/PR-USCB_Announces_New_Initiatives_for_Military_092810

September 28, 2010 MEDIA CONTACT: Lynn W. McGee, Ph.D. USCB Vice Chancellor for Advancement 843-208-8240 lmcgee@uscb.edu

University of South Carolina Beaufort Announces New Initiatives to Serve Active Duty Military, Veterans and Dependents With its announcement of the Marine “Elite to Elite” program today, USCB puts the capstone in a portfolio of new programs it has implemented during the past year to increase support for active duty military, veterans and their dependents.

Beginning in August 2009, USCB implemented a tuition reduction for active duty military students. These students’ tuition costs match 100% of government authorized tuition and fees paid. So, active duty military incur no out of pocket expenses except for textbooks. All active duty military receiving tuition assistance are eligible.

Effective August 2009, USCB’s financial aid staff and veterans affairs counselors were qualified to support military personnel eligible to receive the enhanced benefits offered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs Post 9/11 GI bill. Military members who served on active duty after September 10, 2001—as well as their spouse or dependents—are eligible for tuition support and, in many cases, a housing allowance and stipends for books and education supplies. This exciting opportunity opens the doors to active duty and veterans-to pursue their degrees in the Lowcountry at USCB without financial stress.

Effective in the Spring of 2010, USCB officially qualified with the Office of Veterans Affairs to become a “Yellow Ribbon” participating institution. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, USCB can offer out of state resident veterans who qualify for Post 9/11 benefits the opportunity to attend USCB with their out of state tuition covered by veterans benefits.

Effective today, USCB is now the only University in the state to offer the “Elite to Elite” program. Through its work with Marine Corps Installations East, USCB has streamlined the

admissions and enrollment process for Marines applying to USCB as they leave their service responsibilities and pursue higher education. Rather than following the typical admission process, these students, who will meet all USCB admissions standards, will be prescreened by the Marine Corps to facilitate a timely and smooth transition into their educational career.

"The ambition is to make it easier for Marines to attend great collegiate institutions," said Major Gen. Carl Jensen, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East. "We are pleased to partner with so many great schools, like the University of South Carolina Beaufort, that are more than willing to accommodate our service members." "We want Marines to continue their education, and return to the community as educated and skilled [members of the] workforce," said Jensen.

At the “Elite to Elite” ceremony today, USCB Chancellor Jane Upshaw observed, “The University of South Carolina Beaufort has long had a commitment to serving active duty military, veterans and their dependents. We are pleased to add the ‘Elite to Elite’ program to our exciting initiatives to serve the educational needs of military students—not only those here in South Carolina, but also from across the country. The experience and commitment that military students bring to the classroom enriches the educational environment for all our students.”

USCB’s Elite to Elite agreement, in conjunction with the university participation in the 9/11 GI Bill benefits, the Yellow Ribbon program and the tuition reduction plan, now allows the University to provide significant new support to active duty military, veterans and their dependents whose goal is a University of South Carolina degree earned at USCB. ABOUT USCB:

The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) is a senior institution of the University of South Carolina system serving the southeast coast of Georgia and South Carolina. The university’s two campuses, located on the waterfront in historic Beaufort, S.C. and at the gateway to Hilton Head Island in Bluffton, S.C., serve a diverse student body of more than 1,650. USCB offers students an exceptional place to learn and live in an environment focused on growth, preservation and opportunity.

USCB has a long history of enrolling veterans and active duty military personnel, particularly at the Historic Beaufort Campus which is close in proximity to Parris Island and the Marine Corps Air Station.

For more information about the University of South Carolina Beaufort, please visit www.uscb.edu online or call the university’s Office of Public Information at 843-208-8240.

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