California University of Pennsylvania again has been designated a Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs and Military Spouse magazines.
The designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data- driven ratings about military colleges and career opportunities. Cal U has received the recognition each year since 2010.
Institutions compete for the Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of more than 100 questions in 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies.
Survey responses are scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, methodology is reviewed and data is tested independently with a goal of promoting transparency while advancing best practices to support military students across the country.
“At Cal U, ‘military friendly’ is more than an award — it’s how we operate every day,” says Robert Prah, the University’s director of Veterans Affairs.
“Through our Veterans Affairs Office, our Veterans Club and special events throughout the year, we demonstrate our commitment to welcoming military members and veterans to campus, and helping them to succeed.”
Colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools across the country that are eligible for the Military Friendly® designation.
“Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran.
“Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”
How Cal U serves
Cal U’s Office of Veterans Affairs is a resource center for military veterans, eligible dependents and active-duty service members in all branches of the military, National Guard and reserves. The office serves students who are attending on-campus classes or studying through Cal U Global Online, the University’s worldwide online learning community.
In addition to providing day-to-day support and an active Veterans Club, Cal U has welcomed active-duty service members as they strive to qualify for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge; honored veterans each fall with a display of personalized banners recognizing their service; and offered an annual scholarship opportunity.
About the survey
The Military Friendly® Schools designation process includes extensive research and a data-driven survey of thousands of schools nationwide approved for Post-9/11 GI Bill funding.
The school survey, methodology, criteria and weightings are developed with the assistance of an independent advisory board composed of educators and human resources, diversity and recruitment professionals from schools across the country.
The survey is administered at no cost to all post-secondary schools who wish to participate. Read more about the criteria
About Victory Media
Based in Pittsburgh, Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects classrooms to careers for the nation’s next generation of professionals. Its data-driven ratings are published in G.I. Jobs magazine and featured in other national media.