Every year on Memorial Day we pause to remember the men and women who died serving our country. At CSUSM we honor their legacy by recognizing and thanking current and former military personnel, and ensuring that we are doing our part to assist them on their educational journey to a degree and future career success.
I am proud that 11 percent of our student population self-identifies as a veteran, active-duty military personnel, or a dependent?the highest number per capita in the 23-campus California State University system. For this reason we have elevated showing gratitude to our active military members, veterans, and their spouses and children beyond a seasonal appreciation; our campus team works to reflect year-round appreciation for the sacrifices of military-affiliated members of our community.
With such a vibrant military presence in our region and a mission to serve our local area, our campus leaders are focused on making Cal State San Marcos an affordable and preferred option for everyone. Specifically for our veteran students, we aim to create a seamless transition from military to university life and success.
To that end we provide them with priority registration dates and offer spring enrollment (which is typically closed to the general population). We provide specific scholarships for students who have been or are currently serving in the military with a GPA of 3.0 or better. And we commit to their success by providing a range of services in the manner that best meets their needs and working with them to ensure they progress to graduation.
For example, our new Veteran's Center not only offers veteran students a place to gather with their peers, but is home to dedicated staff that offer support in achieving students' academic and career goals with services tailored to their unique needs. Our director of Veterans Services is dedicated to providing programs and serves for transitioning vets, and Center staff spends a great deal of time at local bases and community colleges specifically for veteran transfers. These efforts also extend to the spouses and dependents of our service men and women. Each has served time on behalf of their country?some on the front lines and others on the home front, but all have sacrificed for the greater good of the nation.
We are gratified that our efforts are being recognized nationally. Recently our campus was named the 20th best institution of higher education in the country for active duty service members, veterans and members of their families by Military Times. Our designation was the highest among institutions in our region and second highest in California. In fact we have been consistently ranked by several national military publications as one of the top 15 percent of schools nationally doing the most to welcome veterans and enhance their experience as students since 2010.
My father and all of my uncles were active-duty military from WWII to Korea.
This Memorial Day, and every day, my gratitude for the service of our military personnel and veterans is very personal. Their sacrifices allow us to do what we do. And their experiences enhance our learning environment and diversity.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary throughout 2015, we will continue to work to connect our military-affiliated students with campus resources and programs that will lead them to achieve their higher education dreams, elevating not only CSUSM but our region as well.
I am proud that 11 percent of our student population self-identifies as a veteran, active-duty military personnel, or a dependent?the highest number per capita in the 23-campus California State University system. For this reason we have elevated showing gratitude to our active military members, veterans, and their spouses and children beyond a seasonal appreciation; our campus team works to reflect year-round appreciation for the sacrifices of military-affiliated members of our community.
With such a vibrant military presence in our region and a mission to serve our local area, our campus leaders are focused on making Cal State San Marcos an affordable and preferred option for everyone. Specifically for our veteran students, we aim to create a seamless transition from military to university life and success.
To that end we provide them with priority registration dates and offer spring enrollment (which is typically closed to the general population). We provide specific scholarships for students who have been or are currently serving in the military with a GPA of 3.0 or better. And we commit to their success by providing a range of services in the manner that best meets their needs and working with them to ensure they progress to graduation.
For example, our new Veteran's Center not only offers veteran students a place to gather with their peers, but is home to dedicated staff that offer support in achieving students' academic and career goals with services tailored to their unique needs. Our director of Veterans Services is dedicated to providing programs and serves for transitioning vets, and Center staff spends a great deal of time at local bases and community colleges specifically for veteran transfers. These efforts also extend to the spouses and dependents of our service men and women. Each has served time on behalf of their country?some on the front lines and others on the home front, but all have sacrificed for the greater good of the nation.
We are gratified that our efforts are being recognized nationally. Recently our campus was named the 20th best institution of higher education in the country for active duty service members, veterans and members of their families by Military Times. Our designation was the highest among institutions in our region and second highest in California. In fact we have been consistently ranked by several national military publications as one of the top 15 percent of schools nationally doing the most to welcome veterans and enhance their experience as students since 2010.
My father and all of my uncles were active-duty military from WWII to Korea.
This Memorial Day, and every day, my gratitude for the service of our military personnel and veterans is very personal. Their sacrifices allow us to do what we do. And their experiences enhance our learning environment and diversity.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary throughout 2015, we will continue to work to connect our military-affiliated students with campus resources and programs that will lead them to achieve their higher education dreams, elevating not only CSUSM but our region as well.