network.

SVA Chapter President Leroy McKenzie (left) with SVA Program Manager/ Chapter Support Kevin Jenkins (right) at the SVA National Convention, January 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

degree CLEP offers shortcut TO A

By Jimmy Norris

Military-affiliated students can save thousands of dollars on a degree by taking advantage of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) benefits.

An adult student who earns 15 CLEP credits to apply toward a degree could save nearly $5,000 at the average public 4-year institution and more than $17,000 at the average private nonprofit institution, according to the College Board website, with nearly 50,000 service members, eligible spouses and civil service employees utilizing the program annually for college credit.

They can also save a lot of time, says Mark Haskins, Executive Director of Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington.

“By taking DSST/CLEP tests, students are theoretically able to complete their entire first year of college with test taking,” Haskins said via e-mail. “I met a soldier once who earned over 40 semester credits through testing. Even though his college program did not accept all of them, he was able to complete his associate degree in just over a year, when the average for active-duty service members is about five years.”

Haskins added that among students working toward two-year degrees, taking CLEP tests increases the probability of completing their degree program by 17%.

Despite the advantage to taking CLEP and DSST tests, Haskins said there are some disadvantages to using the program. He said those who test out of classes miss out on other aspects of the college classroom experience. He also said not all colleges award credit for all, or any, CLEP and DSST tests.

“Therefore, if a student or service member knows which college they will attend, it will save them time and effort if they check first with that school what tests they will accept,” Haskins said.

Student who wish to take CLEP tests should pre-register at www. collegeboard.org . To take DSST tests, service members register at their testing center on the day of the test. They should specify their military status while setting up their account on the site and identify themselves as DANTES funded when purchasing a CLEP test. On test day, military identification cards are required.

The initial tests are free to activeduty service members through DANTES funding. Veterans pay the cost of the test up front and are then reimbursed by the Veterans Affairs. If the student fails a test,

they must pay the cost of the test and administrative fee if they retest for the same subject test. In some cases DANTES will run a limited-time promotion where a service member can retest for free, Haskins added.

“We have seen cases where students took the test cold, only to miss earning college credit by only one or two points,” Haskins said.

Haskins said students should study ahead of time for the tests and suggested the “Modern States” website that can be accessed for free at www.modernstates.org .

TO CLASSROOM VIRTUAL SUCCEED IN A 6 WAYS

By Angela Caban, MHRM

Nearly seven million students attended college online in the fall of 2018, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It is likely that number has increased in recent semesters and will continue to with uncertainties surrounding the fate of campuses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A common mistake people make is assuming attending classes online is easier or doesn’t require a heavy time commitment. As an online student for nearly five years, I learned a set of basics required to succeed in the virtual environment — and the practices should be put into play before the first day of school.

There are several reasons adults choose to go to school. Whatever that reason may be, one thing is certain throughout this journey: managing a course load as a nontraditional student is slightly different than doing it straight out of high school. When you are raising a family, dealing with deployment or working full time, just to name a few, it’s easy to lose focus and remember why you even started.

Making the choice to go back to school can be a lot of trial and error, and that’s OK. The upside to that is as responsible adult we have a better concept of how to balance our professional and personal lives. Based on my own

experiences, I have collected several tips that I have found helpful for managing life and academic studies successfully, as well as staying organized in the process.

Learn the technology

This may seem like a no-brainer, but taking an online class involves learning a new technology and possibly using a new platform. The courses, discussions and assignments are all completed in an online platform, so getting familiar with the technology at the very beginning of your course is essential. You don’t want to wait until the day your first paper is due to figure out how everything works. Login a few days before your

class starts and play around in the platform, familiarize yourself with the syllabus, objectives and where the documents are housed.

Get to know your professors

Reach out to your professor as soon as you can, most likely as you are logged in and learning the technology. Send them a quick email to introduce yourself and let them know why you’re excited for the course. Starting a conversation, providing full transparency and having a good relationship with your professors will be beneficial to you as an online student and in your future career or graduate studies.

Make a schedule, stick to it

Now that you are in school, your schedule needs to be extended and arranged. Determine what time of day school time fits in best. Whether it is early in the morning before anyone is up, or late at night after the kids are in bed, set times on your calendar daily for assignments, reading, tests and any other school work that needs to get done. Don’t cram in what you can with the few spare minutes you may have. Plan ahead and set your schedule weekly, this way you know what you have going on for the week and what you can and can’t do. Most importantly, make sure your family and friends are aware of your schedule. Be open and honest, learn to say no if it interferes with your school schedule and deadlines.

Get organized

If you were attending classes on a campus, you would ensure you were organized and had all the proper supplies, right? Online students need to be just as prepared, if not

even more so online studies require more discipline. Make sure you have a dedicated spot where you can work quietly and keep all your supplies needed at hand. Set up a file structure on your computer that will clearly divide your assignments so that you can find them easily and keep up-to-date with your school work.

Plan, don’t procrastinate

As much as you truly think you work better under pressure, don’t ever push back a school deadline. In the online world, expect for something to go wrong and plan ahead for something to not go as planned. Use your course syllabus at the beginning of the semester and draft a schedule that highlights all your major assignments, exams, work deadlines and course milestones. Then force yourself to

stick to that schedule, building up your powers of self-discipline.

Don’t get distracted

This can mean so many different things – checking your emails, Facebook, Twitter, text messages. These tasks take up so much time! When you are trying to study and your phone rings, do you ignore it or answer it? Don’t even think twice about it; shut it off before starting any school work. Stop the distractions before they start.

Ultimately, the best way to be successful as an online student is to figure out what works for you, and stick to it. Adjust as needed along the way and don’t let the chaos of everyday life throw you off task, stay focused and always remember the end goal you want to accomplish.

Pace University alumna named Student Veteran of the Year

By Tiffany Lawrence

A Marine veteran was awarded the highest individual honor by Student Veterans of America .

Bonita Rodriguez, a 2019 graduate of Pace University, received the organization’s award because of her dedication to helping other student veterans in their transition. SVA is a coalition of student-veteran groups on college campuses across the globe, with 1,500+ chapters representing 750,000+ student veterans.

Rodriguez was working as an administration specialist in the

Marine Corps when she decided to pursue college. But her reasons for this pursuit went beyond bettering herself. As a child she saw her parents, Mexican immigrants, work hard with little to show for it.

“They didn’t have many opportunities and seeing them work their butts off gave me the motivation to want to do more and show them what their hard work has provided for me,” she said.

As the first in her family to go to college, Rodriguez says she wanted to set an example.

“I have younger siblings and I want them to know there’s more out there in the world, and as long as you keep pushing yourself there are no limits.”

But the gap in school after completing high school left her feeling intimidated. Rodriguez, however, received an unexpected push from her master gunnery sergeant. He took time with her to make sure she researched information and would be set to reach higher when she left the military.

“He basically forced me to look up colleges and took his time to help Marines transition from active duty. To see someone so high up make time in their day to check on me and make sure I have a plan was really inspiring,” Rodriguez said.

So, she began her hunt.

Last year, Rodriguez graduated from Pace University with a degree in Information Technology. The process wasn’t easy but it was the intentionality of the military supportive programs the school offered that helped her process.

“They had a great student veterans’ chapter,” she said.

And she served as president of the chapter for two years, saying “it was this support that led me to choose Pace.”

According to Factsheets offered by PNPI, student veterans often face mental health challenges, loss of scholarships and 35% reported having suicidal thoughts.

Rodriguez says, “We were able to help each other transition from active duty, and keep other members proactive and motivated when it’s hard. Even when they don’t want to be here anymore.”

She is now employed at NBC Universal as a Rotational Media Tech. Much like her former military life, she spends eight months managing a project and employees then rotates to another site.

“I love it! I’ve experienced leading projects at a military level but our methods are different in business. I get to be creative and they are open to it.”

Her response to receiving the award is one of gratitude and pride. “It shows me how much of an impact the small things I did had on people’s journey. The little encouragement helped military veterans that were at their lowest who wanted to end their days.”

Rodriguez gives a charge to service members looking to pursue college.

“Before you transition, look at colleges that are veteran friendly and offer the yellow ribbon program. That will help you to not create debt. Also reach out to the veteran service offices on campus. Force yourself to make an introduction and ask questions.”

Understanding accreditation

By Bianca Strzalkowski

One of the most important pieces of research you will do as a student relates to understanding a prospective school’s accreditation. Colleges, universities and individual programs are evaluated by a certain set of standards, and accrediting agencies are the ones charged with ensuring the post-secondary institution maintains those standards.

In fact, checking a school’s accreditation is a critical factor to consider when deciding where to invest your education dollars. Just like any big financial commitment, doing your homework can make the difference between a good or bad experience. One consequence of attending a school without proper accreditation is the value of your degree can be diminished, affecting financial aid options, transferability and employability.

To assist students, the Department of Education maintains a database of accrediting agencies to review. There are also individual websites specific to the types of schools you may be considering, such as by location.

For example, because of the rise in attendance of virtual learning programs, the Distance Education

Accrediting Commission is a valuable resource in reviewing distance education programs up to the professional doctoral degree level.

There are also options to search the regional accreditation of a school at sites like Council of Higher Education Accreditation . Or, if you are searching for a very specific region, like options near duty stations in the Southeastern U.S., check out Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

In addition to reviewing accreditation, there is a benefit in getting feedback from people who have attended the school or work directly in academia.

Those options for vetting schools include:

• Checking the list of participating institutions that have a MOU with the DOD . Why? This means the schools are approved to receive military education benefits such as Tuition Assistance.

• Asking current and former students for feedback through Rate My Professors or social media groups, and

• Reaching out to organizations who work directly with military-affiliated students, such as State Advisory Councils on Military Education (ACMEs) or Student Veterans of America ,

The bottom line is, the cost of education is expensive. Doing the legwork now can save you a headache later and just as you would with any major purchase, a college investment requires due diligence. Incorporate enough time in your process to do a thorough review and pick the school that offers you a quality education that will pay dividends for your future career goals.

By Kalyn Edwards

Getting ready to start college? Whether it is online or in-person, through a university or a community college, these seven tips will set you up for success.

1. Majorly unsure of your major?

Well, consider yourself in good company. Many people coming into college do not have the slightest clue on what they want to study. Thankfully, that is where your general electives can come into play. Start off with those and take the time to consider and explore what you are truly passionate about. Also, do not be afraid to switch your major if need be. For instance, if you think you may want to study underwater basket weaving but later on discover that ASMR production suits you better, then make the change. Do not get stuck with a degree for the sake of having a degree.

2. Read the syllabus!

You would be surprised at how many students choose to not do this. The syllabus can be your best friend in college. It not only introduces the class, but it also outlines all important assignments, requirements and due dates. Be aware of any upcoming activities in the class so that you can figure ways to best divvy up your time.

3. Got a planner?

Whether you use a planner, calendar or notebook, find a reliable place to keep track of all your assignments. This is not only great for ensuring you complete your homework each week, but it also acts as a daily reminder. Pencil in any personal objectives for the week and adjust your schedule as needed. Being mindful of the requirements each week will assist you in completing them in a timely fashion.

4. “Hi, professor ______. My name is…”

This is another area where many students fall short. It may sound intimidating to have a one-on-one conversation with a professor, but consider the fact that you are one of many students they come into contact with on a regular basis. Introducing yourself helps the professor remember your name and to separate you from the rest of their students. This may seem counterintuitive, but when it comes to test time these relationships with your professors become valuable. Visit their office hours in the process. They have to provide them so take advantage of them. These simple acts will also become beneficial in moments when you may require a favor from them like a recommendation for a job, scholarship or graduate school.

…is more than a television show. Regardless of the institution you attend, it is always nice to have people to talk to or ask questions. This goes beyond your normal friend group.

Life can get hectic and many of us can become so consumed with taking care of home, work, kids and our spouses that we forget to do regular check-ins with ourselves. No one can do what you do and handle the life that you lead better than you. This is why it is crucial that you take time to examine your mental health. Take a day or even a couple of hours to go to the gym, watch a movie, do some yoga or even color - yes, they make coloring books for adults.

5. Notes are no joke.

Take notes, take notes, take notes. This is not to imply that you should go overboard with the note taking. Better yet, you should consider taking as many notes as you deem useful to your success in that class. Taking notes is not simply writing what the professor says verbatim, but rather they should act as reminders of the important topics covered in class. Jot down any terms or concepts that you are struggling with and feel you need to understand better. Adopt better note-taking skills so that come test time you can utilize these notes as study guides.

Communicate with your classmates and get to know them on a more personal level. You don’t have to add them on social media, but it is beneficial to have a few people in your class to reach out to when you have questions. When it comes close to test time, you can form study groups.

More tips from the author can be found on YouTube at KalynKae

7. Daily check-ins.

Whatever it is, do not procrastinate when it comes to becoming a better and healthier version of you.

6. Friends…