For the sixth consecutive year, Michigan State University has earned the highest ranking “Gold Status” from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in its annual ranking of veteran-friendly schools. The ranking recognizes higher education institutions for their dedication to student veterans and dependents using their GI Bill® and other educational benefits.

“The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is proud to recognize the 63 Veteran Friendly Schools for the 2021-2022 school year. These universities, colleges and schools demonstrate a focus on creating inclusive environments for our state’s veterans, service members and dependents,” stated Chris Taylor, education analyst with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “Michigan State University received a Gold Level Veteran Friendly School status, demonstrating the highest level of resolve as one of the statewide leaders in this charge. I’m excited to see how MSU continues to grow and evolve in veteran and military focused service and their commitment to these highly capable students.”

MSU participates in the Michigan Veteran Education Initiative and operates the Student Veterans Resource Center, within the Division of Student Affairs and Services, providing programs and services to support student veterans and their families at MSU. “We’re proud to be designated a Gold level school again this year.

MSU has been able to maintain Gold status since the inception of this program and it’s indicative of the high level of services provided across the entire campus for our military-connected students,” said Patrick Forystek, SVRC coordinator. “We have the infrastructure and the services at MSU to support veterans and their education while they are here at the University.”

MVAA uses seven criteria to determine the level of support provided to student veterans and military connected students on campus. A college must meet at least six of these seven criteria to earn Gold Status:

• An established process for the identification of current student veterans
• A veteran-specific website
• An active student-operated veterans club or association
• Veteran-specific career services resources, advising and/or outcome monitoring
• An on-campus veteran coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
• A system in place to evaluate and award credit based on prior military training and experience
• Monitoring and evaluation systems for student veteran academic retention, transfer and graduation rates

Forystek believes MVAA’s commitment to the Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools Program and its vetting of schools to help veterans who are considering continuing their education is incredibly important for this community. 

This article was originally published on the Student Affairs and Services website.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.