Northwest listed as Military Friendly School

G.I. Jobs Magazine has named Northwest Missouri State University a 2013 Military Friendly School in recognition of its commitment to recruiting and assisting students who are either veterans or currently active as members of the U.S. armed forces.

The designation ranks Northwest among the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide in terms of delivering a quality educational experience to military students. A G.I. Jobs survey team reviewed more than 12,000 institutions nationwide in compiling the list.

"This is a great thing for Northwest Missouri State University, but maybe an even greater thing for the veterans who are choosing to attend Northwest," said Del Morley, Northwest’s director of financial assistance. "We hope this designation is an indication of the respect Northwest has for these men and women who are serving our country, and our commitment to help make their transition to college as easy and seamless as possible."

Survey findings were weighted to determine a final score based on four areas: certifications, programs and policies; financial commitment; success in recruiting military and veteran students; and academic accreditations.

G.I. Jobs cited Northwest for its range of degree and certification programs. In addition, the magazine noted that the university is U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-approved and awards academic credit through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).

The university also follows American Council on Education recommendations when granting credit for military experience.

Northwest has an advisor on staff who assists veterans with career placement as well as full-time veteran counselors. Military/veteran organizations on campus include a Student Veterans of America chapter and ROTC.

Mark Corson, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and a general in the U.S. Army Reserve, serves as advisor of Northwest's NVA group.

"We provide our military students a place where they can meet and interact with veterans from all services and eras, share stories and experiences, and get help and mentorship," Corson said. "The bottom line is when veterans come here, they are very welcome."

The complete G.I. Jobs listing is available at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com.