GVSU receives gold status for support of veterans

Grand Valley State University has received gold status from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for its commitment to supporting student veterans. 

In its first year, MVAA's Veteran-Friendly School program recognizes institutions of higher learning for their dedication to student veterans and dependents using G.I. Bill and other education benefits. Schools can receive bronze, silver or gold status. 

Criteria to become a gold-status institution includes having an on-campus veteran's coordinator or center, a website, student organization, process to identify current student veterans, and a process to monitor and evaluate academic retention, completion, graduation rate and job placements. 

Steven Lipnicki, assistant dean of students, said receiving the highest of three possible rankings demonstrates Grand Valley’s dedication to going above and beyond to helping veterans and service members succeed. 

Grand Valley joins 17 Michigan schools as a gold-status institution. 

Grand Valley provides support and resources for service members and veterans, including in-state tuition for veterans and active military members who are stationed in Michigan. The university is a member of the Consortium of Michigan Veteran Educators, a statewide network of institutions that works to support military members and veterans and ensure access to resources that can lead to employment. Grand Valley is also part of the “8 Keys to Veterans’ Success” initiative through the U.S. Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs.