Business MANAGING HIGHER ED
The Academic Road From Military to Management
Colleges and universities can help service members achieve
their academic and career goals. BY DR. THOMAS M. MCGOVERN
N
EARLY 2,000,000 SERVICE members have been deployed under Operation Enduring Free-
dom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) since 2001. These service members are now returning from active duty in search of homes, jobs, and an education. As a result, colleges and universities are working harder than ever to meet veterans' postsecondary education needs. Some colleges have made great improvements in supporting veteran and active service
members since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was implemented in 2009, while others still have a long way to go. Therefore, it is important for service men and women to do their homework when choosing a college that will best meet their needs.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill Defi ned According to the U.S. Department of
Veteran Affairs (VA), "the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides fi nancial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90
56 COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / JUNE 2012
days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill." Some of the numerous benefi ts offered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill include up to 100 percent tuition and fee coverage, a monthly living (housing) stipend, up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies, a one- time relocation allowance, and the option to transfer benefi ts to family members.
WWW.PLANNING4EDUCATION.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY