The CCME Issue Education and Career Transition Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans
Special Section:
Scholarships for Service
Strategic Supporter Franc Lopez
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President Council of College and Military Educators
February/March 2017 Volume 12, Issue 1
Transition Trends Corporate Connection Leidos Alex Verhulst Talent Acquisition Military Program Lead • Degrees/Careers in Logistics
CCME Preview O SVA National Conference O MyCAA
IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF MAE&T... Coming Soon... CCME 2017 Highlights
Education and Career Transition Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans April 2017 • Volume 12, Issue 2
SPECIAL SECTION: Health Services/Counseling for Vets on Campus Many colleges seek to provide counseling services for their students, but military-affiliated students have unique and sometimes challenging concerns. Find out how colleges and universities are attempting to care for this unique student population.
FEATURES CCME Highlights A recap of the 44th Professional Development Symposium & Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia March 6-9, 2017. This year’s conference, “Collaboration: Strengthen Ourselves For Those We Serve” is projected to have more than 1,000 attendees. Cover and In-Depth Interview with
Jared Lyon President & CEO Student Veterans of America
Training Faculty in Veteran Concerns Many higher-education institutions, public and private, with significant student-veteran populations are taking innovative steps to bridge the worlds of military and higher education to build understanding between these students and their campus communities. That starts with educating the faculty about the needs of these non-traditional students. Degrees in Nursing Nursing is an attractive career option for servicemembers and veterans, because they care about safety and freedom, and similar work in civilian life by caring for patients can also be sought. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a huge surge in nursing opportunities by 2022, students in the nursing field can take advantage of the field’s emphasis on preventive care, the growing rates of chronic conditions and the need to provide services to the baby boomer population.
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MILITARY ADVANCED EDUCATION & Transition
Cover / Q&A
Features MAE&T Supplement
Transition Trends
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Alex Verhulst Talent Acquisition Military Program Lead Leidos
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The Power of Collaboration The 2017 annual symposium of the Council of College and Military Educators is the place to be if you work with or advocate for military students. Previous CCME president Jeff Cropsey gives MAE&T a preview of the issues and opportunities at the 2017 CCME symposium. By Dr. Jeffrey P. Cropsey
Departments 2 Editor’s Perspective 3 Program Notes 14 Class Notes 25 CCME GRAPEVINE 26 MONEY TALKS 27 RESOURCE CENTER
Special Section
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Degrees and Careers in Logistics The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for management analysts of logistics, purchasing and operations management to increase up to 83 percent by 2018. Now is the time to join this on-the-rise career path. By Kasey Chisholm
Scholarships help student veterans achieve their educational goals and take the next steps to starting their careers in the civilian workforce. Here’s a glance at the way some schools are making education more affordable for their military students.
Planning for Success
Corporate Connection
Feb./Mar. 2017 Volume 12, Issue 1
Scholarships for Service
16 Franc Lopez
President Council of College and Military Educators
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Making a Difference Student Veterans of America (SVA) concluded its 9th Annual National Conference in Anaheim, Calif. on January 7, 2017 on a high note with a record number of attendees. By Eric Gage
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Q and A: MyCAA Scholarship Everything you wanted to know about MyCAA! The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship helps military spouses, who have successfully completed high school, pursue licenses, credentials or associate degrees with a specific concentration or major. This allows spouses to pursue a career with transferable and portable skills.
University Corner
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University Corner All-Stars
In their own words, what a select group of schools thinks makes them military-supportive.
“With our veterans, timeliness is critical to their educational success as they view education as a key component to securing their next employment evolution and realizing financial stability for themselves and their families.”
-Franc Lopez The leading higher education resource for our nation’s servicemembers Targeted circulation reaches education services officers and content focuses on current trends in higher education and highlights pressing issues for military students.
Military Advanced Education & Transition Volume 12, Issue 1 • Feb./Mar. 2017
Education and Career Transition Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans Editorial Editor-in-Chief Kelly G. Fodel kellyf@kmimediagroup.com Correspondents J.B. Bissell • Kasey Chisholm • Catherine Day Jaime Fettrow-Alderfer • Nora McGann Holly Christy
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EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE Nearly 200 women gathered in late January in Phoenix for extensive training, mentoring and networking with experts on business ownership. It was part of the V-WISE Conference to help female veterans and military spouses pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program provides women veterans with the tools to become successful entrepreneurs. Attendees of the V-WISE program receive in-depth instruction from prominent business owners, leadership consultants, educators, veterans and other experts who help shape their Kelly G. Fodel development as entrepreneurs in the areas of accounting, business law, Editor-in-chief business planning, finance, government contracting, human resources, marketing and technology. The program, an initiative of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), helps women veterans and military spouses unearth their passions and learn the necessary business skills to turn their ideas into thriving business ventures. Along with the SBA, the three-day training conference is sponsored by USAA, with additional support from thinkThin, and Newman’s Own Foundation. This training follows three weeks of focused online instruction. Coupled with a strong mentoring and support networks, participants leave armed with the tools to navigate the challenges of business ownership. This is critical in creating sustainable ventures. “At V-WISE, we’ve adopted a creed of, ‘Bold Enough to Make It Happen,’” said Kimberly Krula, Program Manager, V-WISE. “We’re excited that our program empowers women veterans and spouses to pursue their dreams of entrepreneurship. They have shown how they can unleash their potential in the military. These women have demonstrated agility, tenacity, perseverance and intelligent leadership throughout their military careers. We aim to assist them to apply these same traits to achieve success in the entrepreneurial space. The V-WISE conference, and our program overall, serves as a safe launching pad and sisterhood as these women do the work of launching and sustaining small businesses.” Throughout the weekend of intensive training, attendees work with accomplished experts. They have access to 20 modules of training designed for new business owners and seasoned entrepreneurs wanting to help them grow their businesses. Training courses will cover human resources, financing, marketing, legal, profit models and more, subjects that directly affect the viability of any business venture. The conference agenda features successful women who have launched successful careers post military service, including: Brigadier General Margaret Burcham (U.S. Army, Retired), the first women promoted to the general officer ranks in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, recently transitioned to the private sector and is the Founder and CEO of Athena Global Strategies, LLC. Major General Angela Salinas (U.S. Marine Corps, Retired), Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts Southwest Texas, who was the first Latina selected and promoted to the general officer ranks in the U.S. Marine Corps. Kaney O’Neill, a U.S. Navy veteran who served on the nuclear aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz, and was paralyzed from a spinal cord injury. She is the owner of ONeill Contractors, Inc., which competes in the construction field performing general contracting and roofing services. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting & Business Development Headquarters, U.S. Small Business Administration. For additional information about V-WISE visit http://vwise.vets.syr.edu/.
PROGRAM NOTES
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
84 Graduate from Joint Base San Antonio Career Skills Training Program Eighty-four servicemembers and military spouses from Joint Base San Antonio ( JBSA) have started 2017 on a high note as they celebrate the completion of the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) career skills training program with a graduation ceremony, and for many graduates, a new job. The graduates will be recognized on Tuesday, January 17, at JBSA by the Schultz Family Foundation (SFF) and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Over the next five years, more than 1 million military service members and military families will transition from military to civilian life. For many, finding employment will be the most challenging aspect of their transition. Launched at JBSA in February 2016, Onward to Opportunity was developed by the IVMF and is unique in that it provides job training for transitioning service members and spouses at the installation, before they separate from the military. The program often builds on skills and experience gained in the military, putting graduates on strong footing as they re-enter civilian life and minimizing potentially long periods of job-hunting and unemployment. As the newest graduates of the Onward to Opportunity program, the 67 transitioning servicemembers and 17 military spouses have
where he’s just beginning a career as a senior network intelligence analyst. Serafina De Los Santos, Executive Director 502nd Force Support Group at JBSA is credited as the driving force behind bringing Onward to Opportunity to the installation. “I am thrilled at the continued success of Onward to Opportunity at JBSA. It is a testament to the generosity and commitment of the Schultz Family Foundation to our transitioning service members. To date a combined total of over 140 transitioning service members and/or family members have taken advantage of this great program to transition with excellence,” says De Los Santos. “Our congratulations go out to this talented graduating class,” said Daniel Pitasky, executive director of the Schultz Family Foundation. “Their success is a result of their dedication combined with the skills and experience they gained in the military. Increasingly, employers are recognizing the unique value veterans bring to the workplace, making the transition back into civilian life easier. We’re proud to support Onward to Opportunity.” For more information visit the Onward to Opportunity website at http://onward2opportunity.org/.
completed a combination of classroom and online training in the areas of customer service excellence and information technology and, as a result, have earned industry-recognized credentials and certifications associated with their field of study. These certifications are exactly what can make the difference for program participants and employers alike according to Darlene Taylor, U.S. Army retired Command Sgt. Maj., “I looked at this as an opportunity to re-establish and re-hone my skills for the private sector. Soldiers have diverse knowledge and the Army trains us well but sometimes what we’re missing are the certifications.” Onward to Opportunity partners with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies to identify employers committed to training and hiring veterans and military spouses. These employer-partners assist in curriculum design, interact with participants as they progress through the program and commit to interview opportunities within their company for graduates. Prior to graduation some program participants have already landed positions with companies such as Amazon, Accenture Federal Services, Tyson Foods and USAA. U.S. Army Sgt. Chad Strickfaden, is one of these graduates. He accepted an offer from Booz Allen Hamilton
Boots to Business Reboot A Boots to Business Reboot training program for veterans, servicemembers and military spouses was held in conjunction with The American Legion’s 57th annual Washington Conference in late February. Boots to Business Reboot is a two-step training program that provides participants an overview of business ownership as a career vocation, an outline and knowledge of the components of a business plan, a practical exercise in opportunity recognition, and an introduction to available public and private sector resources. Step one in the program is the Introduction to Entrepreneurship course eligible to all veterans, servicemembers and their spouses. The course is taught by the Small Business Administration and its partners, who are skilled business advisors. Step two is an eight-week online Foundations of Entrepreneurship course taught by a consortium of professors and practitioners led by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.
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Image Courtesy: Clay Lomneth / The American Legion.
With a current membership of 2.2-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs.
MAE&T 12.1 | 3
PROGRAM NOTES New DoD VolEd Institutional Compliance Program In a late January announcement to DoD Memorandum of Understanding participants, Dawn Bilodeau, Chief, DoD Voluntary Education OASD Readiness (Force Education & Training), announced a new initiative. “The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness is pleased to announce the kickoff of the Department’s new Voluntary Education Institutional Compliance Program (ICP),” Bilodeau said. In September of 2014, the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Program received specific recommendations from the Government Accountability Office in its Report No. 14-855, “DOD EDUCATION BENEFITS: Action is Needed to Ensure Evaluations of Postsecondary Schools Are Useful.” In response, DoD took action to develop and execute a more efficient, focused, and all-encompassing review process of the educational programs and services provided to the military community. “The new DoD Voluntary Education ICP was developed based upon the department’s requirements and using best practices from across industry and government to ensure a rigorous, transparent evaluation of educational institutions, focusing on compliance with the tenets of the DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),” Bioldeau said. “By signing the MOU, each of you has agreed to abide by a set of behaviors, processes, and policies – all focused on improving services delivered to military-connected students. These will be the focus of the DoD Voluntary Education ICP.” Following a request for proposals, the Department selected Price Waterhouse Coopers to serve as the DoD’s third-party assessment team. With government oversight, it will meet current compliance needs, build a solid foundation for compliance in the future, and activate a compliance culture across the DoD Voluntary Education community. The DoD anticipates that Voluntary Education’s new ICP will usher in an era of cooperation and shared values in support of the professional and personal development and the eventual successful transition of servicemembers to the civilian workforce. In the coming months, DoD will communicate with all stakeholders, especially their valued educational institutions, to facilitate a clear understanding of the compliance factors that are most important to the DoD and the standardized, consistent review and assessment methodologies that will be employed. Because so many educational institutions participate in the annual symposium for the Council of College and Military Educators, DoD plans to preview the Department’s new Voluntary Education ICP during a general session of the CCME symposium in Atlanta, Ga., on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Session participants will learn how the ICP was developed and receive an overview of ICP requirements that will apply to all educational institutions participating in the DoD Voluntary Education Program. The session will also provide an opportunity to ask questions and address concerns. Be sure to check www.dodmou.com periodically for DoD Voluntary Education Program updates on items of interest, including the resources section. This section hosts notices, bulletins, and presentations that could be useful to participating institutions. 4 | MAE&T 12.1
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
IMCOM’S Transition Assistance Program Helps Army save $900 million Unemployment Compensation for soldiers leaving the Army during fiscal year 2016 dropped to the lowest amount recorded in 13 years. The Army ended the year at $172.8 million, according to the Department of Labor’s unemployment compensation report. Army expenditures had peaked in 2011, at $515 million. This is the first time expenditures dropped below $200 million since 2003. In the last four years the Army has saved over $900 million in cost avoidance for unemployment compensation expenditures through programs like the IMCOM Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, which prepares soldiers for finding employment in the civilian sector when they leave active service. “The significant reduction in the Army’s bill for unemployment compensation, along with the reduction in the national Veteran unemployment rate, can be attributed to the diligence of the team of teams at IMCOM’s SFL-TAP centers who are selfless, passionate and dedicated to this important mission,” said IMCOM Cmd. Sgt. Major Melissa Judkins. IMCOM executes SFL-TAP by providing resources, guidance and support to 73 centers worldwide. The command markets the program to soldiers, provides direct funding and manpower, develops standardized training and monitors the execution of the program. When soldiers receive unemployment compensation from a state agency, the Department of Labor bills the Army for reimbursement. Reducing the number of soldiers receiving compensation by assisting them in their transition to the civilian sector benefits both the Army and the Federal Government in cost avoidance savings. In 2016 alone, over 117,000 soldiers successfully transitioned into the civilian community using SFL-TAP services. “We are excited to see that more Army Veterans are finding careers after they transition off of active duty service, and fewer are having to file for unemployment compensation,” said retired Col. Walter Herd, Director of the Soldier for Life -- Transition Assistance Program, based out of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Although experience shows veterans generally enjoy a favorable employment rate in the nation’s job market, many veterans initially find it difficult to compete successfully in the civilian labor market. SFL-TAP Centers help soldiers alleviate many employment-related difficulties and prepare them for success. IMCOM SFL-TAP Centers have partnered with the Department of Labor, DOD, the Small Business Administration, and Veterans Affairs to provide employment and training information to soldiers and their eligible spouses within one year of their separation or two years of their retirement from the military. “This is a positive step for our soldiers and our nation as we continue to support and provide the assistance soldiers need as they transition off of active duty service,” Judkins said. “However, as we transition 90-thousand-plus soldiers per year for the next 3 to 5 years, it’s imperative for the Army to maintain the momentum to keep veteran unemployment low and continue to reduce UCX for the Army,” she concluded. [Source: Leslie Hargett, IMCOM G1/ www.army.mil]
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Transition Trends
CORPORATE CONNECTION Leidos Alex Verhulst
Talent Acquisition Military Program Lead Q: From an educational perspective, what advice would you offer to transitioning servicemembers trying to determine a degree path/career field for their civilian careers?
Military Advanced Education & Transition
and have the best mindset and work ethic for putting mission execution and success first. Q: Many companies recognize the value of veterans entering the corporate workforce. What makes your company distinct in the support it offers to veteran employees?
A: Do your research on the civilian careers you are targeting and determine what level of education is necessary to begin in the field and to advance. Try to ensure that any degree pursued falls in line with your civilian career trajectory or goals. This is especially helpful when pursuing post-graduate degrees. For technical skill areas, it is sometimes more beneficial to focus on technical certifications prior to a degree.
A: We have a dedicated military veteran outreach program, Operation MVP, which specializes in recruiting transitioning veterans and acting as an intermediary for our talent acquisition team and hiring managers. Additionally, we have a Military Alliance Employee Resource Group, and have been fully committed to partnering and sponsoring various military non-profits and organizations through our Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations team. For more information on our military program and our relationships, please visit www.leidos.com/operation-mvp.
Q: What advice would you offer servicemembers and veterans looking to make the transition to a civilian career?
Q: What is your commitment to hiring veterans? What percentage of your employees are veterans?
A: Start early in your transition timeline and practice your marketing pitch and interview skills. Have specific anecdotal examples you can provide of prior work experience which meets common behavioral type interview questions. Additionally, fully engage with your network, and create a strong online personal brand through social media and potentially a personal website early in your timeline. Also utilize available resources, both online and in person, to assist with identifying points of contact with companies and industries you are targeting. By doing so you can slowly build out your network so that as you get closer to your transition timeline you can ramp up applying at your targeted companies of interest and having the means to follow up or be referred directly.
A: 20 percent of our employee population have self-identified as veterans. We have several current hiring pledges, most notably our pledge to hire 3,000 veterans and military spouses by May 2021 through Joining Forces. We track and report on our current hiring goals regularly on our external website: www.leidos.com/operation-mvp.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge veterans face in making their transition to civilian employment? A: Not engaging with their network early enough (or realizing they have a network), and not being sure how to market their specific skills and experience towards exact openings. In the current corporate environment, it is increasingly important to understand one’s market value to a particular industry and skill area, and furthermore have resources to follow up with and not be limited to simply applying and hoping to hear back. Q: How can companies better assist veterans in their transition? A: By engaging with transitioning servicemembers early, and offering helpful advice on navigating the application process and constantly pushing the importance of networking at an early stage in the transition process. Additionally, by being honest and transparent about the hiring process, and level setting expectations to help mitigate potential frustration of a veteran applying and not hearing back. Q: Why does your company believe veterans are a valuable investment? A: Veterans bring training, experience and often times certifications which are requirements for many of our positions. They are also familiar with the fast-paced environment and mission-oriented culture of our programs, 6 | MAE&T 12.1 | Transition Trends
Q: Please explain any special initiatives or programs that support your veteran employees. A: As mentioned above, we have a Military Alliance Group, which is our Employee Resource Group of over 350 employees and 12 chapters across the country. The MAG holds meetings monthly, and works with both Talent Acquisition and Corporate Responsibility when opportunities arise to provide support for workshops, hiring events or sponsored outreach supporting veterans. Q: Are there any particular transitional supports that you offer? A: We have a dedicated Military Veteran Program for interested transitioning veterans, and additionally offer veteran mentoring opportunities for new employees through our Military Alliance Employee Resource Group. Through our military program we are actively engaged with military installations, membership organizations, and non-profits in providing information and support to transitioning veterans interested in Leidos, or in their job search in general. Q: What do you believe makes your company particularly veteran-inclusive and supportive? A: In addition to what has been stated above, our organization has a mission first corporate culture, and much of our work is contracted directly with the federal government including DoD. We offer a strong ethical culture of accountability and responsibility, and provide the means for individuals to grow their civilian careers, while at the same time supporting many of the same organizations and missions they did while in the service. O www.MAE-kmi.com
Transition Trends
Careers in Logistics Offer Unlimited Opportunities. When looking at goods and services, consumers often don’t think about the considerable organization and planning that has gone in to making it available to them. However, the logistics needed in manufacturing, trucking, railroads, ocean shipping, airlines, tourism, healthcare, retail and more require specialized skills and training, and more than ever, employers need qualified candidates to fill these critical roles. Divakar Rajamani, Program Director of the Executive Master of Science Supply Chain Management program at the University of Texas at Dallas noted that “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for management analysts of logistics, purchasing and operations management to increase up to 83 percent by 2018.” Now is the time to join this on-the-rise career path. For military veterans, the transition to a career in logistics is often an easy one due to many overlaps between their service to their country and the demands of the career path. Eastern Kentucky University’s Executive Director of Admissions, Dr. Brett Morris, a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, believes that “a for-profit company (take Ford Motor Company as an example) and a non-profit organization (like the US Army) have the same types of challenges: men/ women in different parts of the world trying to solve unique challenges while operating with limited resources in a time-constrained environment.” Robert Eugene Perry III, a Master Sergeant in the USAF Reserves with 23 years of service in EKU’s Supply Chain Management Program agrees, sharing that in his mind, his degree in the logistics field focuses on the same thing done by the military during times of war namely “getting our quality products to the right place, at www.MAE-kmi.com
by Kasey Chisholm, MAE&T Correspondent
the right time, using the most efficient way possible. In an environment where efficiencies cannot just be seen in cost reduction or shortened lead times, today’s military supply chain professionals are ultimately saving lives with improved operational planning, ensuring quality products from reliable vendors, streamlined manufacturing processes, and efficient delivery methods.” With a wide variety of specializations and career possibilities, a degree in logistics could be the perfect move for former military personnel.
Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Kentucky University has a Global Supply Chain program that includes the four major pillars of the Supply Chain Operating Reference (SCOR) Model Planning, Sourcing, Making (Manufacturing or Services), and Delivering (i.e. Logistics). James Kirby Easterling, the Executive-in-Residence in the Global Supply Chain Management program, explained that “Many schools offer a program
that focuses primarily on one pillar (ex. Logistics), whereas at EKU we offer a comprehensive SCM degree program that integrates all the components, and our graduates are in high demand accordingly.” The program at EKU is a Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Global Supply Management, including logistics, strategic procurement, operations management, supply chain planning, information systems, and supply chain network design optimization. A Global Supply Chain certificate is also available for EKU students who have selected a different major, yet still would like to be competent in the SCOR model. Students in the program also have many opportunities to be exposed to industry leaders through paid internships with such companies as Hitachi, Bechtel, Bristol-Myers Squibb and more, as well as during the Global Supply Chain Executive Speaker Series. Easterling believes that the graduates of EKU’s program have unlimited opportunities. “Every organization is bound by its resources, and
EKU College of Buisness and Technology staff. From L to R: Dean Dr. Tom Erekson, Rob Perry, Kaitly Siegmundt, James Kirby Easterlin.
Transition Trends | MAE&T 12.1 | 7
Degrees and Careers in LOGISTICS
supply chain students are skilled at managing those limited resources in the most efficient manner, regardless of whether it’s for-profit or non-profit,” he continued, “Many Supply Chain Management students start off their career working as a Materials Analyst, a Production Planner, a Commodity Manager (i.e. Buyer), a Logistician, or Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP).” Robert Perry has found his experience in EKU’s program invaluable as he prepares for his future, sharing that “The faculty team at EKU’s SCM program are ensuring these young professionals are graduating with a complete and extensive knowledge of this vastly expanding career field while standing head and shoulders above the competition and hitting the ground running on their first day on the job.” Perry is also grateful that real-world experts, like Easterling, are brought in to the program to keep things relevant. Easterling himself is a three time EKU graduate with twenty-two years of experience in supply chain management, and he returned to his alma-mater to help them craft a genuinely comprehensive program. The EKU Operation Veteran Success initiative provides a number of benefits to military students seeking their academic dreams, including a highly acclaimed onestop-shop Veterans Success Center to serve all your transition needs, no application processing fee for undergraduate veterans or their dependents, in-state tuition for all Post 9-11 eligible military personnel, veterans and dependents using the benefit, maximum credit hours for military experience documented on your Joint Service Transcript (JST), priority (early) registration for classes to keep you on track to graduate, military friendly withdrawal and readmission policy due to unanticipated deployment orders, transition housing assistance for newly discharged veterans, and an active Student Veterans of America Chapter – EKU VETS. The Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at EKU is retired Army Major Dr. Bryan Cole, so he understands the military experience. Perry explained the comfort he felt at EKU as a veteran, stating that “Being one of the over 1200 veterans that are currently enrolled at its campus, it is a welcoming feeling the moment you arrive on campus. There is a wealth of knowledge at the Veteran Affairs office and access to the staff is second to none.” EKU takes great pride in its dedication to service men and women. 8 | MAE&T 12.1 | Transition Trends
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide “Logistics and supply chain as a whole, is around us constantly. From the clothes we wear and the food we buy, to the services we purchase,” explained Constantine M. Koursaris, Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the Logistics and Supply Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. He continued, “In an industry valued at $1.3 trillion, careers in logistics and supply chain are in high demand according to a fortune.com article, a projected 1.4 million jobs need to be filled by 2018.” In an effort to prepare students for this booming industry, Embry-Riddle has a variety of academic programs in the field. An Associate of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management ensures graduates are prepared for pre-entry level work in logistics. The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management prepares graduates for key industry roles, and allows students to choose minors in Air Cargo Management or Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Logistics. B.S. students will learn a strong foundation in “transportation, logistics and air cargo management, advanced professional logistics, management science, operations management, supply chain management, airport and airline management, aviation maintenance, air transportation economics and systems, disaster planning and control, humanitarian logistics, hazard mitigation in emergency management, and material management in contingency operations.” Additionally, Embry-Riddle offers a Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This program seeks to develop leaders with expertise to handle complex environments. Koursaris detailed, “MS LSCM students will cover managerial level topics in purchasing, transportation, integrated logistics, global logistics and supply chain, management science, production and procurement, modeling and simulation, as well as electives chosen from a list of available courses.” Graduates of Embry-Riddle’s LSCM programs are likely to have a very successful career, as “The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the 2015 mean annual wage of logistics & SCM professionals at $77,470 with the top 10% earning a mean annual wage of $115,960” according to Koursaris. The career paths for a graduate are wide ranging, from the federal government, aerospace product and parts
manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, general manufacturing, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Many graduates seek certifications as well, noted Koursaris, “such as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) offered by the Association for Operations Management or APICS; Certified Professional Logistics (CPL) certification program offered by the International Society of Logistics (SOLE); Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).” Susan Ancona, the Assistant Director of Military Student Services at Embry-Riddle, detailed a variety of supports for military students. Many of Embry-Riddle’s over 130 campus locations around the globe are located on military bases, and also offer face-to-face and virtual learning which adds flexibility. 342 active duty and veteran students are currently enrolled in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management programs at EmbryRiddle. “Students with a military background possess specialized knowledge of all facets of logistics and supply chain management from a vast scope and magnitude perspective to ensure needed mission critical supply and demand success,” continued Ancona, “Students with a military background are ideal candidates for pursuing a degree in logistics and supply chain management because they understand the science behind the strategic, tactical, and operational planning levels that is required to implement for improving efficiency and performance in the LSCM career path.” Embry-Riddle has a Veterans Student Services center at both residential campuses, as well as many online academic advising programs for distance learners. Additionally, supporting active-duty military and veterans with their educational funding is a top priority for Embry-Riddle. They have lowered their undergraduate military tuition rate to $250 per credit hour, and they offer that reduced rate to spouses and dependents. They also assist students with utilizing their GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program entitlements.
The University of Texas at Dallas The University of Texas at Dallas offers two graduate level options for students considering a career in logistics. The Executive Master of Science Supply Chain Management program “focuses on educating execuwww.MAE-kmi.com
Transition Trends
opportunities. A number of groups, such as a Alimirzaei, “Also, leading an tives and industry-sponsored chapter of the Student Veterans of America operation and making sound employees in the disciplines and a Veterans Advisory Council, are in place judgment calls is important, of product lifecycle and supto help ensure student veteran success. The and experience in the miliply chain management by school has even instituted “Green Zone” tary prepares you for facing combining theory and practraining as a means to ensure a campus those challenges.” UT Dallas tice,” explained Rajamani. To culture that is genuinely military-friendly. offers many supports for their meet these goals, students March 2017commitment to its UT Dallas has a strong military students, including will utilize lectures, case KeiserO military students. events and career fairs taistudies, site visits, and work 231-1665-MAET-DeliverOpps-4x7 lored to their needs. They are projects synthesizing their MAE&T one of six universities that learning. Attending an interDivakar Rajamani 4.85 contact x 6.9 MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel For more information, are partnered with the United national trip with a partnerat kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online PK States Army Logistics Management College, ing university allows executive students to archives for related 2/1 stories at www.mae-kmi.com. and offer financial assistance via scholarship gain global experience. The second option is a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, a 36 credit hour STEM degree that can be completed in 18-24 months. Athena Alimirzaei, the Program Director of the MS SCM at UT Dallas, detailed that it “focuses on the management of business activities from product development, sourcing, production Earn your degree in and logistics to managing the resources and Business Administration with a concentration in related capabilities the organization needs to accomplish its strategic objectives.” A capstone project or internship completes the degree. Graduates of both degrees will Military scholarship for eligible service members, veterans and dependants be prepared for both analytical and managerial roles. Career paths chosen by graduates Yellow Ribbon program participant • On campus or online of the UT Dallas Supply Chain Management One class at a time • Practical application in today’s global economy programs include product manager, sourcing manager, logistics manager, inventory manager, warehouse manager, operations manager, supply chain manager, general manager and business partner. Rajamani also shared that there “opportunities to graduate with certificates, including the SAS Certificate in Data Mining and Business Intelligence, Certificate of Logistics and Transportation (CTL), and participating in CPIM Prep Courses to prepare for the APICS exam” making them more employable. In addition to the graduate degrees, UT Dallas offers a Professional Certificate Program in Supply Chain Management, Lean Six Sigma and a Graduate Certificate in Product Lifecycle and Supply Chain Management. Alimirzaei explained what graduates entering the field of logistics might do in their day to day work, such as “demand planning, supply planning, transportation planning, and inventory planning” and more. Rajamani and Alimirzaei both feel that students with military experience can make KeiserUniversity.edu/military an excellent transition to a career in logistics. Associate I Bachelor’s I Master’s I Doctoral Degree programs and delivery format vary by campus “Being able to multitask, discover efficiencies, and solve problems are key traits to being Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university successful in the logistics field,” continued
DELIVERING OPPORTUNITIES Transportation and Logistics
888.438.5504
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Transition Trends | MAE&T 12.1 | 9
Special Section: Scholarships for Service
Worried that Tuition Assistance or the GI Bill won’t cover all of your financial needs? Lots of schools offer grants and scholarships specifically for their military student population. Check out the offerings at these select schools, and be sure to talk with your school of choice about your scholarship options!
Simone Arrington
Communications Coordinator Excelsior College Excelsior College is a regionally accredited, nonprofit, online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are—academically and geographically—removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Among the more than 37,000 currently enrolled students, more than 17,100 are current or former servicemembers. For them, Excelsior College’s Center for Military Education serves as an essential support resource as they pursue their degree. The array of financial, mental health, and wellness services offered through the Center also helps veterans with the transition back to civilian life. Excelsior College offers reduced tuition rates for military members and veterans throughout its partnerships with veteran organizations at $250 per credit hour. The College offers a multitude of scholarships categorized by branch, status, and affiliation for military, veteran students, and family members in need of financial assistance and support. A number of students were awarded with Excelsior military and veteran scholarships during the 2015-2016 academic year. A list of these scholarships is below: 10 | MAE&T 12.1
• Lt. Col. Charles A. Pesnicak Sr. Veterans Scholarship • Brigadier General Jerry L. and Judy A. Neff Scholarship (for United States Army National Guard or United States Air National Guard members only) • Colonel William C. Lafield Scholarship • Elizabeth Margaret Ann Jaunal (nee Davidson) Memorial Scholarship • Excelsior College Veteran Endowment Fund • Lieutenant General Joseph S. and Anita L. LaPosata Scholarship (for enlisted United States military members and their spouses) • Military Financial Assistance Scholarship (for servicemembers and their families) • Military Spouse Scholarship • The Honorable Bryanne Hamill Scholarship • Vivian Runyon Memorial Scholarship (for students enrolled in the Excelsior College School of Liberal Arts) • Master Sergeant David K. Thuma Memorial Scholarship (for members of the United States Army Special Forces only) For more information about applying for scholarships, visit excelsior.edu/costs-and-financing/financial-aid/excelsior-scholarships. www.MAE-kmi.com
Special Section: Scholarships for Service
Dr. Don Jeffrey
Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs Troy University
The most significant scholarship for active duty members of the armed forces, the Reserves and National Guard is TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship that effectively caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for both military members and their spouses and dependents. TROY might be the only university in the country to offer such “military friendly” tuition rates at undergraduate and graduate levels to all currently serving members and their families. This pricing model creates savings in excess of 25 percent at the undergraduate level for families and dependents and 50 percent for graduate work for service members, spouses and dependents. The scholarship also eliminates out-of-pocket tuition costs for active duty, undergraduate and graduate users of Tuition Assistance, and it applies to all TROY locations, including online programs. The scholarship
is awarded automatically to currently serving military, and a streamlined application for spouses and dependents is available at http://www.troy.edu/scholarships/military-scholarship.html. Since the inception of the scholarship in Fall 2016, more than 650 active duty members and 122 spouses or dependents have been awarded the scholarship, from CONUS, Europe, Asia and South America. For veterans, TROY offers an extensive support team and is partnered with the VA through our Troy for Troops Centers throughout the University system. Troy for Troops provides direct support to all military affiliated students to help them both in academic and financial aid issues. In addition, TROY was one of the first universities in the nation to embrace the Yellow Ribbon Program, and many TROY sites nearest military installations are converting to Troy for Troops Centers to provide enhanced support to military students.
Christopher Tipton
Director of Veterans Initiatives and Outreach University of Maryland University College
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) offers a wide-range of scholarship opportunities to all military-connected students. Scholarships are available to students attending classes in the U.S., Europe or Asia and are offered on a semester basis. UMUC partners with numerous companies, veterans service organizations and alumni in order to offer over 150 unique merit- and need-based scholarship programs. Several notable scholarships include a scholarship for military spouses studying overseas, a scholarship for military spouses just beginning their college-level studies, scholarships for servicemembers who’ve served in a war zone in the past two years, and scholarships aimed at helping recently separated veterans transition to their civilian career. A new example for 2017 is the UMUC Veterans Assistance Fund, which will focus on supporting military-connected students in three ways. The fund will support: 1) students who run out of GI Bill benefits; 2) students who may need to offset the costs of taking online remedial coursework; 3) and/or assist military service members as they transition from service to civilian life. UMUC’s Pillars of Strength Scholarship has returned again for the 20172018 academic year. The Pillars of Strength Scholarship is supported by the Yellow Ribbon Fund, and managed by the Blewitt Foundation, each of which serves the severely wounded and their families, www.MAE-kmi.com
2016 Pillars of Strength winners at UMUC. [Image courtesy UMUC]
in association with UMUC. The scholarship is a full academic scholarship for the lifetime of the recipient student’s program at UMUC and is available to family and non-family volunteer caregivers of our nation’s injured service members. Because this extraordinary commitment to care often causes caregivers to delay their personal pursuits, the fund was established to assist them in achieving their educational goals. For 2017, UMUC will be offering five scholarships. O
For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.
MAE&T 12.1 | 11
The Power of Collaboration The 2017 annual symA preview of the issues and opportunities posium of the Council of Colat the 2017 CCME Symposium. lege and Military Educators (CCME) By Dr. Jeffrey P. Cropsey will be held March 6-9 at the Atlanta Marriot Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. The theme this year is, Collaboration: Strengthen Ourselves For Those We Serve. It is anticipated that close to a thousand education policy and plans from Dawn Bilodeau, OSD, individuals will attend the conference participating Director of Voluntary Education. This is a presentation in discussions on military and veteran education not to miss. As we change administrations after eight issues, listening to dynamic and informative speakers, years, there may be new approaches to military education learning and enhancing skills and of course having that are being considered. Lunch is included on Tuesday great networking opportunities with colleagues from and it is the annual CCME Awards and Scholarship Lunacross the military and veteran education community. cheon. Many deserving individuals working in military 2016 was a year of great political change and the 2017 and veteran education will be recognized along with CCME Symposium will be your first chance to hear several outstanding students of CCME member instituwhat changes may be in the future for the military tions who will be awarded scholarship grants. Also during and veteran education programs. If you are interested lunch there will be an update on the activities and initiain military and veteran education issues and initiaDr. Jeffrey P. Cropsey tives of the state ACMEs. Following lunch we will have tives this is THE conference to attend in 2017! the Presidents Panel. Each year CCME invites presidents from a variety There will be many important and exciting opportunities for of institutions to provide their insights regarding military and veteran attendees throughout the conference. Beginning on Monday March 6, education. This year we are honored to have the presidents of Webster the Armed Services will be holding training sessions for their personUniversity, Thomas Edison State College and the University of Maryland nel. Also the state level Associations of Military Educators known by University College. I know as always this group of distinguished educatheir acronym of ACME will meet to discuss issues of particular state tors will bring important issues in military and veteran education to the or regional interest. March 6 will also have workshops from the Seraudience. The day ends with presentations by the President of the Army vicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) and the American Council University Brigadier General John Kem and by Department of Veterans of Education (ACE). A great networking opportunity will occur from Affairs Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Opportunity Curtis L. Coy. 5PM to 10PM during a Social Hour, the CCME President’s Reception Here is a chance to learn more about the Army University mission and and the Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall. Right now we are anticipatplans from BG. Kem, while hearing about employment and training for ing nearly 200 exhibitors providing products and services in support veterans from Deputy Undersecretary Coy. of military and veteran education. This will be a fantastic time to meet Wednesday March 8 will be filled with spectacular opportunities to the many attendees and chat in a relaxed social setting with many of enhance your skills and get the latest updates on a wide variety of issues the main speakers throughout the conference. By the end of Monday in military and veterans education programs. Also Wednesday is a busiyou should be ready for an exciting conference for the next three days! ness casual day with a suggestion to go Hawaiian and wear an aloha Tuesday March 7, starts off early with a continental breakfast for all shirt if you of course have one, now who doesn’t? Hey Hawaii in Georgia and a special Newcomer’s Orientation and Breakfast for those of you in March…why the heck not? You can wear your flower print shirts to that are attending CCME for the first time. This is more than just a over 80 concurrent sessions of your choosing during the day. Lunch is networking breakfast. Speakers will provide information on CCME, the on your own that day, but you’ll find many great choices of restaurants Services and answer questions on military and veteran related acroat the hotel and over the air bridge across the street at the food court nyms and dare I say jargon. For those of you new to military and vetin Peachtree Center. Also while you’re listening to all your favorite Don eran education and new to CCME you should make sure you attend the Ho songs on your iPod you can attend a late afternoon general session Newcomers Breakfast. At 8 AM the symposium begins with a welcome with OSD Voluntary Education Chief Dawn Bilodeau. Ms. Bilodeau will from the Atlanta Mayor’s Office, presentation of the colors and the singbe discussing the status of the DoD Voluntary Education Institutional ing of the national anthem. This will be followed by keynote addresses Compliance Program. The day ends with another great networking by Jared Lyon, President and CEO of Student Veterans of America and reception from 5PM to 7:30PM. Bryan Anderson, Iraqi war veteran and author. At 9:45 AM CCME will The main symposium concludes on Thursday March 9. In many conduct its annual membership business meeting. Here is a chance for ways this day will be an example of “the best for last.” After the continenyou to vote on changes to our by-laws and for several new CCME Board tal breakfast from 7-7:45 at 8AM we will have the Armed Forces Senior positions. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard on the Enlisted Panel. We expect to have the top enlisted members of each of actions and future of our organization. Following the CCME business the five services. This will be an opportunity for you to hear directly meeting we will receive an update on Department of Defense (DoD) 12 | MAE&T 12.1
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from the enlisted force top leadership regarding the needs for post secondary education in the military and for transitioning veterans. After this panel there will be six round table discussions on some of the truly burning issues facing military and veteran education as follows: Automated Tools Impact (the Army VIA system) – One Year Later; Impact of Limited Education Support and Resources Available Aboard Naval Bases; The National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services (NAIMES) – Opportunities and Challenges; National Guard and Reserve Education Chiefs Panel; Student Veterans of America – Updates and New Programs; and Transitioning Military and Veteran Career Employment – Preparation Seminars and Corporate Programs. Additionally if you want to do some homework before you attend you might like to view the video of the 29 November 2016 Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on Department of Defense Actions Concerning Voluntary Education Programs. You can review the questions the committee raised and the testimony from DoD representatives at: http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/16-11-29-departmentof-defense-actions-concerning-voluntary-education-programs Many of the issues raised in this hearing will be of interest to schools providing education programs to the military and veterans. The day concludes with perhaps the event that many of you have been waiting for all week. The education services chiefs of each of the Armed Services will provide updates and answer questions regarding their Service programs. Here is another great opportunity for you to hear first hand what the issues, challenges and plans are for the Armed
Forces education programs in the future. The day will end with an outstanding motivational speaker to send you home ready to hit the ground running to fulfill the 2017 Council of College and Military Educators Symposium theme, “Collaboration: Strengthen Ourselves For Those We Serve.” On behalf of the CCME officers and board I want to thank you all for attending the 2017 symposium. During the days you are at the symposium I hope you learn a lot to enhance your service to our military and veteran students. Additionally in these changing political times I expect you will take back to your institution a better understanding of the issues and opportunities that face higher education in military and veteran education programs. Finally I do hope you expanded your professional and personal networks of colleagues you can commiserate with in the future. It truly takes a village to provide world-class education to our nation’s military and veterans. My hope is that you’ve increased the size of your village by attending the 2017 CCME Symposium. Certainly hope to see you all again in 2018 at the CCME Symposium March 26-29 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis Marina Hotel in San Diego, California! O
Dr. Jeffrey P. Cropsey is Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations at Grantham University, and Immediate Past President of CCME.
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CLASS NOTES APUS System Launches Competency-Based Education Program American Public University System (APUS) announced Momentum, a new competency-based education (CBE) program designed to further enhance the flexibility and affordability of delivering innovative, career-relevant offerings for working adults. “Momentum, unlike traditional academic programs, focuses on the achievement of knowledge and skills, providing a more flexible degree path to non-traditional students seeking an alternative to prevailing schedule and tuition constraints,” said APUS Director of Alternative Learning Cali Morrison. Four initial programs will offer competency starts beginning March 6, including: B.A., Criminal Justice; B.A., Emergency and Disaster Management; B.S., Fire Science Management; and B.A., Retail Management. Additional offerings are currently being developed for planned launch in mid-2017. Each program will be delivered via APUS’s robust Sakai platform, with adaptive learning integration by partner Realizeit to help enhance student engagement and outcomes. All programs are aligned with current professional standards by means of ongoing review by APUS Industry Advisory Councils, including support from strategic retail partners. Tailored learning assessments allow students to effectively apply their knowledge, skills and abilities, preparing them to be more competitive in their existing career or in transitioning to a new one. “Instead of attending structured classes, students demonstrate their mastery of competencies at their pace with guidance from a faculty mentor and subject matter expert, allowing them to move directly into the next competency without waiting for a new term to begin,” added Morrison. “Since programs have a fixed-term cost, the more competencies completed each term, the more saved on the total degree cost.” Prospective students must have an associate of arts degree, associate of science degree or bachelor’s degree to participate and cannot transfer from a traditional APUS degree program. They can complete unlimited program competencies within a 16-week term for $2,500 with a minimum of three, and maximum of 12, concurrent competencies. For more information, visit the Momentum program page at the APUS website. The APUS system offers more than 200 online degree and certificate programs through American Military University and American Public University.
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UCF Business Program Selected by Veterans Florida The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program was named a Network Partner in the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program and is aligning its ongoing efforts to provide entrepreneurship counseling and training to veterans with the mission of the new statewide program. Veterans Florida Executive Director, Bobby Carbonell, said the UCF Business Incubation Program was one of two additional Florida state universities and colleges that received funding to participate in and teach an innovative entrepreneurship program for veterans seeking to start their own businesses. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University will also join the existing five partner universities bringing the total number of partners to seven. “The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program offers veterans in the state access to high value, entrepreneurship education through our world-class state colleges and universities,” said Carbonell. “This education will empower the next generation of great veteran entrepreneurs to make lasting contributions to the state’s economy.” “We are pleased that Veterans Florida selected our incubation program as a Network Partner providing funding to help veterans and members of the military in establishing their own business,” said Gordon Hogan, Director of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program. “We had already launched a Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative in our established program and are committed to helping veteran entrepreneurs throughout Central Florida.” Hogan said the UCF Business Incubation Program has mentored over 20 Veteranowned member companies since the program started in 1999. Full details about the new Veterans Florida program are available on the Veterans Florida website (www.veteransflorida.org). Each college or university is offering the same curriculum and dedicates existing small business development resources to the program, which is composed of two phases: •
Education Phase: During this initial fifteen-week period, selected participants will attend in-class training to be held every two weeks on Saturdays at one of seven participating institutions of higher education. This phase will prepare participants for all elements of entrepreneurship. The face-to-face instruction will provide an opportunity for hands-on learning and application of fundamental principles facilitated by business experts. The curriculum will include concepts ranging from crafting a business plan to accessing capital for new business ventures. Participants will need to complete online coursework in between the Saturday sessions. • Mentoring Phase: Following successful completion of the educational phase, participants will receive ongoing mentorship from Florida SBDC business consultants and businesses leaders from their local area. This phase of the program will enable participants to receive hands-on guidance to navigate common entrepreneurial challenges and to receive specific feedback regarding their business to drive success. The program started with an Open House event in mid-December at each Network Partner’s institution, and the program of instruction started in January and runs through May 6. The UCF Business Incubation Program and Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University will join existing network partners comprised of the University of West Florida, the University of North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Atlantic University and Hillsborough Community College.
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Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Clarion University to Launch New College of Health and Human Services Clarion University has renamed Venango College to the College of Health and Human Services to better reflect the growing demand for the professional programs it offers and to better align the academic programs that exist on all of the university’s campuses. “The name change from Venango College to College of Health and Human Services has been under consideration for months, and is an important step moving forward,” said Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, interim provost. “It strengthens our credentials within that broad field and further permits us to market more directly to prospective students interested in coming to Clarion to study in those professional disciplines.” The College of Health and Human Services will house the departments of: communication sciences and disorders; human services, rehabilitation and health and sport sciences; nursing; and justice, law, technology and liberal arts. Classes are offered at Clarion’s main and Venango campuses, as well as at the Pittsburgh site and online.
“We’ve introduced a great number of academic programs in health and human services, and we’ve greatly expanded our nursing program,” said Clarion President Karen Whitney. “In the past three years, Clarion has added bachelor’s degrees in nutrition and fitness and in sports management, as well as a new master’s in mental health counseling. Enrollment in those programs is soaring,” Pfannestiel said. “In addition, we are exploring new credentials in respiratory care and athletic training. Simultaneously, our comprehensive credential ladder in nursing continues to grow in enrollment at all levels: ASN, RN-to-BSN, four-year BSN, MSN and DNP.” “Nursing programs are more in demand than ever, and the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is at capacity for 2016-17 and has already reached capacity for the 2017-18 school year,” Whitney said. “In fact, in the past year, enrollment in the four-
year BSN program has more than doubled, increasing from 73 to 157 students. Likewise, the RN-to-BSN completion program and the Master of Nursing show significant growth.” Although the BSN program is at capacity, Whitney encourages those interested in the program to explore other options, including the ASN and pre-nursing programs, which provide alternate avenues to enter the BSN program at a later date. Other Clarion programs showing significant growth are library science; mass media arts, journalism and communication; biology; management; and early childhood/ special education. Currently, 80 percent of Clarion’s students are in professional programs, and that number is expected to grow to 95 percent in the next five years. The name change also coincides with the launch of Clarion’s national search to hire a founding dean of that college. That appointment is expected to begin later this summer.
MyComputerCareer’s Online Courses Qualify for GI Bill Benefits Military veterans can now use their GI Bill (and other veteran’s benefits) to cover their tuition costs for online IT Certification training courses from MyComputerCareer.edu. The announcement was made by MyComputerCareer after it was notified by the United States Veterans Administration that GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation benefits can now be used by U.S. military vets for IT Certification programs taught online by the adult school.
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“Although our military veterans have been able to use their GI Bill benefits to cover their on-campus tuition costs with MyComputerCareer for many years, this new approval extends our reach to serve vets throughout the country even if they’re not near a campus,” said Tony Galati, Founder and CEO of MyComputerCareer. MyComputerCareer was formed in 2007 as an innovative adult technical school after Galati discovered that many college graduates with computer science and information technology degrees could not meet industry standard competency levels. Today the school offers rigorous IT Training Programs delivered on a 30-week or 42-week schedule with courses available both online and at its seven campuses in Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina and Texas. When students complete these MyComputerCareer.edu courses, they are prepared to earn up to 13 valuable IT Certifications in areas ranging from basic computer repair and troubleshooting to Operating Systems, advanced networking and Cyber Security, certificates often required even for those with four-year college degrees. Uniquely, MyComputerCareer’s Lifetime Career Services program provides graduates with highly personalized job placement support throughout their careers. Active military and military veterans interested in learning more about utilizing their GI Bill benefits for MyComputerCareer’s Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) program should visit www.mycomputercareer.edu or can speak to a Career Advisor by calling 866-606-6922. MAE&T 12.1 | 15
Strategic Supporter
Q& A
The outgoing president of CCME reflects on his year and the future of voluntary education.
Franc Lopez President Council of College and Military Educators Francisco “Franc” C. Lopez is currently the Higher Education Resource Center – DegreeQuest Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Military Programs. In this position, he liaises with all branches of the Active, Guard/Reserve, and Veteran communities. Franc retired from active duty as a Sergeant Major, United States Army. His last active duty assignment was the Special Enlisted Advisor to the Director, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Since retiring from the Army, he has held positions as the Deputy Director of Military Affairs for the Army National Guard Institute, Associate Director for Business Development, Northcentral University, Military Liaison and Director for Military Outreach, Columbia Southern University, Board Member for the Northwest Florida Community Veterans Engagement Board, and previous Vice President and currently the President for the Council of College and Military Educators. Born in the territory of Hawaii, he is a graduate of Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska. He received his Associates of Science - Business Administration from Monmouth College, a Bachelor of Science - Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, and a Master of Business Administration – Human Resources Management from Northcentral University.
federal service employees, civilian workforce, DOD and DHS. This forum is key to maintaining the communication between all involved. A major purpose of CCME is to promote and support quality education that impacts the off-duty voluntary postsecondary education programs of our military community.
Q: What has CCME’s role been in supporting military education?
Q: Describe CCME’s role in veterans’ education.
A: CCME is guided by its mission, “CCME is an active proponent for the professional development of those serving in the military education community by providing a forum for the exchange of information on educational programs, strategies and innovation among its members and associated partners.” The forum we speak of is our annual Professional Development Symposium. Previously, the CCME Symposium was in concert with the now suspended DOD Worldwide Education Symposium. Moving forward we have become the premiere DOD VOLED event of the year where professionals that facilitate and manage their programs come to and seek professional development, discuss issues and concerns, learn of innovation within higher education and become aware of what the corporate world are providing in the way of educational products and services. Our value is directed towards the “whole” family of our military, active, guard/reserve, retired, veterans, family members,
A: This is an evolving and expanding role for CCME. We realize that our veteran communities have grown over the years and know that their educational needs are unique and in ways similar with their civilian counterparts. Bringing together academia and the leadership from the veteran support channels has been on the “scope” of CCME, more so today. Take a look at the symposium agenda, and you will find veterans as our keynote speakers, numerous concurrent session topics centered on veterans’ educational needs, and roundtable discussions designed to solve the needs of our veterans. In the years to come for CCME, I see an ever-expanding role that CCME will take on with the veteran communities. With our veterans, timeliness is critical to their educational success as they view education as a key component to securing their next employment evolution and realizing financial stability for themselves and their families.
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Q: How does CCME support the needs of servicemembers leaving for civilian life? A: Realizing that education is a key to their success, we have brought entities from the corporate world that are designing programs, programs such as Veterans in Piping, preparing our servicemembers before leaving active duty, into CCME. To assist with issues such as in state tuition rates and transferability of credits, our partnering with the National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services (NAIMES) and the Advisory Councils on Military Education (ACMEs) and their role in impacting legislative decisions nationally and within their states/regions to the benefit of Veterans within their communities are critical and the sharing of their (NAIMES and ACME) success happens at the CCME Symposium. Academically, institutional members, through attending the Symposium, identify the needs of the servicemembers and build and/or modify academic programs that fit their needs. Q: What is the theme of the 2017 CCME Symposium? A: Each year, the newly elected president has the pleasure of defining the focus for the next Symposium. Once defined, the Board discusses possible themes that are in line to the agreed upon focus. For the 2017 Symposium, the theme, “Collaboration: Strengthen Ourselves For Those We Serve.” was voted on and approved. To be in line with our mission, collaboration, communication, between all entities of the CCME membership is critical to the success of CCME, and the symposium provides us the opportunity to strengthen ourselves with professional development sessions offered throughout to the betterment of those that we serve, our military communities.
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The annual symposium brings back an art of communication that is quickly becoming lost, the face-to-face interaction, the hand shake, the reading of body language, and the simple nod of affirmation. You can’t get this in an email, twitter, or text. Social media can only bring us together halfway. Social interaction completes the communication thread and the Symposium does that for our membership. Q: How is the Symposium and Agenda defined? A: Building the agenda is a huge challenge. There is so much our membership would like to see in the agenda and not having a limitless time to do all, we have to be vigilant in vetting and scrutinizing what goes into the agenda. Planning for the agenda begins immediately after the symposium, as a matter of fact, the Friday after the symposium! The new CCME Board meets to discuss lessons learned, assessing the active feedback submitted from attendees during
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the sessions, what should or should not be on the next agenda, and a board member-by-board member individual report and assessment. Throughout the calendar year preceding the next symposium, monthly board meetings are held to discuss CCME administrative action items, agenda issues and Committee Chairs present updates as to their progress. Twice, in the summer and fall, the full Board meets on site at the next symposium hotel to execute a face to face planning session with the hotel staff and invite possible vendor presentations of interest. Local meetings with the Mayor’s office, veteran organizations, possible corporate sponsors and Chambers of Commerce are coordinated and executed. Building the agenda is a very dynamic and proactive process.
Services, SOC, DANTES, ACE, NCPACE, and capping the day with the grand opening of the Exhibit Hall. Opening day, March 7, 2017 finds us with a welcome from the Atlanta Mayor’s office, Veteran Keynotes, a business meeting, OSD update, a luncheon with an awards and scholarships presentation, updates from the Army University and Veterans Affairs, and a panel discussion from invited institutional Presidents. March 8, 2017 is dedicated to the well over 60+ concurrent sessions, and a special presentation from OSD on the new Institutional Compliance Program. Roundtable discussions and panel presentations from the DOD/DHS Education Service Chiefs and Senior Enlisted on March 9, 2017 leads us to the closing of the symposium. At the end of the symposium, members find themselves truly exhausted and wanting more.
Q: What’s on the agenda for the Symposium? Q: Are there any special events going on? A: The most updated symposium information and agenda can be found on the “2017 CCME Professional Development Symposium” app powered by Guidebook! To get the free app go to: https://guidebook.com/app/2017CCME or do a search in the Apple Store or Google Play Store on your smart phone for “2017 ccme.” To kick off the week, there are pre-symposium meetings being held on Monday, March 6, 20917. Meetings such as the Advisory Councils on Military Education (ACME), DOD and DHS
A: The Exhibit Hall will be operational and open to all attendees throughout the day. Breaks will be held in the Exhibit Hall to afford more time for collaborating between the vendors and attendees. Although having a “Fun Run” during past symposiums was a hit with attendees, in Atlanta it was not only cost prohibitive but safety issues were a major factor in not doing one. To replace the event, we are doing a “FitBit” challenge. The specifics of the challenge are forthcoming.
Your Prior Military Training Can Count as Credit Move forward in your career and explore more than 30 degree and certificate programs that could align to your military experience. • Get maximum credit for your military training • Receive veteran partnership tuition discounts • Obtain Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and financial aid • Take the “Success Strategies for Military and Veterans” course • Join our supportive online veteran community • Access military career transition resources “Excelsior was the best choice for me because it was the most flexible. They gave me credit for my military experience and CLEP exams, and let me transfer credits from other schools. They really supported and encouraged me, which helped me finish. Now that I have my degree, I anticipate a promotion.” Roosevelt Thomas Bachelor of Science in Business ’03 and Master of Arts in Liberal Studies ’14
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ACCREDITED | ONLINE | NONPROFIT Call: 888-647-2388 ext. 1352 Visit: excelsior.edu/military Email: veterans@excelsior.edu military@excelsior.edu
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We will be having an “Aloha Day” for Wednesday. Designed and modified around the typical Hawaiian “Aloha Friday”, Aloha Day will allow attendees the opportunity to go business casual and dress in their most favorite Aloha attire. Since Wednesday is a full day of concurrent sessions, having a “business casual” atmosphere should allow maximum motivation for attendees to engage in sharing views during the sessions. Finally, a favorite year after year, is the CCME Networking Reception being held the evening after the concurrent sessions. This is the time members seek out session presenters to continue the conversations they had earlier in the day. Old business contacts are solidified and new relationships are formed. The old saying that you get more business done outside of the board rooms is so true, and the networking reception confirms that philosophy. Q: How do you see the future for CCME and VOLED given the recent presidential election and all the changes that come along with a new administration? A: Optimistic, bright and growing. As CCME evolves into the new year so must we increase our mission towards helping our Veterans realize their educational goals. We also must do more to embrace our corporate partners that provide innovative and out of the box educational products and services. Long gone are the Number “2” pencils and mark sense forms.
Important to the continued success of CCME is maintaining the relationship with our DOD/DHS partners. With a new Republican administration, and the same party majority in both the House and Senate, VOLED change is definitely being discussed at the highest levels. Topics such as how to increase the servicemember graduation rates, should federal tuition assistance funding be factored into the 90/10 rule, a clearer common consistent base access policy across all installations, a clearer definition of what is “aggressive marketing”, strengthening or loosening the academic decision making powers of the servicemember, … What may be the results of those discussions? Who knows, but CCME stands ready to provide the forum that allows discussions and collaborations that will help form decisions and policies through the networking of the CCME membership. I hope to see all of you at the symposium in Atlanta. Come prepared to share your thoughts and ideas. Without you there, we will miss the opportunity to hear what you have to say. The CCME symposium generates change, in our thinking, in our perceived perceptions, what we thought was factual or not, change for the future of VOLED for the benefit of our servicemembers. In closing, I am again reminded of a saying, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” – Albert Einstein. Aloha Nui Loa! O
• Significantly reduced tuition rates for our Accelerated Degree Programs • Yellow Ribbon Program benefits for those who qualify • Special Military Scholarship if you enroll on our Main Campus in Waterbury, CT • Course materials, including textbooks, provided at no cost to you • Specially trained Tuition Planner who can assist you in managing your Tuition Assistance, GI Bill, and other military-related education benefits • Military experience evaluated for course credit *As a spouse or dependent (living with active or veteran parent) you get the same reduced tuition and free materials/books.
www.MAE-kmi.com
MAE&T 12.1 | 19
Making a Difference SVA holds its ninth annual national conference.
By Eric Gage
Last month, I had the honor to attend my fourth Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference. I attended twice as a student and this was my second time as a member of National HQ staff, serving as Director of Chapter Services at Student Veterans of America. NatCon is a major event, each year taking place in a different location with this year more than 1,700 in attendance. SVA concluded its 9th Annual National Conference in Anaheim, Calif. on January 7, 2017 on a high note with a record number of attendees. On Friday, SVA President and CEO Jared Lyon announced the initial findings of the National Veteran Education Success Tracker (NVEST) as well as a new resource for those seeking meaningful employment. On Saturday, SVA honored distinguished student veterans as well as supporters during the SVA Honors Awards banquet. Attendees from across the country convened for this year’s conference held at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian. Attendees heard from General Session speakers like Mr. Bob McDonald, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 20 | MAE&T 12.1
Mr. Brian Duffy, Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and were even entertained by comedian Christopher Titus. SVA hosted 48 breakout sessions to educate attendees on topics ranging from supporting chapter services to empowering women veterans. “The theme of this year’s conference was empowering tomorrow’s leaders and nothing says that more than the experience our student veterans had at NatCon, said Lyon. “They came here to learn, to network, and to better themselves through the transformative power of higher education.” SVA previewed the first results of NVEST to attendees. Completed in partnership with Department of Veterans Affairs and www.MAE-kmi.com
National Student Clearinghouse it represents the first research done on the academic outcomes of nearly one million student veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. “We know that student veterans are more likely to graduate and have a higher GPA than their peers. I’m excited about the opportunity to share the results of our research later this month and change the narrative around student veterans in higher education,” Lyon said. Attendees also networked with the most diverse collection of non-profit organizations, businesses, and institutions of higher education under one roof. The SVA Campus featured over 30 companies from more than a dozen industries, fifteen top institutions of higher education, and over a dozen non-profit partners. Companies such as Raytheon, Accenture, Microsoft, Prudential, Bank of America, Home Depot, and PwC were there not only to share opportunities with the talented pool of SVA members, but to also share in their professional development. My role at NatCon2017 was meant to be leading three breakout sessions, interact with student attendees and general conference support. Due to a member of the SVA team departing, my role in this conference changed about a month before it started. My new role became leading 4 breakout sessions, and to organize, manage and emcee the National Business Plan Competition. I also became the member of SVA staff responsible for managing a good amount of the conference.
I am happy to say it turned out to be an amazing event! With the support of the full SVA team, we were able to provide a truly epic event. I could not be more proud of our team and the event we put on. SVA announced the winners of the 2017 SVA Honors awards including: •
SVA Student Veteran of the Year: Kate Tillotson (University of Tulsa)
“My today started when I realized my leadership skills were building blocks. After serving my country with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, I was equipped with the fundamentals. But I knew there was room to grow and more to learn. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, I found a highly ranked program available online that worked with me while overseas and helped develop the skills I apply in my role each day. Thanks to my advanced degree, I’m able to use my leadership and managerial expertise to tackle administrative challenges. And I’m excited to see my opportunities continue to grow today and tomorrow.”
Today is the day when limited turns into limitless.
JEFF LEHMKUHL Master of Public Administration University of Nebraska at Omaha
4 campuses. 100+ online programs. online.nebraska.edu
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•
• • • • • • •
SVA Chapter of the Year: Washington University Student Veteran Association (Washington University in St. Louis) SVA Chapter Advisor of the Year: Ross Bryant (University of Nevada Las Vegas) SVA Infrastructure Partner of the Year: The Home Depot Foundation Campus Impact Partner of the Year: Prudential Research Partner of the Year (3): Lumina, Kresge, and Google Programmatic Partner of the Year (2): Accenture and Bank of America Daniel J. Edelman Corporate Champion of the Year: Raytheon Business Plan Competition Winner: Blue Hen Veterans (University of Delaware)
To the student veterans who attended NatCon2017, thank you for making it such an amazing event! Your passion for serving your campus community is inspiring. To the student veterans who are not yet active in SVA or couldn’t make it to NatCon2017: we are here for you too, we know what you are capable of and are always here to support you. Please let me know how I can support you in your mission. We can all work to leave higher education better than we found
it. To our partners and sponsors, thank you for supporting SVA and our mission, we could not do it without you. I look forward to working with all of you. I know now more than ever that you are all Tomorrow’s Leaders. You are the reason I go to work every day, and I truly love my job! O
Eric Gage is Director of Chapter Services at Student Veterans of America.
Because your boots have been the boots on the ground, it has to be UMUC.
More than 140 locations around the world, including at military installations. Study where you serve and prepare for the career you want in some of today’s most in-demand fields. University of Maryland University College offers the convenience and flexibility of both online and hybrid classes and the credibility of a respected state university with a worldwide reputation Named to the Military Advanced Education & Transition 2017 Guide to Top Colleges & Universities
for excellence. UMUC has been serving the higher education needs of servicemembers since 1947. We’ll be there, wherever your boots take you.
FIND OUT HOW UMUC CAN WORK FOR YOU.
Call 877-275-UMUC. Visit umuc.edu/mae. 17-MIL-023 MAE&T March Print Ad_HRR2.indd 1
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© 2017 University of Maryland University College
2/6/17 4:52 PM
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Questions and answers about the MyCAA scholarship program for military spouses. The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program, a component of the Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, is a career development and employment assistance program. My Career Advancement Account Scholarship helps military spouses, who have successfully completed high school, pursue licenses, credentials or associate degrees with a specific concentration or major (excludes General Studies, Liberal Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies). This allows military spouses to pursue an occupation or career with transferable and portable skills. As part of the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, all military spouses are offered counseling. Q: How does a military spouse get started with SECO and My Career Advancement Account Scholarship?
taryonesource.mil/footer?content_id=267781 or through email at MyCAAhelp@militaryonesource.mil.
A: Please call a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities certified career counselor at 800-342-9647 to get started.
Q: What are the terms and conditions for spouses participating in My Career Advancement Account Scholarship?
Q: Who is eligible for My Career Advancement Account Scholarship?
A: To open a My Career Advancement Account and request up to $4,000 of financial assistance, military spouses must read and electronically sign the Spouse Terms and Conditions Agreement.
A: Spouse eligibility requirements include: • Service member on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2 • Service member in the National Guard or reserves in the pay grades listed above • Completion of high school • Approval of financial assistance document(s) before the active-duty service member’s date of separation or the activeduty service member’s release from Title 10 military orders. Q: What is the URL for the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Spouse Portal (website) and what if there are access issues? A: The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship official web address is https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Military spouses living overseas may experience issues accessing the site. For assistance, spouses may contact Military OneSource through the international dialing instructions located at http://www. miliwww.MAE-kmi.com
Q: Are spouses required to complete their courses, certification or license in a certain timeframe and are there any exceptions? A: Yes. The duration of an associate degree course cannot exceed 12 months and a license or certificate program cannot exceed 18 months. No exceptions can be made to exceed either of these timeframes. Schools and organizations receiving scholarship funds are required to post grades and program completion status. Q: What are My Career Advancement Account Scholarship requirements for spouses after they finish their coursework? A: • Inform Spouse Education and Career Opportunities certified Career Counselors when they receive their license, certificate, certification or associate degree. • Seek a job in their chosen portable career field and occupation. MAE&T 12.1 | 23
• Let My Career Advancement Account Scholarship and SECO know when they find employment using the Contact Us page on the My Career Advancement Account Spouse Portal (https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/My Career Advancement Account) — as required in the Spouse Terms and Conditions Agreement that spouses electronically sign when they open their My Career Advancement Account. Q: What if a spouse has more than one source of funding to pay for a class? A: Two sources of federal education benefits can be used to pay for the same course or program. My Career Advancement Account funds must be applied to the tuition costs only and spouses or students may NOT receive a refund of My Career Advancement Account monies. Q: Are there any financial resources to help pay for books? A: Spouses can find information on the following websites: www.hpb.com/textbooks www.freebookexpress.com www.textbooksfree.org www.cheapesttextbooks.com www.booksprice.com www.vitalsource.com
Q: How will My Career Advancement Account Scholarship eligibility be verified? A: My Career Advancement Account Scholarship uses DS Logon for account creation and access. Social security numbers are not stored in the My Career Advancement Account website. A Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS, eligibility check is initiated when the spouse opens a My Career Advancement Account and each time the spouse requests My Career Advancement Account Scholarship financial assistance. Q: What is a My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Education and Training Plan? A: Prior to requesting My Career Advancement Account Scholarship financial assistance, spouses must develop an Education and Training Plan detailing the courses or exams they are a planning to take to obtain their associate, certificate or credential. Education and Training Plan guidance and sample documents are found in the Resource. O Source: My Career Advancement Account and www.quanticosentryonline.com For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.
Reeves J., Student Psychology. Mom. Army.
Advance your career with exclusive benefits toward graduate and undergraduate programs. TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active military, Reservists and National Guard. Also, your spouse and dependents receive up to 50% in tuition savings. TROY is committed to keeping higher education affordable. That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University.
U P TO 50% T U I T I O N
SC H O LARS H I P FO R M I LITARY AN D FAM I LY WARRI O RS
Feel it at troy.edu/militaryspirit or call 1-800-586-9771.
© 2017 Troy University
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CCME – Come Join Us March 6-9th in Atlanta! By Janine Wert The Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) invites faculty, staff and administrators interested in establishing, developing and improving programs and services to military, veteran and dependent students to participate in our 2017 symposium, in Atlanta, March 6-9th. Unique to this conference, CCME features roundtables providing an open, interactive conversation between attendees and subject matter experts. This offers participants the opportunity to discuss pertinent issues around information not usually easily accessed.
Roundtables for the 2017 Symposium include: The National Guard and Reserve Education Chiefs Panel - National Guard and Reservists often receive partial educational benefits, which vastly differ from active duty component benefits. As a result, these servicemembers’ educational experiences differ significantly from active auty and veteran students. CCME will feature this roundtable to discuss and review the unique benefits and challenges these servicemembers face and offers a first for direct access and interaction with The National Guard and Reserve Education Service Chiefs. Student Veterans of America (SVA), Updates and New Programs - CCME welcomes the SVA for their first roundtable! Those interested in establishing, expanding or better understanding the SVA mission, chapters and new programs are invited to attend. As the student veteran population has expanded nationwide, the SVA has provided valuable opportunities for scholarship, leadership and academic achievement. Participants are invited to bring questions and learn more about how SVA can improve your military and veteran students’ educational experience. Transitioning Military and Veteran Career Employment - Preparation Seminars and Corporate Programs - Institutions focused on implementing or improving co-op, internship and career employment programs for military, veteran and dependent students are invited to participate in this roundtable. National transition programs and companies with robust milwww.MAE-kmi.com
itary and veteran hiring practices will present valuable information on building relationships, transition programing, and ultimately, increasing career employment opportunities for students during and following their academic pursuits. Impact on Limited Education Support and Resources Aboard Military Installations - As the Department of Defense manages educational programs and makes changes to their educational process and delivery methods, institutions serving military students benefit from understanding the updates and consequences. This roundtable will review recent changes in policy and processes and the resulting effects of those changes. Automated Tools Impact (VIA) - One Year Later - Automated Tools, developed in an effort to better deliver educational benefits, have been implemented and thoroughly tested by the Department of Defense. This roundtable will provide new information, data and discussion on the automated tool outcomes. Challenges, benefits and updates will also be reviewed. NAIMES Institutional Collaboration Member Institutions of NAIMES invite you to participate in this roundtable to discuss new initiatives, latest legislation, and other issues facing those providing education to military/veteran students and their families worldwide. Each of these roundtable discussions will provide a short presentation and update, followed by a robust conversation and question and answer period where attendees can ask for specific information or clarification. No other national conference on military and veteran education
engages participants as frankly and openly as these roundtables do. CCME welcomes those who serve military, veteran and dependents students pursuing their educational goals to join the 2017 symposium March 6-9 in Atlanta. Additional information, including registration and accommodations can be accessed at: http://ccmeonline.org/. O
Francisco Lopez
Note from Franc Lopez, CCME President: CCME thanks Janine Wert for her preview of the 2017 symposium roundtables. For more information about our organization, please visit CCMEonline.org, and plan on joining us at our annual professional development symposium in Atlanta, GA., March 6-9, 2017.
For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.
MAE&T 12.1 | 25
MONEY TALKS
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Better Business Bureau Clears WWP The charity had been under review since early last year, when national media outlets began investigating whistleblower claims of lavish spending by former leaders of the nonprofit. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA) requested detailed information from the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and asked numerous questions regarding public allegations that emerged in early 2016. According to a report on the BBB WGA website, WWP was cooperative in responding to these requests and provided BBB WGA with extensive materials and exhibits. WWP’s board commissioned an independent third party review of the allegations that was conducted by a law firm and an accounting firm. WWP indicates that the independent parties did not produce a written report of their review. However, at BBB WGA’s request, BBB WGA met with WWP’s board chair as well as a representative of the law firm that conducted the review, and were provided information about the findings of the review. In reaching these conclusions, BBB WGA reviewed and considered WWP’s programs, finances, governance, and fund raising practices. The public allegations regarding WWP’s practices centered around four areas: spending practices, governance, program expense ratio, and fund raising practices. Spending Practices: BBB WGA worked closely with WWP to review the organization’s policies and practices with regards to travel, and meetings. WWP reports that less than one percent of the number of paid flights booked for employee travel were in first or domestic business-class over the past three years and the remaining flights were in coach class. In addition, the organization strengthened policies
and controls regarding travel and the purchase of plane tickets including controls to its online travel booking system to prevent employees from booking paid first class or paid domestic business class flights and an alert system when airfare or hotel costs exceed a certain level. With regards to meetings and conferences spending, BBB WGA found the organization’s spending to be consistent with its programs and mission. With regards to the organization’s 2014 All Hands Huddle, BBB WGA found that the organization had spent less than $1,000,000 on the conference (less than the $3,000,000 reported in the media) and that amounted to less than $440 per day for the five day training for 415 staff members including hotel, food, travel and conference costs. WWP provided details of expenses and expense areas to demonstrate that there was no evidence of lavish spending. Governance and Oversight: BBB WGA worked closely with WWP to verify that the organization had policies and procedures in place to handle employee complaints. These included a whistleblower policy and employee knowledge of and access to a third-party anonymous complaint line. WWP demonstrated that the number and nature of the complaints lodged through the complaint line did not rise to the level of board action. WWP explained that most complaints are reported through managers, legal and human resources departments, and that serious complaints are referred to the human resources departments for investigation, involving the legal department as appropriate. In addition, the organization shared with us 2011-2015 anonymous aggregated response data from workplace satisfaction surveys conducted of its employees
and compiled by a third party. For each of those years, the third party awarded WWP recognition as being one of the best non profit places to work. In addition, WWP has taken additional steps regarding the training of employees on their existing and strengthened policies and the use of resources such as the third-party anonymous complaint line. Program Expense Ratio: BBB WGA worked closely with WWP to review its program expense ratio. It appears that the public allegations had attributed all of the organization’s joint-cost allocations to fund raising which lowered the program expense ratio. With regards to joint-cost allocations, BBB WGA follows generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position 98-2 permits a charity, under certain conditions, to report a portion of appeal expenses as a public education program expense and a portion as a fund raising expense. To verify the organization’s programexpense ratio, BBB WGA reviewed the organization’s joint-cost allocated appeals against the reported joint-cost allocations in the organization’s audited financial statements and found them to be in compliance with AICPA SOP 98-2. Fund Raising Practices: BBB WGA worked closely with WWP to review its fund raising practices. After reviewing the organization’s appeals used in the past year, BBB WGA found no evidence of inaccurate or misleading characterizations of the programs they were funding. In addition, BBB WGA found that WWP’s website included statistics on their programs and beneficiaries served. This report may be viewed online at www. give.org.
Veterans Business Battle Pitch to Investors Sixteen veteran-owned businesses from across the country were selected to compete in the third annual EO-Houston Veterans Business Battle. The finalists, chosen by Entrepreneurs’ Organization-Houston and Rice University’s Veterans in Business Association from more than 100 applications nationwide, pitched their business ideas to a panel of investors February 24-25 at Rice University. In the last two years, more than $1.7 million of investment offers were extended to finalists, ranking the competition #1 in
26 | MAE&T 12.1
investments to veteran-owned start-ups. Investments come in the form of loans and equity investments, but Veterans Business Battle also offers mentorship and business guidance to its participants. Veterans Business Battle was established in 2015 by The Houston chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Rice University’s Veterans in Business Association. The competition aims to enable entrepreneurship among veterans, grow veteran-owned businesses and give back to veterans seeking to make a difference in the business world. For more information, visit www.vetbizbattle.com
www.MAE-kmi.com
The advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers. KMI cannot be held responsible for discrepancies due to last-minute changes or alterations.
MAE&T RESOURCE CENTER Advertisers Index Excelsior College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 www.excelsior.edu/military
Troy University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 www.troy.edu/militaryspirit
Keiser University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.keiseruniversity.edu/military
University of Maryland University College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 www.umuc.edu/mae
Post University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.post.edu/military
University of Nebraska. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 www.online.nebraska.edu
Thomas Edison State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 www.mvp.tesu.edu
University of the Incarnate Word. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 www.military.uiw.edu
Calendar April 11-13, 2017 11th Annual Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME) Symposium Westin Virginia Beach Town Center www.vaacme.org
April 23-25, 2017 91st Annual Distance Education Accrediting Commission Annual Conference San Antonio, Texas http://www.deac.org
April 28-29, 2017 2017 MBA Veterans Career Conference Philadelphia, Penn. http://mbaveterans.com
In 2017, our “Transition Trends” section will highlight... • Degrees In Nursing • Degrees In Criminal Justice • Degrees In Aviation • Degrees In Engineering
• Degrees In Information Technology • Degrees In Homeland Security • Degrees In Health Care
Check the Editorial Calendar for the Specific issue
www.MAE-kmi.com
MAE&T 12.1 | 27
UNIVERSITY CORNER
Military Advanced Education & Transition
University Corner All-Stars
In their own words, they explain what they believe makes them military supportive. “University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) has a Military and Veteran Services Office with a full-time director to focus on the needs of military students and offer centralized services. UNK participates in the Yellow Ribbon program and policies are in place to support students called to active duty. The Student Veterans Organization (SVO) will meet for the first time in early spring, and the Military and Veteran Services Advisory Board is also planned for implementation during the spring semester.” -Mark Ellis, Professor and History Department Chair, University of Nebraska at Kearney
“As an early adopter of online learning, Bellevue University has had 20 years to refine its award-winning online platform and support services. We learned a long time ago that offering quality online programs is more than simply posting a traditional in-class program on the internet. Our students experience a higher level of engagement through our innovative online learning model. Our online instructors complete a rigorous training program for online course delivery techniques. They experience online learning themselves in order to understand the learners’ point of view. They design courses to incorporate a variety of ways for students to interact with peers and instructors.” - Deann Sterner, Director, Military Veteran Services Center, Bellevue University
“For our military personnel and their families, Troy University has positioned itself as a provider of quality driven, relevant and affordable education available anywhere, at any time. Supporting this is our institutional history as a public university, our regional accreditation, the Troy Military and Family Scholarship and our Troy for Troops Centers, which support academic and career success while providing a place to study, Veterans Affairs counseling, camaraderie and more, and are available to military students at all Troy locations either physically or virtually.” - Don Jeffrey, Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs, Troy University
“Georgetown University’s Veterans Office serves military connected students as they apply to, attend, and advance beyond Georgetown. This includes assistance navigating the admissions process, applying for financial aid and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits, academic assistance, health and wellness, and preparing to re-enter the workforce. The University’s Student Veteran Association advocates for veterans issues on campus and maximizes opportunities for veterans to succeed at Georgetown and beyond.” - Kelly Otter, Dean, School of Continuing Studies, Georgetown University
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“Excelsior College accepts maximum credit for military training toward degree requirements moving students closer to graduation. Excelsior accepts credit by exam, prior learning assessment, corporate training, and credits from accredited colleges. Excelsior removes residency requirement barriers to make education affordable and attainable. The College provides unique services through the Lt Col Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center, an online center designed to provide support to military and veterans students and is a national resource for education providers.” - Deborah Sopczyk, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Excelsior College
“University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has long been cognizant of the unique challenges of military members where mission comes first. UIW respects that difference and has tailored our program to meet the needs of our military members. UIW Online has no fees or expenses. That means that TA benefits cover all costs. Textbooks are a major expense for all students. For our military members in both graduate and undergraduate programs, textbooks are free. There are no hidden charges. Coursework is done completely online, and there are no proctored exams. We also schedule our courses specifically for you so you can keep moving forward and graduate on time.” - Cyndi Porter, Vice President for Extended Academic Programs, University of the Incarnate Word
“UMUC is the No. 1 four-year public university for students using GI Bill® benefits, and No. 2 overall for TA usage. Since we began serving military students and veterans from our founding in 1947, serving the military and veteran students is in our DNA. We go where they go and currently have more than 140 classroom and service locations worldwide, including most major military installations. UMUC offers a combination of classroom, on-line and on-line/on-site “hybrid” instruction at many locations.” - James Cronin, Vice President of Stateside Military Operations, University of Maryland University College
“Our asynchronous course delivery affords busy servicemembers 24/7 access to the online classroom. Unlike schools with traditional semesters, we offer new course starts the first Monday of each month. Our courses are offered over an 8- or 16-week term, providing maximum flexibility for servicemembers stationed throughout the world.” - John Aldrich, Vice President, Military, Veterans & Community College Relations, American Military University
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Military Advanced Education & Transition 2017 Editorial Calendar Updated 02/17/16
issue
Cover Q&A
Special Section
Features
Transitions
Closing Date
2/7
The CCME Issue Franc Lopez CCME President
Student Scholarship Spotlights
CCME Trending Topics SVA National Conference
Careers/Degrees in Logistics Corporate Connection
April 2017 (12.2)
Jared Lyon President & CEO Student Veterans of America
Health Services/Counseling for Vets on Campus
CCME Highlights Roundtable: Training Faculty in Veteran Concerns
Degrees in Nursing Corporate Connection
3/31
Pu bl
is
he d
February/ March 2017 (12.1)
On Campus Support Issue May 2017 (12.3)
Hildegard Buan Chief Air Force Voluntary Education
June 2017 (12.4)
Supporting Military Spouses
Yellow Ribbon Spotlight Roundtable: ACMEs Credit for Military Experience
Degrees in Criminal Justice Corporate Connection
5/1
Carrie Wofford President Veterans Education Success
Certification Programs
Competency Based Degrees Roundtable: ESO Best Practices
Degrees in Aviation Corporate Connection
6/5
July/August 2016 (12.5)
NAIMES President
Roundtable: OnCampus Veteran Centers
Online MBA Traditional MBA Veterans Upward Bound
Degrees in Engineering Corporate Connection
6/28
September 12.6
Curtis Coy Deputy Under Secretary of Education Department of Veterans Affairs
Troops to Teachers
Joining Forces US Army Women’s Foundation
Degrees in Information Technology Corporate Connection
8/25
Oct/ November 12.7
Eric Eversole Director US Chamber of Commerce
IVMF
Veterans Upward Bound Distance Learning Corporate Roundtable
Degrees in Homeland Security Corporate Connection
9/25
December 12.8
American Council on Education
MAE&T’s 2018 Guide to Colleges and Universities
Soldier for Life
Degrees in Health Care Corporate Connection
12/2
This editorial calendar is a guide. Content is subject to change. Please verify advertising closing dates with your account executive.
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