Earning a Military Friendly® designation isn’t just about offering benefits. It’s about building a robust ecosystem of support that ensures military-connected students don’t just enroll, but thrive. Our recent Military Friendly® Schools survey highlights a critical truth: dedicated personnel are the bedrock of exceptional veteran student success.
While many institutions are committed to serving those who’ve served, the how often comes down to the boots on the ground. These are the individuals committed to guiding our veterans through their academic journey. Let’s break down some key findings that illustrate this commitment:
The Cornerstone: Your Military Certifying Official (MCO)
Our survey revealed that a remarkable 75% of Military Friendly® schools have a full-time Veteran or Military Certifying Official (MCO). This isn’t just a part-time duty tacked onto an admissions role; it’s a specialized position.
While some schools do consolidate roles, the data consistently shows that institutions with higher outcomes for veteran students are those with a dedicated MCO. This individual isn’t just processing paperwork. They are becoming the subject matter expert in navigating complex benefits, understanding the nuances of military service, and helping students overcome the challenges that can arise in maintaining those benefits. Their expertise means fewer headaches and more seamless transitions for our veterans.
The Navigator: Your Military Program Manager
Beyond certifications, guiding a military-connected student often requires a broader perspective, someone focused on the holistic program experience. We found that 62% of Military Friendly® schools have a separate, full-time Military Program Manager.
Think of this person as the central point of contact, the architect of the military student experience. They often oversee support services, community building initiatives, and ensure that the various departments within the institution are working in concert to serve this unique population. This dedicated manager is instrumental in creating the supportive environment that allows military students to focus on their studies and future.
The Welcoming Face: Your Dedicated Admissions Advisor
The journey begins long before a student sets foot on campus or logs into their first online class. It starts with recruitment and admissions. Our survey showed that 58% of Military Friendly® schools boast a dedicated admissions advisor specifically for military-connected students.
This isn’t just any admissions counselor. This advisor understands military transcripts, can speak to the unique concerns of veterans and their families, and helps translate military experience into academic potential. They are the first point of personalized contact, ensuring that the onboarding process is as smooth and understanding as possible.
Dedicated Support Leads to Student Success
What these statistics tell us is that intentionality matters. When an institution dedicates specific roles to supporting military students, from their initial inquiry through their academic career and beyond, they are investing in success. These three separate roles within an institution, all set to support the military student as they onboard and continue through their academic journey, are not just checkboxes, but active commitments that translate into tangible benefits for our nation’s heroes.
If your institution is striving to genuinely serve military-connected students, consider the power of dedicated roles. They’re not just about compliance, they’re about creating an environment where veterans can thrive.
Want to become the destination for military learners? The journey from service to student is full of challenges. Stand out by proving your commitment to their success. Let’s discuss how a Military Friendly® membership can help you reach, support, and retain the military community. [Connect With Our Team]
