Mae 12 3 final

Education and Career Transition Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans

SPECIAL SECTION: Credit for Military Experience

Hildegard Buan www.MAE-kmi.com

Chief Air Force Voluntary Education

May/June 2017 Volume 12, Issue 3 Double Issue

TRANSITION TRENDS • •

VA ACME O LSP Marines Program Military Spouses: Good For Business

Walgreens: Supporting Mental Health Degrees/Careers in Criminal Justice

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEBANON JCT., KY PERMIT # 805

Undergraduate Degrees Undergraduate Degrees * Degrees offered at Military * Degrees Preferred offered $250atper Military creditPreferred hour for $250 active-duty per credit military: hour for active-duty military: * Accounting - BS

* Accounting - BS

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* Adult Education - BS * Adult Education - BS * Graphic Design - BA * Graphic Design - BA

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Banking Operations Management Banking Operations - BS Management - BS Health Communication -Health BA Communication*- Nonprofit BA Manageme * Behavioral Science - BS* Behavioral Science - BS Health Science - BS Biology - BS

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Healthcare Management Healthcare - BS withManagement - BS Professional Psycholog We’re here to help your transition.

* Information Technology* -Information BS Technology -Project BS Management International Business Administration International -Business BS Administration BS * Psychology --BA

* Business Administration* -Business BS Administration*-International BS Security and * International IntelligenceSecurity and Intelligence- BS * Psychology Studies - BS- BS Studies - BS * Business Analysis and Management * Business Analysis - BS and Management * Security Management

* International IntelligenceSecurity and Intelligence * Business Analytics - BS * Business Analytics - BS * International Security and * Software Developmen Studies - BAS Studies - BAS Child Protection and Juvenile ChildJustice Protection - BSand Juvenile Justice - BS Sport Management - B * Investigations - BS * Investigations - BS Communication Studies Communication - BAS Studies - BAS Supply Chain and Log * IT Operations Management * IT Operations - BS Management - BS Managment - BS Communication Studies Communication - BA Studies - BA * Leadership - BS * Leadership - BS Supply Chain, Transpo Computer Information Systems Computer - BAS Information Systems - BAS * Legal Studies - BS * Legal Studies - BS Logistics Managemen Computer Information Systems Computer - BS Systems - BS When you’re preparing to transition, there isInformation a lot to consider.

Whether you’re weeks, months, Liberal Studies - BA Liberal Studies - BA * Sustainability Manage Transitioning withJustice your degree hand helps you-show or years away from transitioning, today is the * Criminal - BS in * Criminal Justice BS what * Managementbest - BS time*to Management - BS University Systems you know and leverage your military education and training. enroll in Bellevue to and Network Cybersecurity BS Cybersecurity BS We’re here to support you every step of the way. your career-relevant degree. * Management ofcomplete Information * Management Systems - of BSInformation - BS - B * WebSystems Technologies Digital Marketing - BS Digital Marketing - BS • Learn 100% ONLINE on our award-winning platform, accessible from most anywhere in the world.

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• One-third of our faculty and staffinare veterans, so when you enroll, you’ll be supported by people who understand Since one third of Bellevue SinceUniversity’s one third offaculty Bellevue andUniversity’s staff are veterans faculty themselves, and staff areyou’ll veterans be surrounded themselves,by you’ll people be s exactly what you’re going through.

successful transitions of successful their own, transitions and will be of there their own, to guide and you will be through there yours. to guide Prepare you through to transition yours.toPrepare your suc to information today. today.

• WeRequest accept your associate’sRequest degree ininformation full and give you credit for your military training, so you start with more credit. This means you save time and money because you don’t repeat courses you’ve already taken.

bellevue.edu bellevue.edu | 800-756-7920 bellevue.edu | 800-756-7920

Special Military Preferred pricing reserved for you.

NOW $250 per credit hour!*

The National Security Agency and the Department The National of Homeland Security Age Se Bellevue University as a National Center of Bellevue Academic University Excellence as a Na in Cybersecurity. This designation covers academic Cybersecurity. years 2014 This designa throug

A non-profit university, Bellevue University A is non-profit accredited university,

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Road South, Bellevue Bellevue, University, Nebraska 100068005.

Galvin10433-0 Road S *Active duty members of the United Statesreligion, Military, National Guard, Coast Guardreligion, who declare a qualifying undergraduate major available atoperates. the MilitaryBellevue Preferred pricing are eligible forGalvin a tuition rate of $250.00 per credit hour for all courses in their undergraduate degrees. A non-profit university, Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission through the U.S. Department of Education. • hlcommission.org • 800-621-7440.

Bellevue University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability in the educational programs and activities it operates.

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MILITARY ADVANCED EDUCATION & TRANSITION

Cover / Q&A

Features

CORPORATE CONNECTION:IN SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and drugstore chain Walgreens are working together to improve mental health care for veterans, focusing on treatment, veteran suicide prevention and opioid overdose education.

17

MARINES TO SCHOLARS An interview with Deborah Marconda, the program manager of the Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) in USMC. LSP was formed to provide qualified Marine applicants with assistance in the university admission process.

Departments 2 EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE 3 PROGRAM NOTES 12 CLASS NOTES 25 CCME GRAPEVINE 26 MONEY TALKS 27 RESOURCE CENTER

SPECIAL SECTION

MAE&T Supplement

TRANSITION TRENDS

6

May/June 2017 Volume 12, Issue 3

7

20

CAREERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE: A NATURAL PROGRESSION

BE SMART ABOUT SCHOOL Military experience is valuable.

Validating a service member’s occupational experience and formal military training results in American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations. However, this is a complex process, so the director of military programs at ACE is here to break it down for you.

BY MICHELE SPIRES

A career in criminal justice might seem like a perfect fit for a transitioning servicemember or veteran. But if you wish to be a leader or manager in the field, advanced education is a must. MAE&T profiles institutions that can provide the necessary schooling to advance in criminal justice careers.

24

MILITARY SPOUSES: AMERICA’S SECRET WEAPON The traditional concepts of the workplace are constantly being redefined these days, and that should result in more opportunities for military spouses in the world of work.

Businesses would be smart to consider these dedicated, flexible, and creative people.

BY CHAD STORLIE

14 HILDEGARD BUAN

Chief Air Force Voluntary Education

22

KEEPING WITH THE TIMES The state of play of military education is evolving for the Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education, which supports the education, training, and professional development of the military community in Virginia.

The organization recently celebrated 10 years of service.

BY MICHAEL CAMDEN

University Corner

28

DR. GEORGE A. PRUITT

President Thomas Edison State University

“It is the counseling and advising that goes on every day at the base education centers that help Airmen make the informed choices and thereby putting them on the path to success.”

-Hildegard Buan

The leading higher education resource for our nation’s servicemembers Targeted circulation reaches education services officers and content focuses on current trends in higher education and highlights pressing issues for military students.

Military Advanced Education & Transition Volume 12, Issue 3 • May/June 2017

Education and Career Transition Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans Editorial Editor-in-Chief Kelly G. Fodel kellyf@kmimediagroup.com Correspondents J.B. Bissell • Kasey Chisholm • Catherine Day Jaime Fettrow-Alderfer • Nora McGann Holly Christy

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EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Wells Fargo & Company announced it has launched its ApprenticeshipUSA program for veterans. A Department of Labor program, ApprenticeshipUSA offers companies the tools needed to develop a highly skilled workforce and provides veterans the opportunity to earn a salary while learning additional skills necessary to succeed in high-demand civilian careers. In addition to ApprenticeshipUSA, Wells Fargo offers other veteran career transition initiatives, including the Veteran Employment Kelly G. Fodel Transition (VET) Internship Program, American Corporate EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Partners mentorships, and scholarships and emergency grants through Scholarship America.

“Our commitment to hiring veterans remains a top priority for Wells Fargo,” said Carly Sanchez, EVP, head of Talent Acquisition Strategy & Delivery at Wells Fargo. “The ApprenticeshipUSA program is an excellent resource for us to attract and retain eligible veterans who have strong leadership competencies and other skills, but may not have strong financial industry knowledge.”

ApprenticeshipUSA allows eligible veterans to use their GI Bill education benefits to receive a tax-free monthly payment. The Post-9/11 GI Bill payment is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an enlisted rank five (E-5) with dependents (varies by employer location). It is paid by the government in addition to the wages earned as an apprentice and veterans receive a payment for every month of their apprenticeship. After six months of a veteran’s apprenticeship, the payment is gradually reduced – and is offset by progressive wage increases.

The ApprenticeshipUSA Program will be piloted in the company’s Community Bank, Consumer Lending, and Payments, Virtual Solutions and Innovation divisions. For more information about the pilot and where to apply, please visit: www.wellsfargojobs.com/military Wells Fargo launched its VET Internship Program focused on supporting and training transitioning veterans for opportunities within the financial industry. In 2016, Wells Fargo Securities, the company’s investment banking and capital markets division, led the pilot program of eight participants with such success that the program has expanded to multiple divisions of the bank.

Wells Fargo showed remarkable success in expansion efforts, hiring a class of 44 in 2017. The website myfuture.wf.com/veteran offers more information on the 2018 program.

In 2016, Wells Fargo committed $2 million over a four-year period to Scholarship America to fund scholarships and emergency grants for veterans and their families to successfully integrate into civilian life. To date, Wells Fargo and Scholarship America have awarded 22 scholarships and 25 emergency grants to support education and vocational training for veterans and the spouses of disabled veterans.

American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a national nonprofit focused on assisting returning veterans in building their next careers through one-on-one mentorship and professional networking opportunities. ACP mentors and veteran protégés meet virtually or in-person for approximately one hour per month over the course of one year to discuss career development topics such as résumé review, interview preparation and career advancement. Since 2012, Wells Fargo team members nationwide have mentored 300 ACP veterans. More information is available at ACP’s website, www.acp-usa.org.

PROGRAM NOTES New App for Vol Ed Students Need help with all your education needs? There’s an app for that! Voluntary education is now available on mobile devices. The new MyVolEdPath mobile app is a tool aimed at increasing servicemember awareness of and access to voluntary education programs and benefits. The MyVolEdPath mobile app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and through Google Play. Access to download the app is also available through www.MyVolEdPath.com The new app serves as a discovery tool to help military students begin to build personal pathways to their individual education and career goals. It serves as another resource to demonstrate the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education program’s commitment to ensuring servicemembers are properly informed of the array of educational opportunities available to them.

The MyVolEdPath mobile app isn’t just for students. It also is useful for education counselors and school representatives, to assist students in navigating the vast amount of available information. Counselors and school representatives can encourage students to use the app to aid in making informed decisions on the right programs and benefits that will help them prepare and be ready to succeed while pursuing post-secondary education. The app can be used to begin the process of clearly defining education goals and connecting to those resources that will be the most beneficial throughout a member’s education journey.

A key feature of the mobile app is the discovery tool designed to quickly assess and generate recommended programs. Students can “Create a New VolEd Path” by answering a few short questions about their career and education goals. Based on their responses, app users are presented with program cards that introduce them to programs that can help them reach their goals. Once those selections are made, the user is taken to their pathway.

The “My Pathway” section of the app provides the user with a customized checklist to support the pursuit of their education goals. Students are presented with a snapshot of their discovery tool selections to remind them of the options they chose. Because students can create multiple pathways, this reminder allows them to be clear on the pathway that corresponds to a particular goal (for example: military advancement, officer accession, college degree, etc.). Next, the user is presented with the option to “Find a Counselor” and explore “Recommended Programs.” The programs included on the “Recommended Program” list will include those voluntary education programs that best correspond to their current education level and future education goal. As the user selects a program, they are taken to an overview of how the program may help them prepare for college and career advancement, find support as they pursue schooling, and save time and money while completing degree requirements. To find more detailed program information, users can select “Learn More.” For those who may be ready to get started with using a program, they can select “Try Now” to instantly connect and register for a program. Students are also able to share their recommended pathways directly with their education counselor through email or social media.

Credit: DANTES Information Bulletin

www.MAE-kmi.com

Compiled by KMI Media Group staff

Backing Away from GI Bill “Tax” The House Veterans Affairs Committee postponed a planned hearing on potential updates to the GI Bill, amid growing opposition to a proposal that would require new servicemembers to pay into the GI Bill for future benefits. That proposal would institute a monthly reduction in pay for troops as a means of offsetting the cost of expanding G.I. Bill eligibility and longevity for future veterans.

The proposal being considered would put in place a $100 per month “reduction in pay” for both active duty and Guard/Reserve members to cover the $3 billion cost of this package over ten years.

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-MN) alongside Democratic members of the Committee released the following statement regarding that proposal: “We are well aware of the difficulties of getting by on a servicemember’s salary. That’s why we are so concerned about asking our troops, who already sacrifice more than enough, to bear any additional burden in exchange for the benefits they deserve. While $100.00 a month might not seem like a lot to a member of Congress, it certainly does when you’re a Private taking home less than $1,500 per month.

“With U.S. military operations expanding around the world, asking our troops to pay for their own benefits while we are still engaged in conflict sends the wrong signal and is the wrong thing to do. When a servicemember raises their right hand, they promise to serve and protect the United States no matter what, and in return we promise to give them a free higher education in exchange for their service.

“We commend Chairman Roe for postponing the legislative hearing where this legislation was scheduled to be debated. There are important decisions to be made as we work together to update and improve the GI Bill to best serve America’s future heroes. However, with American men and women in uniform stationed and engaged around the world, we should be having a robust debate in Congress about how we can best honor their sacrifice, not asking them to sacrifice more.”

Many veterans’ groups, including the VFW, strongly criticized the proposal, calling it a tax on servicemembers. “While American forces are still actively fighting in the war on terrorism, Congress wants to claw back this critical educational benefit and charge veterans twice as much to access their GI Bill benefits,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “We are still a nation at war. We have troops actively engaged in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and now in Syria. The war on terrorism is not over! Congress’ focus should be on defeating our enemies and ending the war, not cutting the benefits of those who are fighting it.”

The VFW press release claimed that, with impending changes to TRICARE and retirement benefits, this proposed “tax” on troops would force those who join the military beginning Jan. 1, 2018, to choose between health care, retirement and education benefits.

“This new tax on troops is absurd,” Duffy continued. “Ensuring veterans are able to successfully transition back to civilian life after military service is a cost of war; and not a fee that Congress can just pass along to our troops. Congress must stop nickeling-and-diming America’s servicemembers and veterans!”

MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 3

PROGRAM NOTES

Compiled by KMI Media Group staff

SVA Seeking Proposals for 2018 NatCon Student Veterans of America will hold its 10th Annual National Conference January 4 – 6, 2018 in San Antonio, TX at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The conference will bring together student veterans, alumni, higher education personnel, researchers, stakeholders and policymakers from around the country to share information and network.

The program committee is now accepting proposals centered around the conference theme: Defining Our Future. The overall program will result in attendees increasing their leadership skills and professional competence, help attendees proactively address barriers on their campus and with their chapters, and provide attendees with an opportunity for diverse discussions and networking.

The committee invites individuals or groups to share their expertise, share research, or lead a discussion in the following tracks: • Career Readiness: Fostering student veteran success beyond college, such as topics related to employment, career building, networking, and professional development.

• Chapter Management: Best practices for running a student veteran club/ chapter on your campus.

• Higher Education: Information to help higher education community members (administrators, staff, faculty, and chapter advisors) provide better supports for student veterans on their campuses.

• Research: Empirical data presented and/or discussed related to student veterans and their families.

• Student Success: A holistic approach towards helping student veterans achieve success inside and outside the classroom.

The following session formats will be accepted for this year’s conference:

• Workshops: Sessions involving the audience in some type of participatory activity, which results in audience members developing or learning new skills or procedures. Well suited for hands-on demonstrations, role-play, or professional development (e.g. resume development, interview skills, scholarship applications, etc.).

• Papers: Individual presentation lasting 15-20 minutes that focuses on a specific topic or subject which can be grouped together with other papers to create a session around an overall theme or unifying topic.

Submission Requirements

• Panels: Speakers will present different aspects, perspectives or thoughts on a particular topic, problem, or question.

Each speaker will have an opportunity to present their information and when all the speakers are finished, there is typically time for audience participation, questions, and comments.

• Presentation: An educational, lecture-style presentation where new information or best practices is shared with the audience and time is reserved at the end for audience participation, questions, and comments.

1. Proposal Title ( < 15 words) 2. Presenter(s) Names and Affiliations 3. Presenter(s) Bio ( < 150 words per presenter) 4. Proposal Submission (1,000 – 1,500 words) 5. Proposal Description for Program ( < 150 words) The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 23, 2017. Visit http://studentveterans. org to submit your proposals!

Troops to Teachers Grant Program for Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced $400,000 in federal funds that will provide support to veterans transitioning from military service to careers in education. The Troops to Teachers grant program, managed by the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES), will create a robust network of teacher preparation programs around the commonwealth supporting veterans as they earn their teaching certifications.

“It is critical to ensure Pennsylvania’s veterans have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling new careers and that systems are in place to support them as they transition,” said Governor Wolf. “Additionally, by assisting veterans in their journey to become educators while partnering with high-need schools, the Troops to Teachers program will benefit not only our veterans, but also our schools, classrooms, and students.”

The Troops to Teachers grant program, in partnership with highpoverty and/or high-minority schools across the state, will enable

4 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

veterans to gain critical skills and experience in the classroom, and help them with everything from navigating the certification process to securing a job in the field. The program will also provide targeted, intensive support during grantees’ first year by pairing them with teacher mentors and a Pennsylvania Department of Education certification staff point of contact. Under the program, certification costs will also be discounted, and application processing will be expedited.

“This federal grant funding will provide Pennsylvania’s veterans with the tools they need to move from the military to the classroom, and will allow us to place more high-quality educators in schools,” said Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera. “It’s a comprehensive program that will offer preparation, support, and special consideration to these deserving, skilled individuals.”

For more information about Pennsylvania’s education policies and programs, visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.pa.gov.

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TRANSITION TRENDS

CORPORATE CONNECTION

Military Advanced Education & Transition

Celebrating a collaborative agreement of their three organizations to help improve mental health care for Veterans are, from left, Brian Duffy, Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.; Dr. Chet Robson, Medical Director, Clinical Programs and Quality, Walgreens; and Dr. Caitlin Thompson, Executive Director, Office of Suicide Prevention, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The three announced the initiative at a national meeting of VFW officers Saturday, May 6, in Kansas City, Missouri.

(Photo: Business Wire)

Walgreens to Collaborate with VA and VFW to Enhance Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Resources The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) and drugstore chain Walgreens announced a collaborative agreement in May, which will help improve mental health care for veterans through enhanced education, access to resources and outreach.

VA, VFW and Walgreens will work together to reach veterans in communities across the country with targeted initiatives to address mental health awareness and treatment, veteran suicide prevention and opioid overdose education.

“Our work is driven by our commitment to encourage veterans to get the care and services they need and integrate mental health care as part of their overall wellness and healthy lifestyle,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “Joining forces with VFW and Walgreens provides VA an opportunity to further expand our reach and connect with veterans, their families and the community to raise mental health awareness.”

As part of the collaboration, VA, VFW and Walgreens will: • Educate VFW members to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions, as well as encourage seeking help through VA. The outreach effort includes Walgreens and VA programming at several upcoming state VFW meetings.

• Jointly promote and coordinate with VA’s Make the Connection campaign with the goal of 6 | MAE&T May/June 12.3 | Transition Trends

helping to fundamentally change how people think and talk about mental health. Through veterans’ own stories of treatment and recovery, Make the Connection shows the many benefits of opening up about mental health concerns and making mental health awareness and treatment part of a healthy lifestyle.

• Share patient education materials to help build awareness of both Walgreens and VA initiatives to prevent opioid overdose through education, proper disposal of unused medication and access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that is an antidote to opioids that can prevent fatal opioid overdose.

• Explore training programs and opportunities for Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners, to enhance providers’ ability to recognize veteran-specific needs, and to better understand the military culture, which may influence veterans’ willingness to seek help.

“We know that the rate of suicide is increasing for all Americans, but the rate of increase is much slower for veterans who receive VA care,” said Dr. Poonam Alaigh, Acting VA Under Secretary for Health.

“With this in mind, we need to cast a wider net and meet veterans where they live to better engage them in care.”

“The mental well-being of America’s veterans is of the utmost importance to the VFW,” said VFW

National Commander Brian Duffy. “By working with several organizations including Walgreens and VA, we’re able to positively impact a great number of veterans, and help to change the narrative associated with mental wellness.”

“We’re proud of the collaborations we’ve developed to provide greater access to pharmacy and health-care services for current and former members of the armed services, including retirees and their families,” said Brad Fluegel, Walgreens Chief Healthcare Commercial Market Development Officer. “We look forward to working closely with VA and VFW to help heighten mental-health awareness and hope to improve the health and well-being of more veterans by connecting them with VA, VFW and other resources that can help.”

VA is a leader in educating patients about the risks of opioids, including opioid medications and dispensing naloxone to interested patients. To date, VA has issued naloxone to more than 60,000 Veterans to prevent overdose. Separately, other pharmacies, including Walgreens, have installed safe, medicationdisposal kiosks and made naloxone available without requiring a prescription. O For more information about VA mental health services, visit http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov. Information about VFW may be found at www.vfw.org. More information about Walgreens may be found at www. walgreens.com. www.MAE-kmi.com

TRANSITION TRENDS

Civilian careers in criminal justice are a perfect fit for some servicemembers, who are looking to continue serving in their post-military lives.

When you hear “criminal justice,” your mind automatically thinks “police officer.” And while uniformed police are a large and crucial component of the criminal justice system, there are numerous other roles to play. Finding a place in the criminal justice system often appeals to prior military personnel because there can be a lot of carry-over from one career to the next. Find out how these schools are preparing military students for a career in criminal justice.

Dr. Chuck Russo Program Director Criminal Justice American Military University

Since our founding in 1991 by a Marine Corps Officer, American Military University has been on a mission to educate those who serve. The Criminal Justice program at AMU provides several degree and certificate offerings for servicemembers seeking advancement in their careers as well as in transitioning to a civilian profession.

Many are drawn to the field for its similar sense of comradery, brotherhood and mission, and feel it makes the separation from the military easier. Today, our program is focused on not just meeting, but exceeding, the needs of servicemembers seeking to broaden their knowledge and pursue their educational goals.

Our undergraduate programs each provide foundational skills required of industry professionals. The BA caters to those currently in the field, or can help prepare individuals for a new career as a criminologist, agent, or investigator in federal, state or local law enforcement,

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judicial, and other organizations. The BS is suited for those seeking careers in complex criminal justice occupations within public safety organizations, while our MA program serves those individuals seeking leadership positions in the field. Multiple certificate programs also enable servicemembers to gain specialized knowledge in specific content areas. More than 65,000 of our students have a military or militaryaffiliated background, and a significant percentage have historically selected the Criminal Justice program as their preferred field of study.

AMU’s BA program is also available via our new Momentum competency-based program, a faster, more personalized way to complete a bachelor’s degree which enables students to build upon knowledge and skills they have learned in their career. Utilizing Momentum, students focus on learning at their own pace, working with faculty mentors

and subject matter experts to demonstrate mastery of competencies without having to wait for a new term to begin. To participate in the program, servicemembers should have an AS/AA degree, experience in the subject area, be seeking a personalized plan of study and be self-motivated.

More information can be found at www.amu.apus.edu/ lp2/criminal-justice.

Transition Trends | MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 7

DEGREES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Dr. Michael Verro

Senior Program Director Criminal Justice and Homeland Security/Emergency Management Excelsior College

The opportunity for military personnel to use training which has been approved as college-level credit toward a degree program has helped make higher education a reality for countless servicemembers and veterans. But did you know that veterans who go on to careers in criminal justice are also well-positioned to get a jump start on their degree?

Excelsior College applied for and was awarded a $2 million federal grant to assess law enforcement and corrections training for college credit. The goals of the grant were threefold: • Enhance the ability of law enforcement and corrections professionals to obtain college degrees • Establish a process/program to evaluate criminal justice training academies and agencies across the country for academic credit • Provide each evaluated training academy and agency with a report that includes a degree plan for students Because of that grant, Excelsior College created the Criminal Justice Training Assessment (CJTA) program, which assesses—based upon the American

Council on Education training standards—a variety of law enforcement and corrections training programs. Excelsior has assessed more than 50 training academies for police and corrections officers in more than 30 states. In total, more than 2,000 individual credit recommendations have been made for programs deemed college-level equivalents based on academic rigor, learning outcomes, assessments, classroom hours, and other factors. While this credit is transferrable toward an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Excelsior, it is also portable. More information on the Criminal Justice Training Assessment and how to use your credit recommendations can be found at excelsior.edu/directoryof-cjta-credit-recommendations.

Recently, the Center for Educational Measurement at Excelsior College and Cengage, an education and technology company, launched a brand new personalized, portable, and mobile educational product for people interested in pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Designed by a team of experts in military education,

adult learning and criminal justice, the CourXam (pronounced korzam) allows students to learn when they want and how they want—on their laptop, their tablet, and even their phone. CourXams include all the learning materials used in college courses, but are designed for independent, adult learners who don’t have the time or the inclination to attend regular classes. The first five CourXams are in criminal justice, and can be used toward earning a degree in criminal justice at Excelsior College. To learn more about CourXams, visit explore.excelsior. edu/criminal-justice-courxam.html.

For many active military and veterans, higher education is an essential step toward the transition back into civilian life. Whether by personal choice or necessity to earn a living, many choose to enter the workforce, often in the fields of law enforcement, homeland security, or emergency management upon discharge from the service. It is important that these individuals are also provided a pathway to use their training and expertise toward an advanced degree, should they choose to return to school.

Jeffrey P. Rush, D.P.A. Chairman Division of Criminal Justice Troy University

Troy University was established in 1887 in Troy, AlabamA. In the 1950s Troy University (formally Troy State University), expanded its degree offerings through the Military Extension program, starting first at Fort Rucker and Maxwell

8 | MAE&T May/June 12.3 | Transition Trends

Air Force Bases. In the 1970s, Florida and Georgia opened sites on various military bases (Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, Pensacola NAS, Whiting Field NS, Tyndall AFB, Ft. Benning and Ft. Gordon, to name just a few).

The Criminal Justice program at Troy University has grown to offer face-to-face and online courses. The program is staffed with full time faculty who bring their experience and academic background to their jobs. They can translate theory into

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TRANSITION TRENDS

practice and practice into theory. TROY faculty pride themselves in providing quality education, as well as personalized advising for our students. Student care is a top priority and assisting those making the transition into a degree program and into the civilian work environment.

The undergraduate Criminal Justice program consists of a 36-hour major, including core courses. Military personnel can transfer military experience for course credits, giving them an advantage.

There are also concentrations that a student may select and combine with various minors in other degree programs.

The criminal justice degree focuses on Constitutional and Criminal Law, Criminology, Corrections, and Law Enforcement. Elective courses can help a student focus in the areas of Homeland Security,

Juvenile Justice, Fire/Science Emergency Management, Digital Forensics or can be tailored to a student’s interests.

The graduate program has a 36-hour thesis and 30-hour non-thesis option and includes a concentration in Security Studies.

A degree in Criminal Justice is a natural bridge to civilian culture and an extension of military experience. Military training is excellent preparation for a job in the criminal justice profession.

Because the military defends the rights of the United States, civilian first responders defend the rights of the individuals.

Learning military procedures provides a foundation for criminal procedures and is a natural fit.

Many current and former members of the military have found criminal justice

to be a rewarding career choice and a solid extension to their military service.

Others have found the transition to civilian life in criminal justice a natural transition, as well as productive and fulfilling.

Because Troy University has a long history of partnering with the military, veterans and those who are active duty, we understand the needs of military personnel who are wanting to further their education and plan for their future.

TROY’s rich history in partnering with our armed forces spans over 60 years, at home and abroad, and TROY remains committed to our military personnel who want to further their educational excellence. We at TROY are here to work with you and help make your future educational goals a reality. Learn more at www.troy.edu.

Reeves J., Student Psychology. Mom. Army.

Advance your career with exclusive benefits toward graduate and undergraduate programs. TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active military, Reservists and National Guard. Also, your spouse and dependents receive up to 50% in tuition savings. TROY is committed to keeping higher education affordable. That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University.

U P TO 50% T U I T I O N

SC H O LARS H I P FO R M I LITARY AN D FAM I LY WARRI O RS

Feel it at troy.edu/militaryspirit or call 1-800-586-9771.

© 2017 Troy University

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Transition Trends | MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 9

TRANSITION TRENDS

Jonathan E. Cella

Chair Protective Services Department Central Texas College

Central Texas College offers two Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Protective Services, including one in Criminal Justice and in Corrections. Additionally, we offer a Certificate of Completions in Criminal Justice, Corrections Specialization and Fire Protection. Classes are taught in the traditional face-to-face setting not only at our central campus in Killeen, Texas, but at many of our sites on military installations as well as online.

Locally, we also offer a full-time Police Academy and an Extended Basic Peace Officer Academy in our local areA. Students learn from instructors who have worked or are working in the field of law enforcement.

Our online classes start monthly, and are offered in several formats that provide military students the kind of flexibility they need. At our central campus, we have a variety of veteran resources including a Vet Success Center on campus, a chapter of the Student Veteran Association and a dedicated advocate for our wounded warriors. At CTC we know and understand military students and strive to give them the best educational opportunity possible.

Our programs are unique in that we have students and instructors all over

the world and online. This allows us to maintain curriculum and quality consistency while serving many active duty military personnel and allowing them to complete their degree despite moves and deployments. We are also well known for our criminal justice instruction, and have agreement with many four-year institutions that facilitate credit transfer.

Our instruction in Criminal Justice is grounded in theory but supplemented by the real-life experience of our instructors and by hands-on instruction whenever appropriate. This is never more obvious than in our course, Criminal Investigation, in which students perform a mock crime scene investigation. They must protect the crime scene, take notes, makes sketches and take photographs as well as interview witnesses and write an investigative report and defend it in mock court.

Criminal Justice is an attractive option for servicemembers transitioning from the military. Many of our active duty and veteran students are military police who will also receive some evaluated credit for their military training and experience.

Depending on the program, students can fill varied roles in the criminal justice system (police, courts, and correc-

tions) and be well-prepared. Even when a college degree is not a requirement for employment those students that have a college degree will be better prepared, have more opportunity for advancement, and, in many cases, receive higher pay than others in the same job. Our criminal justice degrees provide the student with the foundation and basics of the job before they are even hired.

With the police academy, the career prospects are high for those who obtain their peace officer license. Certified officers with their TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) peace officer license are needed all over the state of Texas. At least one time a week during the academy we have an agency recruiting team come by to actively recruit our non-sponsored students. Currently our placement rate upon graduation is 91 percent.

Learn more at www.ctcd.edu. Thanks to Barbara A. Merlo, Director of Marketing & Outreach; Patrick J. Boone, Director, Police Academy and Law Enforcement Training, Central Texas College; and Terry M. Cramer, Area Manager-Mediterranean & UK Region, Central Texas College Europe, for their contributions to this information.

Patrick Bradley

Program Chair Business and Management Department University of Maryland University College

“Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods? Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?

Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?

Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need. I need a hero. I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night. He’s

10 | MAE&T May/June 12.3 | Transition Trends

gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast and he’s gotta be fresh from the fight.”

These are the opening lyrics to the Bonnie Tyler’s hit song of the 70s, “I Need a Hero.” Add feminine pronouns and this anthem could be applied to nearly any recruitment announcement for a criminal

justice position in America today.

Criminal justice career positions abound across the country, from federal investigative agencies to police departments and sheriffs’ offices. We need heroes in our courtrooms as attorneys and counselors and advocates. Corrections need heroes to

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TRANSITION TRENDS

ensure that offenders return to the community prepared and willing to contribute to its wellbeing. In addition to the federal and local government criminal justice positions, there are counterpart career positions in business and industry for criminal justice professional; loss prevention agents, private security investigators, cyber and physical security specialists, to name a few.

Where will these heroes come from?

The U.S. military forces. There is an undeniable symmetry between the personal traits and attributes that characterize our military servicemen and women and the qualities of effective criminal justice professionals.

Common among these are a “call to service,” commitment to the welfare of others, attention to duty, and adherence to lawful direction. Military veterans are recruited and their applications are appreciated by criminal justice employers who know these men and women have already demonstrated

they have what it takes.

As it happens, qualifications for the entrance (A.k.A. uniformed) level for both governmental and private criminal justice agencies do not always include a requirement for a four-year college degree. However, for the career-minded servicemen and women, the operative level of criminal justice service is not the goal. Those who aspire to supervisory or administrative positions will soon find themselves facing a college degree requirement. For supervisors and managers, criminal justice employers look for the knowledge and skills attributed to the four-year college diplomA. Many federal investigative services require a bachelor’s degree for entrance level. Clearly, early preparation for this advancement is important.

How can we help? The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) undergraduate degree in criminal justice will

introduce and reinforce the knowledge and skills employers identify as essential; critical thinking, communications skills, technology literacy, ethics, etc. These classes build upon the foundations already present in our active military and military veterans. The Masters of Science on Management program with a Criminal Justice specialization at UMUC is the next step for the military serviceman or woman seeking leadership positions in criminal justice. Focused on mastery of competencies such as problem solving, decision-making, and direct application of essential administrative skills, this credential testified to the academic and practical achievements of the UMUC degree recipient. Learn more at www.umuc.edu. O For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.

MIGUEL ORTIZ Bachelor of General Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice University of Nebraska at Omaha

Today is the day I give myself the advantage.

4 campuses. 100+ online programs.

“My today started when I found a university that worked with my lifestyle as I served my country, and effectively prepared me to achieve my future goals.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offered me support while I earned my bachelor’s degree and balanced my military and family responsibilities.

Being in the military, quality and flexibility were important factors in selecting a degree program.

The Bachelor of General Studies program was great because it didn’t limit me to one area.

I was able to get a really diverse education that has prepared me as I now pursue my goals in law school. I consider my educational experience to be top-notch and am proud to have a degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.”

online.nebraska.edu

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Transition Trends | MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 11

CLASS NOTES Illinois State University Cybersecurity Program A gift of $3 million from State Farm will advance Illinois State University’s new cybersecurity program. The gift establishes an endowed chair position that will provide leadership for the newly-created major in cybersecurity in the School of Information Technology, as well as funding for program enhancements and renovation of existing space to strengthen the learning environment for students.

“Illinois State’s new cybersecurity program will focus on a topic of critical importance to society,” said Illinois State University President Larry Dietz. “This innovative new major is one additional way we can help our students succeed in a technology-driven world. We are thankful State Farm recognized the importance of this

program and chose to support us by funding learning space updates and a leadership position.”

The State Farm Chair in Cybersecurity will take the lead in overseeing curriculum, setting personal and team research agendas, securing grants, and maintaining the School’s designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Other responsibilities will include organizing and coordinating events such as the Central Illinois High School Cyber Defense Competition and collegiate cybersecurity competitions.

“State Farm and the State Farm Companies Foundation are pleased to provide this gift to help support the beginning of the cybersecurity program at Illinois State,” said Kellie Clapper, AVP

– Human Resources/Philanthropy. “We realize the growing need for talented students to meet the challenges of online security in the 21st century. We believe this program is a critical part of providing qualified professionals across all industries.”

Illinois State University is the first university in Illinois with a cybersecurity major. The major will be available to students in fall 2017 and includes courses focused on defensive security, offensive security, and a combination of security incident and event management with forensics.

To learn more about the cybersecurity major, visit IT.IllinoisState.edu. For information about ways to support innovative learning at Illinois State University, visit Giving.IllinoisState.edu.

Purdue to Acquire Kaplan University In April, Purdue University announced the creation of a new public university that will further expand access to higher education. The initiative is meant to address two striking new realities: the need for postsecondary education for working adults and others unsuited to traditional campus study, and the explosive growth of online technologies as a means of delivering education to students of all types.

“Nearly 150 years ago, Purdue proudly accepted the land-grant mission to expand higher education beyond the wealthy and the elites of society,” President Mitch Daniels said. “We cannot honor our land-grant mission in the 21st century without reaching out to the 36 million working adults, 750,000 of them in our state, who started but did not complete a college degree, and to the 56 million Americans with no college credit at all.

“None of us knows how fast or in what direction online higher education will evolve, but we know its role will grow, and we intend that Purdue be positioned to be a leader as that happens. A careful analysis made it clear that we are very ill-equipped to build the necessary capabilities ourselves, and that the smart course would be to acquire them if we could. We were able to find exactly what we were looking for. Today’s agreement moves us from a standing start to a leading position.”

To launch the new university, Purdue will acquire Kaplan University and its institutional operations and assets, including its 15 campuses and learning centers, 32,000 students, 3,000 employees, and decades of experience in distance education. All existing Kaplan University students and faculty will transition to the new university, which will use the Purdue name in some fashion not yet identified.

“Kaplan and Purdue share the critical mission of expanding access to education,” said Donald E. Graham, chairman of Graham Holdings Co. (NYSE: GHC), the parent company of Kaplan Inc. and Kaplan University.

“Purdue takes its land-grant mission very seriously, and I’m deeply impressed by this great university’s commitment to meeting the needs of non-traditional students.”

12 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

The new university will be distinct from others in the Purdue system, relying only on tuition and fundraising to cover operating expenses. No state appropriations will be utilized. It will operate primarily online, but has 15 locations across the United States, including an existing facility in Indianapolis, with potential for growth throughout the state. Indiana resident students will receive a yet-to-be-determined tuition discount.

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, “I’ve always had great respect for Gov. Daniels, and I’m excited by this opportunity for a world-class university to expand its reach and help educate adult learners by acquiring a strong for-profit college. This is a first, and if successful, could help create a new model for what it means to be a land-grant institution.”

Purdue currently serves students on two levels: Through its flagship campus in West Lafayette and at two regional campuses. The new entity will become a third level in the Purdue system, and will operate almost exclusively online. Betty Vandenbosch, Kaplan University’s current president, will become chancellor of the new university. A subsidiary of Kaplan Inc. will provide various non-academic services through a long-term transition and operations support agreement covering areas such as technological support, human resources, facilities management and other administrative functions.

“Purdue and Kaplan share the ambition of enabling individuals of all backgrounds to benefit from a high-quality education,” said Andy Rosen, Kaplan’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Purdue’s tradition of excellence makes it an ideal party to build upon the progress and innovation that Kaplan University has achieved over the past two decades. We’re proud to pass the baton to this esteemed university.”

The new university will formally begin operations upon approval from the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission.

Purdue plans to take immediate steps to commence those approval processes. Both Purdue and Kaplan universities are accredited by the HLC. More information, including an FAQ, is available at www.PurdueNewU.org.

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Compiled by KMI Media Group staff

Ashford University and Home Base Iowa Ashford University has recently become a Home Base Iowa business partner in Clinton, Iowa.

As a Home Base Iowa partner, Ashford has committed to furthering the organization’s mission of supporting veterans and service members as they transition into private sector jobs.

“Ashford University is honored to be a business partner with Home Base Iowa,” said Dr. Charlie Minnick, Ashford University Clinton campus president. “We are committed to supporting our military and veteran students, and feel privileged to be able to expand our support to veterans and service members looking for career opportunities. We look forward to working with Home Base Iowa to honor our commitment to hiring transitioning service members and veterans.”

“We are excited to have Ashford University join Home Base Iowa as a business partner,” said Jason Kemp, Home Base Iowa program manager. “Ashford is joining over 1,500 businesses in Iowa dedicated to providing our veterans and service members with career and educational opportunities. Together, we can make our veterans and transitioning service members feel at home in Iowa.”

Iowa is the “State of Choice” for veterans and transitioning service members as they seek employment and educational opportunities. Home Base Iowa is a non-profit, private-public partnership established to help veterans and service members find private-sector jobs in Iowa by connecting them with employers and resources. To find out more about Home Base Iowa, please visit their website at www.homebaseiowa.gov.

University of Phoenix Partner Mentoring Program Veterans

Program to Fund Spouse-Owned Businesses Expands The National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that works to strengthen military families, is accepting applications through June 30th for its military spouse scholarship, career, and business funding program.

As the largest military spouse scholarship and professional-funds program, NMFA has awarded more than $4 million to thousands of military spouses since 2004. Awards range from $500 to $2,500, and can be used for a range of pursuits including: • • • • • • • •

American Corporate Partners (ACP) and University of Phoenix announced a new partnership that is designed to help veteran students enhance their careers. A year-long customized mentorship program is available to 250 University of Phoenix post-9/11 veterans who will be paired with corporate professional mentors. Mentors will coach mentees to help make the transition to a meaningful career. University student veterans will also be able to participate in ACP career networking events across the country. In addition, all military-affiliated students and alumni will have access to AdvisorNet, an online network connecting veterans with business leaders.

“Joining efforts with University of Phoenix advances our mutual goal of helping student veterans achieve their educational goals and find meaningful employment,” said Sid Goodfriend, founder and chairman of American Corporate Partners. “By working together, we can have a direct impact on the lives of our veterans and help them enhance their careers.”

“American Corporate Partners offers exceptional mentorship and career services that empower our student veterans to make informed decisions in pursuing their life, career and education goals,” said Adam Such, vice president of Military and Veteran Affairs at University of Phoenix. “We chose American Corporate Partners because we share a commitment to supporting this next greatest generation of veteran leaders in impacting their lives and communities across the country.”

ACP’s volunteer mentors represent a wide variety of industries. They come from diverse fields including education, finance, healthcare, IT, logistics, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, marketing, insurance and project management. ACP hand-selects mentor pairings ensuring each mentorship meets individual needs and advances the goals of the individual veteran.

University of Phoenix offers a variety of educational options to make education accessible to active and veteran service members including flexible online and ground programs, as well as support for military-affiliated students throughout their educational journey. There are more than 125,000 military graduates from University of Phoenix.

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High school equivalency, All degree levels, Certification programs, Licensure fees and exams, Professional courses, exams, and classes, Continuing education credits, Clinical supervision required for mental health profession licensure, Spouse-owned business and non-profit expenses

“Military life places unique demands on spouses pursuing educations, careers, and building their own businesses,” said Joyce Wessel Raezer, Executive Director of NMFA. “We recognize those challenges, and we adapt our program each year to help eliminate them. We’re dedicated to supporting military spouses and their families push through to the finish line.”

One recent scholarship applicant notes, “I am very excited and anxious to get back to my education after delaying it for military moves and to have my first child. As a military spouse, I support and help my husband achieve his career goals, and now I hope to check some of my own goals off my list!”

Applicants must apply online by midnight June 30, 2017. Military spouses from all branches, ranks, and components are encouraged to apply. Any military spouse with a valid military ID is eligible to apply.

Apply now!

This scholarship program is made possible through partnerships with Fisher House Foundation, Prudential Financial, Samsung Electronics, and Lockheed Martin. In addition, Northrop Grumman Foundation, United Concordia Dental, and Corvias Group lend generous support.

To learn more, visit http://www.MilitaryFamily.org

MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 13

Air Force Advocate

Q& A

Supporting Voluntary Education for U.S. Airmen

Hildegard Buan Chief Air Force Voluntary Education

Hildegard Buan assumed the duties of chief, Air Force Voluntary Education in March 2015. This position is the subject matter expert to senior Air Force leaders on the Voluntary Education program and provides policy and guidance to Air Force Major Commands and base education centers. This position works closely with the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense, Education and Training, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support and academic institutions to provide quality post-secondary programs such as academic degrees, testing, credentialing, Career Skills Program, counseling and funding.

Ms. Buan holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Chaminade University, Honolulu as well as bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Maryland College Park and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Maryland University College, European Division.

Ms. Buan has held positions at base level education centers, at major command level and now at Air Staff. Her assignments include Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Royal Air Force Bases Alconbury and Lakenheath, United Kingdom; Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Ms. Buan has twice received the Civilian Exemplary Service Award as well as the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. While leading base level education centers, she and her team twice received the Nathan Altschuler Outstanding Education and Training Flight Award.

Q: How has your background helped to prepare you for the role as the chief of Voluntary Education for the Air Force? What led you to this career choice?

A: The Air Force has a program called Palace Acquire that hires recent college graduates into internship programs in a variety of career fields. I had just graduated from college [University of Maryland College Park) and was teaching social studies at a high school in Maryland. Even though I enjoyed teaching, I was looking for other opportunities in the education career field.

I became aware of the Palace Acquire Program and applied for the education services career field. The two-year Palace Acquire internship program not only provided me with the opportunity to learn every aspect of the voluntary education career field, but also allowed me to pursue my master’s degree in counseling psychology. After completing my internship at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, 14 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

I was able to stay on as the guidance counselor and subsequently Assistant Education Services Officer. However, after having spent four years at the Hickam AFB education center, I decided to take an overseas assignment to broaden my experience and was hired for the education services officer position at RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom. I spent the next 12 years at various base level education centers at several commands and served as the Major Command (MAJCOM) functional manager for Air Force Material Command at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, overseeing eight base level education centers before assuming my current position.

Q: What does your position entail, and what are your priorities this year?

A: This position is the subject matter expert for Air Force Voluntary Education. Our office provides advice to senior leaders on the voluntary education programs as well as policy and guidance to MAJCOMs and education centers. One of the priorities this year is to expand the newly implemented Career Skills Program. So far, we successfully completed two cohort programs at Hill AFB, Utah and Eglin AFB, Florida for Airmen interested in working in the solar industry by partnering with the Department of Energy to offer the “Solar Ready Vets” training. We are hoping to expand the Career Skills Program to every base www.MAE-kmi.com

in the Air Force thereby helping our Airmen to transition into civilian careers. We also made improvements to the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities Online (AF COOL) program. When we first introduced the program, we only paid for credentialing exams but last year we expanded the program and will now pay for materials, courses, and exams as well. This will make it easier for our Airmen to obtain the industry-recognized credential.

Another initiative is the Enterprise Process Improvement Study (EPI) that is currently being conducted. The study analyzes and evaluates current processes at the education centers and uses continuous process improvement practices and techniques to develop not only more efficient but standard processes across the Air Force. The overarching goal is to help our frontline education center personnel to better execute their programs. In addition, a new program is being offered to Air Force Civilians to voluntarily develop themselves through a-little to no-cost associate degree, enabling them to start their academic journey. This new accredited degree will open the pathway towards a bachelor’s degree and opportunities to attend higher levels of developmental education.

new understanding of the corporate structure of the Air Force.

It also helped me with my follow-on assignment as an education services officer with my own education center.

On a personal level, I particularly remember a certain instance. When I was an education services officer at RAF Alconbury, I was also in charge of the testing program and often we had to call our communications squadron for help with our computers. When possible, we always requested a certain very junior Airman as he was very skilled and motivated, but unfortunately, he was not interested in pursuing his off-duty voluntary education even though we kept on pestering him. Eventually, I moved back to the States for a tour of duty and then came back again to RAF Alconbury a few years later. One day this Airman walks into my office to introduce me to his wife and baby and to tell me that my insistence and “nagging’ was the reason he now had an associate and bachelor’s degree and was working on a Microsoft certification. He was leaving the service and had already lined up a good-paying job with an energy company in his home state.

Q: What have the highlights been of your career? What are you the proudest of accomplishing?

Q: Education is among the top reasons servicemembers have joined the Air Force and is cited as the top benefit that influences Airmen to re-enlist. How important is pursuing higher education for advancement within the Air Force?

A: Working in the voluntary education career field for almost 20 years has provided me with many opportunities and rewarding experiences, not only on a professional level but also on a personal one.

I had just been promoted to assistant education services officer when the command I was working for started the A-76 process. The goal of the process was to develop the Most Efficient Organization by looking at processes, manpower, and financial resources. I was selected by my MAJCOM Functional Manager to be part of a team that was comprised of seasoned education services officers from across the Pacific Command. I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to work with and learn from these experienced managers. This project also gave me a whole

A: The Air Force has introduced higher education in many of its programs. Having an associate degree is a factor in promotion to senior noncommissioned officer. The Community College of the Air Force is the only regionally accredited two-year college supported by a military service that provides associate’s degrees in enlisted airmen’s jobs. In addition, Air University, which is regionally accredited, offers officers the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree via the Air Command and Staff College and continuing education through Air War College. The Air Force Institute of Technology also allows officers to pursue educational opportunities either through participating in in-house AFIT programs or attending academic institutions, not only in the U.S. but also overseas. Within the last three years the Air Force

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MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 15

emphasized the Military Life Cycle Model to ensure Airmen are being made aware of their educational opportunities throughout their career and can make informed choices.

Q: In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing military education today?

A: The two main challenges are funding and manpower. We must provide for a sound program that has a solid financial foundation. Within the last three years we made significant changes to the military tuition assistance program to ensure we maximize the return on investments not only for the taxpayer but also for the Airmen. For example, the supervisor is now more involved in an Airman’s voluntary education program and the Airman is being held more accountable for his educational progress. The second challenge is manpower. Within the last two years, we introduced the Air Force Opportunities Online and Career Skills Programs without adding any manpower at the base level education centers. For our counselors to still be able to effectively help our Airmen, we must look for new and innovative ways to execute our programs. As mentioned previously, we are conducting the EPI but we are also leveraging technology. We continuously make improvements to the Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS). Currently, 60 percent of all tuition assistance requests are auto-approved on the front end and on the back end, 95 percent of grades are reported by our academic institution partners via the Academic Institution Portal.

Q: What do you think has been the most important recent development in voluntary education?

A: There are two recent developments that have a significant impact on the overall quality of life for our Airmen, namely Air Force COOL and the Career Skills Program. By offering not only academic pathways but also opportunities to professionalize their military training though civilian credentialing and internships, Airmen are becoming better professionals and are better equipped to transition to a civilian career. These programs are directly in line with the Military Life Cycle concept.

Q: What education programs or policies inspire you the most?

A: I started my career as an education counselor and I truly think counselors are the backbone of the voluntary education program. It is the counseling and advising that goes on every day at the base education centers that help Airmen make the informed choices and thereby putting them on the path to success. Conducting and attending graduation ceremonies was one of the most satisfying things I got to do when I was working at base level. Seeing an Airman receive his diploma and some being accepted into commissioning programs was one of the most rewarding features of my work. One of my priorities in my cur16 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

rent position is to ensure our education technicians, counselors, and education services officers have the resources and get the continuing professional development to provide first-class service to our Airmen.

Q: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as the chief of voluntary education for the Air Force?

A: The voluntary education program and community is constantly evolving and it is my job to stay engaged and to anticipate the coming changes. In essence, my job is to defend/procure the resources needed by the field to successfully implement the program.

Q: Do you have any closing thoughts you’d like to share?

A: I consider myself fortunate to have been part of the voluntary education program workforce for the last 20 years and in fact even before that, I benefitted from the educational opportunities available to spouses. Having academic institutions providing services to Airmen and families overseas and on base enabled my active-duty husband and me to get our initial bachelor’s degrees; starting me on my path towards a career in education services.

My personal experience demonstrates the importance and impact this program has on the member and their families, as well as providing a more educated workforce for the Air Force and society at large. O

For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.

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Advocating for Marines as they trade their boots for the classroom.

Q&A with Deborah Marconda, Program Manager, Leadership Scholar Program, USMC Deborah Marconda began serving as the program manager of the Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) for the U.S. Marine Corps in August 2015. She is a strong advocate for Marines furthering their educational pursuits after separation. In the following interview, Ms. Marconda discusses LSPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique role within the field of secondary education and the U.S. Armed Forces.

Q: What exactly is the Leadership Scholar Program?

A: LSP was formed to provide qualified Marine applicants with assistance in the university admission process. Through a partnership with four-year, not-for-profit colleges and universities across the nation, we provide Marines with the tools they need to attain their educational goals as they transition from Active Duty to the priwww.MAE-kmi.com

vate sector. We have achieved a high success rate due to our collaborative process and our partner schools vested interest in ensuring veteran Marines achieve their educational goals.

Q: How does the LSP work?

A: Marines participating in LSP choose up to three of our partner schools and we act as a facilitator between the Marine and the

schools. We present the Marine's documentation to the schools, which consists of all appropriate transcripts, testing scores, and character references; in return, the schools provide us with a realistic assessment of the Marineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitiveness as a candidate for that institution. Our partner schools will often go beyond simply assessing a Marineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic readiness and provide us with detailed guidance and suggestions as to how we can help the Marine MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 17

become more academically competitive in the admission process.

The best part of LSP is that all of this happens before the Marine spends hours preparing applications that may never get past the initial admissions screening. LSP helps Marines determine exactly where they stand with an institution, so they can make an informed decision whether or not to apply.

Alternatively, if a partner school suggests that a Marine has what it takes to be competitive, we will help the Marine prepare a quality application package. Once the Marine submits the application, we then reconnect with our partner school and provide appropriate highlights of the Marine’s career. This second touch point allows us to explain how the Marine’s experience translates into the type of candidate desired by our partner school.

Q: Do other service branches have similar programs?

A: LSP is unique to the Marine Corps.

It grew out of partnerships between the Marine Corps and the California and North Carolina State University systems. These initial partnerships were so successful that the Marine Corps decided to expand the program to every state. Currently, we have 240 partner schools with at least one school in every state and the District of Columbia.

Q: Do you find it to be more beneficial for those veteran Marines who are entering college as freshmen or as transfer students?

A: LSP supports Marines at every stage of the educational journey, but there are times that Marines may have more success applying as transfer students. It depends on the institution’s criteria, and the Marine’s academic and extracurricular record. The bigger challenge Marines face is that admission processes are geared toward the traditionally-aged high school applicant. These students have no gap in their education time, moving directly from high school into college, and have superior grades, SAT and ACT scores, and extracurricular activities. Marines, on the other hand, will have a gap in their education time and may not have had a successful high school or college experience prior to enlisting. There is no way to adequately 18 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

compare the experiences of a veteran Marine to those of an average high school senior. As such, it is quite understandable that admissions committees struggle to evaluate how Marine candidates will fit into the traditional, rigorous academic setting.

Despite some of the barriers in the admissions process, Marines tackle the challenge head-on because they understand they must earn their place in an institution. Although there have been some recent articles suggesting that top-tier institutions are not focused on recruiting veterans, I have not found that to be true.

Our partner schools, some of the most competitive institutions in the country, are dedicated to creating diverse academic environments and regard veteran Marines as an essential element. They are eager to assist us by offering encouragement and advice on topics such as acquiring the right kind of letter of recommendation, writing a standout essay, and creating a winning application. Also, if they deem a Marine needs academic ‘seasoning’ at the community college level, they will even provide us with a list of recommended classes to prepare them for a future transfer.

Q: How do colleges and universities sign up for the LSP? A: To become an official partner of LSP, a representative of a college or university should contact us by visiting our website www.leadershipscholarprogram.com.

We welcome all public and private notfor-profit, four-year institutions. We also encourage those considering participation, to speak with our current partner schools about the process.

Q: How does a Marine apply for the LSP? A: Marines can apply online by visiting www.leadershipscholarprogram.com.

Marines are eligible to apply to LSP if they are (or will be) an Honorably Discharged Marine who is planning to attend a school as a freshman or a transfer student. They must have a recommendation from a commanding officer or someone for whom they have worked, a minimal Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score of 70 or higher and a General Technical (GT) score of 115 or higher from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

Marines can apply while on Active Duty

and must be within 18 months of their End of Active Service (EAS) and no more than six months past the EAS date.

Q: What sort of documents should a Marine have ready when beginning the LSP application process?

A: Marines must be nominated by their Command and submit copies of their Basic Individual Record (BIR), Basic Training Record (BTR), Joint Services Transcript (JST), high school and college transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, military awards and recommendation letters.

There are other criteria to be considered in addition to their AFQT and GT scores, and their discharge status. Proficiency and conduct marks are reviewed, as well. LSP seeks candidates that represent what it means to be a Marine in body, mind, and spirit.

Q: Who should a Marine turn to for the principal advising needs to use the LSP services? The school admissions officers?

The Marine Corps Education Office? You? A: All three are appropriate resources and through LSP we work collectively as a team. Regardless of whether or not a Marine applies to LSP, I recommend the first step for any Marine interested in higher education is to talk to a Marine Corps Education Services Officer (ESO) or Education Services Specialist (ESS), as these individuals are incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of secondary education. Marines are always welcome to contact me through the website for more information.

Q: What are the most common misconceptions regarding the LSP, especially about its services for Marines in the application for university admission process?

A: I believe the three biggest misconceptions are: 1) all past questionable academic performance is forgiven through LSP; 2) school admission standards are lowered for LSP participants; and, 3) participation in LSP is guaranteed admission to any school.

This is simply not the case in any of these instances.

Academic performance, whether in high school or college, is always at the forefront of the admission decision. Participation in LSP can lead to assistance in www.MAE-kmi.com

preparing to meet the academic standards required for acceptance into a specific college or university.

Additionally, universities discussing their admission standards and qualifications often use language that is intentionally vague. A school's admission standards might include a minimum GPA of 2.0. The confusion occurs when a Marine confuses minimum with competitive. LSP focuses on working with our partners to help Marines become competitive applicants.

Q: So, the school point of contact can help the qualified LSP Marine get every fair consideration for admission into the school, without watering down the school’s academic standards, even if the Marine has not quite piled up the type of resume that the exceptional high school senior might have?

A: Yes, that is correct. We have strong relationships with our partner schools, who make it clear that there are no shortcuts.

The admission requirements must be met.

We believe that our partner schools respect the fact that when we put forward a Marine for candidacy, that Marine is academically and emotionally prepared for the rigors of a college education, as well as able to sustain the high academic standards of the institution, if not raise them higher.

all who helped him within the LSP and throughout the application process.

Much like the lesson learned in boot camp—the right to attend an institution is earned, not given. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Leadership Scholar Program. O

Q: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this unique program?

This interview was conducted by Heather Hagan, Public Affairs Officer, MFP Division, USMC HQ–MCB Quantico; and Bart MacMillan, Public Affairs Officer and Education Specialist, P&PD, H&S Bn– Henderson Hall, Arlington Va.

A: Well, of course, the success stories are always gratifying. When you work with these ambitious and inspiring Marines over a period of time with the sole intent to help them further their education and contributions to our communities, it’s hard not to get personally invested in their successes.

One instance, in particular, concerns a Marine who applied for admission and was accepted into Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He is the first member of his family to attend college, much less a school that carries the academic reputation and rigors of Georgetown. He offered a deep, heartfelt, personal thank you to

For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.

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MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 19

SPECIAL SECTION: Credit for Military Experience

Transfer and Award Military Credit: The ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

By Michele Spires

Since 1945, the American Council on Education (ACE) has provided a collaborative link between the military and higher education. The ACE Military Evaluations program is funded through a contract from the Department of Defense (DoD). Through the review of military training (courses) and experiences (occupations), ACE evaluations result in college credit recommendations for members of the Armed Forces. These credit recommendations are posted to an open source database called the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (the Military Guide) located on the ACE website (www.acenet.edu/ militaryguide). This robust database inventories ACE credit recommendations for more than 23,000 courses and 3,400 occupations.

It’s important to understand that the ACE military evaluation is a rigorous, hands-on process conducted by a team of teaching faculty from relevant academic disciplines, representing a diversity of accredited colleges and universities. The team assesses and validates whether the courses or occupations have the appropriate content, scope, and rigor for college credit recommendations.

(Actual credit accepted is solely at the discretion of each individual college or university.)

When faculty evaluators conduct these reviews, they are required to collaborate in order to produce a report, called an exhibit, which is then posted in the Military Guide. Over the years, these exhibits have evolved with respect to the level of detail provided. These enhancements reflect change and the direct requests and feedback from academic institutions.

Currently, the Joint Services Transcript (JST) provides a synopsis of the course and occupation credit recommendations and does not include the entire exhibit that the faculty evaluators produced.

Therefore, academic institutions are encouraged to review the Military Guide in tandem with the review of the JST in order to obtain additional details.

As a reminder, the JST is an academically accepted document that validates a service member’s occupational experience and formal military training along with the corresponding American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations. It is owned and issued by the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. ACE supplies data that populates the JST and performs quality checks on the transcript, but ACE cannot make changes to this document; only the applicable service representatives are allowed to update information on the document.

20 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

Leveraging the Military Guide All courses reviewed by ACE have a corresponding ACE identification number (ACE ID). The ACE Military Guide can be searched by ACE ID number to view additional data about a course, such as related competencies and learning outcomes.

Course ACE ID numbers have two-letter codes that identify the service: AR is Army, NV is Navy, MC is Marine Corps, AF is Air Force, and CG is Coast Guard. The version number for the course is listed to the right of the ACD ID. ACE tracks the history of curriculum changes and credit recommendations for courses with the same ACE ID by using version numbers. The course populates the JST based on when the service member started the course and successfully completed it and aligns it to the exhibit dates covered by the appropriate version.

The same holds true for occupations. All occupations reviewed

by ACE have a corresponding ACE identification number (ACE ID). The ACE Military Guide can be searched by ACE ID number to view additional data about an occupation, such as related competencies and learning outcomes. All occupation exhibits have ACE ID numbers beginning with three-letter codes that identify the service: • • • • • • • • •

MOS means an Army occupation NER is a Navy Occupational Specialty NEC is a Navy Enlisted Classification NWO is a Navy Warrant Officer LDO is a Navy Limited Duty Officer MCE is a Marine Corps enlisted occupation MCO is a Marine Corps Warrant Officer CGR is a Coast Guard rating and CGW is a Coast Guard Warrant Officer

Recently produced are two short videos on searching the Military Guide. Take a look to learn more: How to Search Courses www.acenet.edu/militaryguide/course_video How to Search Occupations www.acenet.edu/militaryguide/occupation_video www.MAE-kmi.com

SPECIAL SECTION: Credit for Military Experience The course exhibit has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the higher education community. The first course officially evaluated and documented for publication was in 1954. The exhibit content is comprised of the ACE ID; the (military) course title; the (military) course number; location of the training; length of the course in weeks and academic hours; the learning outcomes for the entire course; basic instructional methods; and, finally, the credit recommendations.

In October 2006, higher education institutions requested more clarity with respect to the subject area credit recommendations.

That’s when the related competencies were included, along with the other data elements. The purpose of the related competencies was to help colleges and universities align the subject area credit recommendations with the basic core topics of their own institutional courses.

The next iteration of the Military Guide was October 2015, and was carried out to respond to an evolving emphasis on learning expectations and assessment of learning. Higher education institutions requested the exhibit look more like a syllabus. Completely restructured, this exhibit version includes a direct alignment of the learning outcomes to the subject area credit recommendations, inventories the methods of assessment, includes the required individual pass rate for the course, provides an overall course description, and itemizes the methods of instruction. When a course was evaluated will result in the type of exhibit available in the Military Guide.

Summary Transfer and alignment of academic credit is a complex process. It is predicated on the individual college or university’s mission, vision, policy, procedure and protocol. There is no single, standard subject area taxonomy of course content expectations across the more than 2000 accredited institutions that make it a practice to consider ACE credit recommendations. The variance of course content for a management class from one academic institution to another is already a challenging process. It doesn’t get any easier with credit recommendations from military training and experience.

Transfer and award of academic credit is also about learner success, ensuring the individual has the right knowledge, skills, and competencies to receive that credit transfer. Therefore, it is vital that those on individual campuses with the decision-making authority over transfer and award of military credit leverage the Military Guide in order to obtain additional detail and to inform decision policies, processes, and practices. O Michele Spires is the director, Military Programs, American Council on Education (ACE).

For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.

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MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 21

SPOTLIGHT ON ACMES

After a decade of support in Virginia, the state of play of military education is evolving for the Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education.

By Michael Camden

• Captain Rich McDaniel, USN, Naval Station Norfolk, According to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, the Commanding Officer Commonwealth of Virginia has the fastest growing veteran popula• Dr. Christine Mann Darden, who was recently included in the tion in the nation, the greatest number of veterans in the workforce book “Hidden Figures” as one who stood on the shoulders of per capita, the largest percentage of women veterans, and the largest the NASA Human Computers percentage of veterans under the age of 28. Astoundingly, 1 in 10 • Numerous political representatives, military leaders, and DoD Virginians is a veteran, totaling approximately 800,000. The Virginia educators Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME) supports the education, training, and professional development The VA-ACME organization, a not-for-profit, of the military community to include those 800,000 charitable entity, has touched many lives in the veterans, as well as active duty, reserves, guard, and Virginia military community in its 11-year history, their families. especially through the scholarship program. The State ACMEs were created to promote, support, VA-ACME scholarship committee is comprised of a and deliver meaningful education to all branches group of dedicated academic professionals, awarding of the Armed Services. VA-ACME is one of the tuition support in a variety of military categories. Of older, larger, and more successful of all the ACMEs. course, awarding $10,000 in scholarships annually to Some of the organization’s accomplishments include the military community and hosting a truly valuable Wounded Warrior Program golf tournaments, milisymposium cannot be accomplished without the suptary job fairs, and intriguing speakers at the annual Michael Camden, MBA port of tremendous sponsors, whom are immensely symposium (such as Mrs. Dorothy McAuliffe, First appreciated.

Lady of Virginia; Jason Redmond, retired navy Seal Great organizations require the time and talent of even greater and founder of Wounded Wear; and Secretary John Harvey, Virginia people. VA-ACME has enjoyed the support of many fantastic conDepartment of Veterans Services). tributors over the years. It is rewarding to welcome past leaders 2016 marked the diamond anniversary of the VA-ACME and it back to the symposium. It is even more gratifying when those leadwas celebrated in grand fashion at the annual professional developers acknowledge the diligence put forth by the current team each ment symposium at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. The year. Welcome the 2017 board: board and planning committee hosted a symposium that was informational, educational, entertaining, and memorable. The feedback • President, Melinda Gainer, Southern Illinois University – was overwhelmingly two thumbs up. So, how does an organization Carbondale top such a performance?

• Vice President, Carla Bell-Thompson, Tidewater Community It started by returning to the Westin in 2017 with the theme: College, Center for Military & Veterans Education “The State of Play: Military Education in Virginia.” State of Play is a British phrase meaning “present situation,” where members explored the ever-changing present situation of military education in Virginia.

The three-day event kicked off with the 5th annual VA-ACME Military Job Fair & Education Expo on the morning of Tuesday, March 28. Over the years, the growing focus on transitioning personnel made way for the job fair and education expo.

Partnering this year with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, previous partners include the Hampton Roads Chamber and Navy Fleet and Family Services.

The 2017 symposium was highlighted by a number of excellent keynote speakers: • Doug Moran, author of “If You Will Lead: Enduring Wisdom for 21st Century Leaders”

22 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

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SPOTLIGHT ON ACMES • • • • • • • • • • •

Treasurer, Ellen Coleman, Thomas Edison State University Secretary, Monique Rico-Chavez, Troy University At Large, Linda Isaac, Saint Leo University At Large, Florence Addison-Hayes, University of Maryland University College Historian/Website, Arminda Israel, Old Dominion University – Military Career Transition Program 1st Past President, Michael Camden, Troy University.

The annual VA-ACME award winners were announced at the event. They include: Sponsorship: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale VA-ACME President’s Award: Tidewater Community College, Center for Military and Veterans Education Military Educator of the Year: Veeta Mitchell, Fort Eustis Army Education Center Volunteer of the Year: Monique Rico-Chavez, Troy University

At the symposium, VA-ACME also announced the receipt of the inaugural ACME award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) for outstanding leadership in the field of military education. It is a joy to be recognized for following the mission of support to the education of the military community through awarding scholarships, executing a strong training symposium program, and sharing best practices with colleagues. VA-ACME has built and continues to nurture a strong bond with the military education

community in Virginia.

Each year, the symposium typically partners with a militaryaffiliated charitable organization, and 2017 was no different. Three super-size moving storage boxes were filled with donated business clothing and accessories to support the Boots to Suits program of the Junior League of Richmond.

As VA-ACME continues to connect with the Virginia military community, get connected with VA-ACME! Visit www.vaacme.org.

The organization also has a page on Facebook, and you can join the conversation on LinkedIn, as well. Meanwhile, the VA-ACME Board, its members, and its volunteers are dedicated to the mission of VAACME and to the military community which we serve, support, and educate! We look forward to continuing to support the professional development, education and training needs of the military community in Virginia for years to come. O Michael Camden, MBA, is the 1st Past President of the Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME) and Enrollment Coordinator at the Troy University – Hampton Roads Student Support & Testing Center.

For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.

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MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 23

How businesses across the country profit by hiring these extraordinarily strong people.

By Chad Storlie

Military spouses offer an incredible value as an employee for any health care and other forms of benefits. Do not use the “one size fits type of business. A skeptic might first say, why? Don’t military spouses all” compensation structure. Instead, you can offer a mixed range of move every two to three years, have erratic schedules, have varying financial, health care, and retirement benefits. levels of education, and, at times, their business experience is limSome spouses may only want financial compensation, while others ited? Perhaps. But these are the exact qualities that make them ideal will want the full range of compensation packages. This flexibility and employees. creativity alone in compensation will guarantee you a very qualified Military spouses create value for business, so redesign your posiapplicant pool and workforce. tions. Instead of thinking how to fit military spouses into your tradiLeverage their personal backgrounds. The only thing typical about tional organization structure, undertake a full or partial redesign of military spouses is that there is nothing typical about military spouses. your positions. Airbnb, Uber, Lyft and others have taught us that workEducational backgrounds range from high school graduates to PhDs ers of all generations view work flexibility as a primary in various disciplines. Military spouses will also have a requirement for either full- or part-time employment. wide range of experience working in business as well as The familiar concepts of a traditional workplace are fadstints of entrepreneurship. ing fast. Instead of bemoaning the change happening in The summation for this class of employees is all businesses, use it to your advantage. an educated, experienced, and motivated group. The Create positions ranging from full- to quarter-time question for a business is, how do I take advantage of to a sabbatical. The benefits of this flexible structure all these skill sets? Can military spouses with entrepreare that it will allow you to fully maximize military neurship help me start a new business? Can a military spouse time from three-quarter time (military spouse spouse who is a lawyer in Japan perform overnight on deployment) to sabbatical (military spouse returned contract work so draft contracts take days to complete from deployment). instead of weeks?

Chad Storlie Make the best use of technology. Technology in the Can a socially connected military spouse be a memcase of high-speed internet, PCs, standard software, ber of my sales team? These ideas are only a few on how and video conferencing make military spouses appear next door to military spouse backgrounds can be leveraged to your organization’s your customers, not across the globe. Additionally, this technology advantage. has improved rapidly, it produces great results, and it’s not costEngage their purpose. Delivering work that is filled with purpose prohibitive. is one of the greatest challenges for a business. A business that can Your flexibility and creativity alone in compensation will guarantee create a purpose-driven business model and workforce has incredible you a very qualified applicant pool and workforce. business and social value. The creation of a strong sense of purpose is For training, you can use technology or you can take advantage vital to fully engage military spouses. An engaged workforce is more of the geographic concentration of military spouses and give trainproductive and creative, and it creates greater business value. ing around major military bases. Over time, you can create a cadre of Military spouses are an incredible value for business when the spouse trainers and technical support on each major base to further business looks to fully benefit from the wide range of skills, abilities, improve the use of technology. and knowledge base that military spouses possess. O Don’t overlook the guard and reserves. Some positions cannot be redesigned to work remotely, and this is where military spouses of the Chad Storlie is a retired lieutenant colonel with 20-plus years of active Guard and Reserve come into value. Military spouses in the Guard and and reserve service in infantry, Special Forces, and joint headquarters Reserves are members of the community and have more “traditional” units. He served in Iraq, Bosnia, Korea, and throughout the U.S. and was schedules that make them available for full- or part-time work. In addiawarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Meritotion, most tend to be more geographically stable than other military rious Service Medal, the Special Forces Tab, and the Ranger Tab. This spouses.

OpsLens article is used by permission from the author.

Finally, these spouses represent a great way to create strong word For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel of mouth and social media buzz for your business. at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives Be creative with compensation. For active military spouses and for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com. some Guard and Reserve spouses, their military spouses already have 24 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

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Planning in High Gear

By Lane Huber

As the Council of College and Military Educators moves into another new year, we find ourselves barely having time to digest all the great information and conversations from the 2017 professional development symposium in Atlanta. I tip my hat to Franc Lopez and his board for an outstanding event that brought together nearly 1,000 attendees from all aspects of the military and veteran voluntary education communities. I especially want to thank all the speakers and presenters that made the 2017 symposium an incredible experience for those in attendance.

During several conversations in Atlanta I kept hearing a recurring theme... that while the noble effort to provide educational opportunities to our service members, veterans and their families hasn’t changed, how this is accomplished definitely has. Institutional budget cuts, changes in base access protocol, and the use of electronic portals for requesting tuition assistance and tracking student success are all issues that make us feel a bit “uncomfortable” and force us to change how we do our daily business.

Change in any aspect of life is imminent, and our small world of military and veteran education is not immune. The entire landscape of what we do is transitioning at breath-taking speed. Initially many are prone to push back against new processes and procedures and lament about how it “just isn’t the same” as it used to be.

I challenge our community, instead, to accept the change, and in fact, embrace it. John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

With the challenges of change inevitably comes opportunity. I’m hoping we can focus on that in the upcoming year. www.MAE-kmi.com

In April our new CCME board met in San Diego to begin the preparation for the 2018 professional development symposium. As I looked around the room I saw a lot of new faces with a lot of new ideas.

What an exciting time to have the privilege of serving this great organization!

One notable topic that was discussed was the method by which we welcome newcomers to the symposium and how we may serve our new members in a better, more efficient manner. In the past, we’ve had a “newcomer’s breakfast” and have offered a “newcomers track” of concurrent sessions. These have both been popular but the board really thought we could be doing more. The result will be a “newcomers preconference workshop and luncheon” that will be held Monday afternoon, before the symposium officially kicks off on Tuesday morning. This will give board members and other volunteers a chance to really sit down with our new members and familiarize them with CCME and how to make the most of their time at the symposium. I have asked Janine Wert (CCME President Elect) and Trent Orndorf (American InterContinental University) to lead this inaugural event. More to follow as this event continues to take shape.

One other item that was discussed was the possibility of replacing the “roundtable” sessions with something more structured and substantive. While some roundtables over the years have produced excellent discussions, they are, by nature, difficult to manage at times and often conversations have veered off course. This is probably the number one complaint we receive from the post-conference surveys. We are looking, instead, at adding additional concurrent sessions (highly requested through the surveys) and some sort of “super sessions” that will be larger, speaker-driven discussions. We will be fleshing through

details of what that will exactly look like in the coming months. As always, frequently check back to our website, www.ccmeonline.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news.

I’m expecting a lot from this board, and a lot from the upcoming symposium. I am sure, however, that with a lot of hard work and a great deal of input from our membership, 2018 in San Diego will be another terrific event.

I look forward to seeing you there. O

Lane Huber is the current CCME President. For more information about the organization, please visit CCMEonline. org, and plan on joining the attendees at the 2018 CCME Professional Development Symposium in San Diego, Calif. on March 26-29, 2018.

For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.

MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 25

MONEY TALKS Benefits for Purple Heart Recipients U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, along with Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), has introduced legislation to grant Purple Heart recipients full Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It also includes a provision to make Purple Heart recipients eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is an optional program for universities to provide additional funding to veterans if their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits do not fully cover education costs. The VA is required to match the universities’ contributions.

“Investing in veterans is not only the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. Veterans are graduating at higher rates with higher GPAs and competitive degrees. We need to continue improving veterans’ educational experience to prepare them for success in the civilian workforce and ensure that especially all those who have been wounded in action have access to the GI Bill. This legislation would make commonsense improvements, and I’m proud to support it,” Kaine said.

Veterans who served on active duty for 36 months or were medically discharged after at least 30 continuous days on active duty are eligible for full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Currently, a servicemember may be wounded in combat, earning a Purple Heart but not be medically retired or having completed 36 months of months of active duty, excluding them from full Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

A similar bill was originally introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) and passed out of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on March 8, 2017.

26 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

Compiled by KMI Media Group staff

Virginia Announces Troops to Teachers Grant Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has received a grant of nearly $400,000 to assist military veterans and soon-to-be veterans in becoming teachers. The grant was awarded through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), a U.S. Department of Defense agency.

The grant will be used to establish a Troops to Teachers Center in the School of Education at the College of William & Mary. The center will provide guidance and assistance to veterans, and those who are within one year of exiting the military, who are interested in pursuing a teaching career in Virginia.

“Virginia boasts one of the largest veteran and military populations and is home to some of the nation’s most important military installations,” said Governor McAuliffe. “That is why the Troops to Teachers program is so important to the military-connected citizens of the Commonwealth. This program will help address the teacher shortage in Virginia and provide our veterans with opportunities to bring their experiences and skills into the classroom. These are the kind of innovative opportunities that will allow our nation’s heroes to succeed in the new Virginia economy.”

“The Troops to Teachers grant and Center will be a game-changer for so many veterans and soonto-be veterans across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Dietra Trent. “As Virginia and the nation continue to experience a teacher shortage, now more than ever we need more qualified and inspired professionals in the classroom, and that is exactly what this program will help us provide to our students.”

“With their leadership skills, strong work ethic, and dedication to any mission or task, our veterans are a natural fit for teaching,” said Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John C. Harvey, Jr. “Many of our veterans experienced firsthand the benefits of great teaching in the military at every stage of their career and saw the profound difference a dedicated teacher can make in a student’s life.

As a result, they would like to continue down this career path in their civilian lives. I am excited for this new Troops to Teachers Center at the College of William & Mary and for the pilot program that will afford our veterans and transitioning service members more opportunities to enter the teaching field in the Commonwealth.”

The project will work to: • Attract and increase the number of eligible participants in the Troops to Teachers program • Assist veterans in meeting educational and licensure requirements for transitioning into teaching careers • Help alleviate critical teacher shortages, especially in high-needs schools • Increase the number of veterans employed as teachers.

In addition to the statewide initiative, the College of William & Mary will conduct a pilot program offering veterans three levels of support: • Tier 1 introduces participants to the teaching professing and includes job shadowing, career coaching, credential review, and development of an individualized plan for meeting licensure requirements.

• Tier 2 provides assistance in participant placement in the classroom and includes personalized support during the assignment from an experienced teacher coach.

• Tier 3 provides professional support to those in the classroom and includes continued access to resources and opportunities for professional growth and leadership.

“The Commonwealth’s schools educate more military children than any other state,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples. “This school year alone, more than 73,000 military-connected students are being educated in VirginiA. The Troops to Teachers Center will help veterans make the transition to rewarding second careers in our classrooms, while helping Virginia meet the critical need for additional teachers.”

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The advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers. KMI cannot be held responsible for discrepancies due to last-minute changes or alterations.

MAE&T RESOURCE CENTER Advertisers Index Bellevue University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C2 www.bellevue.edu

Troy University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.troy.edu/militaryspirit

Kansas State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 www.global.k-state.edu/military

University Of Maryland University College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4 www.umuc.edu/mae

Post University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.post.edu/military

University Of Nebraska. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.online.nebraska.edu

Thomas Edison State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 www.mvp.tesu.edu

University Of The Incarnate World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 www.military.uiw.edu

Calendar August 7th, 2017 Co-ACME 7th Annual Veterans in Higher Education Summit Denver, Colorado

October 19-21, 2017 10th Annual MBA Veterans Career Conference and Expo Chicago, Ill.

In the Next Issue of:

January 4-6, 2018 Student Veterans of America’s 10th Annual National Conference San Antonio, Texas.

Studentveterans.org

July 2017 • Volume 12, Issue 4

Cover and In-Depth Interview with

Carrie Wofford

President Veterans Education Success Special Section: Certification Programs Features: Competency Based Degrees Transition Trends: • Degrees in Aviation • Corporate Connection To advertise, contact Cheri Anderson at cheri@kmimediagroup.com or call (240) 277-0932

www.MAE-kmi.com

MAE&T May/June 12.3 | 27

UNIVERSITY CORNER

Military Advanced Education & Transition

Dr. George A. Pruitt President Thomas Edison State University Q: What is your school’s background in military education?

who are interested in preparing for leadership roles both in and out of the service.

A: We were founded in 1972 as the only senior public institution of higher learning in New Jersey to focus exclusively on adults.

We have always been obligated to serve our students where they are – not where we are – and in ways that fit their busy lives. This flexible academic model is particularly important to active duty military students, reservists and veterans who have many time and place constraints. As we continue to enroll more current and former military members than any other senior public institution in our state, our focus remains on providing programs and resources that maximize their military training and GI education benefits during every phase of their academic journey.

Q: How has your school positioned itself to serve military students?

Q: What makes your school unique in the benefits and programs offered to military service members?

A: Our military-friendly credit transfer policy enables military members and veterans to apply the optimum amount of credits to a degree program. This includes leveraging college credits they’ve previously earned as well as military training and certifications that have been evaluated for academic credit.

The University’s Office of Military and Veteran Education provides personalized services and is staffed with people who understand the unique needs of military members, veterans and their dependents.

Q: What online degree and certificate programs do you offer and how do these distance learning programs fit in with the lives of active duty and transitioning military personnel?

A: With certificate, associate, bachelor’s and graduate programs in more than 100 areas of study, military students have plenty of curriculum options to match their unique goals and professional aspirations. Under these areas of study, students can enroll in online courses with 8- or 12-week formats in terms that begin every month.

28 | MAE&T May/June 12.3

Q: Looking ahead, how will your school realize its core objectives and aspirations?

A: By continually enhancing our value in the adult learner marketplace. Computer science pioneer Alan Kay said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” As a national leader in adult education, we intend to keep inventing the future by creating new opportunities for our students to transform their lives. Having launched our first doctoral program last year, we continue to create high quality, innovative academic programs that respond to the unique needs and aspirations of adult learners.

Q: What are some of your most popular programs and which ones are the most appealing to military students?

A: Each service member and veteran has his or her own motivation for returning to school. Some are preparing for life after military service; others return to school to qualify for a promotion during active duty; still others are motivated by self-improvement or to set an example for their children. Many of our U.S. Navy and Air Force students, for example, enroll in our applied science and technology programs because they can earn a significant amount of credit for their nuclear power and aviation training.

Many Marine Corps and Army students select Bachelor of Arts programs because they offer the flexibility and diverse areas of study they are looking for. Our programs in human services, homeland security and criminal justice are also popular with military students. Our graduate programs attract military members

A: We understand the logistical needs of military students and know that location, relocation and time constraints leave little opportunity to sit in a physical classroom.

But this focus doesn’t end with our academic programs. Our online Military and Veteran Portal (MVP) allows veterans to see how their military training can be applied as credit toward a degree program, view potential degree programs that are aligned with their military training, see how their experience translates to the civilian job market and estimate their educational costs – all before they apply. We also provide a dedicated virtual resource center, Operation Vet Success (OVS), for veteran students so they can optimally apply their VA educational benefits to a degree program. The university is also home to Operation College Promise, a national policy, research and education program that supports U.S. veterans as they embark on degree completion and beyond. Whether our military veterans are completing the degree they started or preparing for a civilian career, our programs are built around their individual needs.

Q: What is your school doing to keep up with growing technologies and opportunities related to distance learning?

A: As a pioneer in the use of technology to develop and deliver programs for adult learners and one of New Jersey’s earliest adopters of online education, we have been keeping pace with growing technologies in distance learning since the mid-1980s. In March 2017, we marked the 30th anniversary of our first network-assisted courses. Our academic model continues to leverage emerging technologies to enhance the student experience and help us deliver innovative degree programs to them wherever they live, work or are deployed. To learn more, visit www.tesu. edu/military. O www.MAE-kmi.com

Military Advanced Education & Transition 2017 Editorial Calendar ISSUE

COVER Q&A

SPECIAL SECTION

FEATURES

TRANSITIONS

CLOSING DATE

P

S 2/7 LI UB

P

S 3/31 LI UB

The CCME Issue FEBRUARY/ MARCH 2017 (12.1)

Franc Lopez CCME President

APRIL 2017 (12.2)

Jared Lyon President & CEO Student Veterans of America

Student Scholarship Spotlights

CCME Trending Topics SVA National Conference

Careers/Degrees in Logistics Corporate Connection

Health Services/Counseling for Vets on Campus

CCME Highlights Roundtable: Training Faculty in Veteran Concerns

Degrees in Nursing Corporate Connection

HE

D

HE

D

On Campus Support Issue MAY/JUNE 2017 (12.3)

Hildegard Buan Chief Air Force Voluntary Education

Supporting Military Spouses

JULY 2017 (12.4)

Carrie Wofford President Veterans Education Success

Certification Programs

AUGUST 2017 (12.5)

NAIMES President

Roundtable: ACMEs Credit for Military Experience

Degrees in Criminal Justice Corporate Connection

Competency Based Degrees Onward to Opportunity

Degrees in Aviation Corporate Connection

6/23

Roundtable: OnCampus Veteran Centers

Online MBA Traditional MBA Veterans Upward Bound

Degrees in Engineering Corporate Connection

7/25

SEPTEMBER 12.6

Curtis Coy Deputy Under Secretary of Education Department of Veterans Affairs

Troops to Teachers

Joining Forces US Army Women’s Foundation

Degrees in Information Technology Corporate Connection

8/25

OCT/ NOVEMBER 12.7

Eric Eversole Director US Chamber of Commerce

IVMF

Veterans Upward Bound Distance Learning Corporate Roundtable

Degrees in Homeland Security Corporate Connection

9/25

DECEMBER 12.8

American Council on Education

MAE&T’s 2018 Guide to Colleges and Universities

Soldier for Life

Degrees in Health Care Corporate Connection

12/2

B PU

L

This editorial calendar is a guide. Content is subject to change. Please verify advertising closing dates with your account executive.

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H IS

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“Because I wanted to draw on my past to better our future, it had to be UMUC.”

MIKE KNUTSON Bachelor of Science, Cybersecurity Navy Veteran

Credit for your military experience and training. You deserve credit for what you already know. At University of Maryland University College, you can receive up to 90 undergraduate credits for your prior college coursework and military experience and training and be well on your way Named to the Military Advanced Education & Transition 2017 Guide to Top Colleges & Universities

to an in-demand degree from a respected state university. You may even be able to finish your degree in as few as two years with online and hybrid classes and multiple start dates throughout the year.

FIND OUT HOW UMUC CAN WORK FOR YOU.

Call 800-939-UMUC or visit umuc.edu/mae. © 2017 University of Maryland University College