UNI recognized for supporting veterans
The University of Northern Iowa’s commitment to veterans and Military-affiliated students is evident all year round. Earlier this year, UNI earned the Military Friendly designation for the fourth year in a row and, more recently, was named to the 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings by the Military Times.
“That first year of transitioning from active duty to civilian status is the highest suicide rate among veterans,” said Henry Korf, Military & Veteran Student Services coordinator. “So being able to transition to an institution that’s Military Friendly, that’s here to support you, where you can walk into my office and we can provide mental health services if you need them or connect you with the VA — that’s vital. We can do so many things from this office to support the success of veteran and military-affiliated students here on campus.”
The University of Northern Iowa has supported veterans, active service members and their families in numerous ways. One crucial component to this support was developing a policy to follow the American Council on Education’s military guidelines. These guidelines allow service members to earn college-level credits for courses and experiences they have taken in their branch of service, saving them time and money while earning their degrees and allowing them to re-enter the workforce faster. UNI offers four-year degrees to all qualified military and veteran learners at the cost of in-state tuition. Numerous scholarships are also available for active military and veteran learners as well as their spouses.
The culture of military friendliness is enhanced through hosting special orientations for military transferring and inbound students as well as holding a graduation celebration at the end of each semester for military and veteran learners. Military-affiliated learners are always recognized at Commencement.
The University of Northern Iowa also shows its support for military-affiliated learners by hosting events such as the PTSD Awareness Conference, which educates on post-traumatic stress disorder and provides helpful resources. Additionally, Military & Veteran Student Services also provides Green Zone Training, which seeks to inform faculty and staff on the experience of military-affiliated learners and how to support the success of these students.