Education and Career Transition Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans
Special Section: AmericaServes
Skills Supporter Amy J. Moorash Chief, Army Continuing Education System U.S. Army Installation Management Command Marine COOL O The Education Evolution College Tips for Military Students
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September 2016 Volume 11, Issue 7
Transition Trends Corporate Connection: Michael Haller Director of Information Security Cubic Global Defense • Degrees and Careers in Information Technology
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MILITARY ADVANCED EDUCATION & Transition
Cover / Q&A
Features Transition Trends
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MAE&T Supplement
Special Section
10
4
The world works on computers, and that means jobs in technology fields abound. Careers in information technology offer employment in a strong job market. By Kasey Chisholm
Fortunately, veterans have a variety of benefits available. Unfortunately, the chief struggle this population faces is navigating all those available benefits. AmericaServes helps veterans navigate the sea of veterans’ services. By Holly Christy
A Digital World
Corporate Connection Michael Haller Director of Information Security Cubic Global Defense
AmericaServes
16 Amy J. Moorash
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The Marine Corps COOL program has so far helped a thousand Marines pay for their certification exams. Now, nearly two years into this program, MAE&T gets a progress report from Cassandra Coney, Career Technical/Credentialing Program Manager with the Marine and Family Programs Division.
While on active duty, the author made some realizations about higher education for servicemembers. Here, he shares those musings in the hope of helping military students make smart educational choices. By Jim Hendrickson
College is an expensive and time consuming venture. That’s why you want to get it right the first time. Here, some tips and strategies for making the best choices as you navigate your post-secondary education. By Nicholas Osborne
A “COOL” Resource
September 2016 Volume 11, Issue 7
The Education Evolution
Chief, Army Continuing Education System U.S. Army Installation Management Command
Here’s a Pro Tip…
“What continues to inspire me the most is the
Departments 2 Editor’s Perspective 3 Program Notes 14 Class Notes 25 CCME GRAPEVINE 26 MONEY TALKS 27 RESOURCE CENTER
University Corner Deann Sterner
Director Military Veteran Services Center Bellevue University
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difference we are making
in the lives of so many transitioning soldiers and their families— building a skill bridge to their
futures.”
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.
-Amy J. Moorash
Military Advanced Education & Transition Volume 11, Issue 7 • September 2016
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 When our magazine altered its name last year, to Military Advanced Education & Transition, it was because we wanted to emphasize that education is only part of the equation when it comes to succeeding in a post-active-duty life. Transitioning into a satisfying and fruitful civilian career is key to your success, and MAE&T has been dedicated to covering news and information that relates to that critical transition. We read with interest a new report from The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF), in collaboration with USAA. This third installment of its Workforce Readiness Research Kelly G. Fodel Series addresses the complex and interrelated relationship between Editor-in-chief veteran job preferences, skills-matching and performance and positive career outcomes such as retention and earnings. “Workforce Readiness Alignment: The Relationship Between Job Preferences, Retention, and Earnings” provides a deeper analysis of veterans’ employment experiences post-separation; specifically, the long term benefits of aligning military-conferred skills with career goals and expectations. Findings from the paper confirm the duality of workforce readiness, defined in this series as, “the combination of what the veteran brings to the workplace and what the employer does to proactively help veterans succeed there.” The research draws on self-reported data from veteran employees in the civilian sector, highlighting ongoing challenges that veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian employment. The paper concludes with a comprehensive set of actionable recommendations for both employers and veteran job seekers. For employers, it is important to take a customized approach to veteran hiring, focusing more on skillsets than specialty areas, supporting mentorship programs and ensuring that employees and human resources professionals in particular are trained on military cultural competence in order to best understand military candidates and new veteran hires. Veteran job seekers should make every effort to explore pre-transition career resources and educational benefits, leverage mentorship and on-the-job-training programs and seek positions at veteran-friendly organizations, when possible. According to Rosalinda Maury, director of Applied Research and Analytics at the IVMF, “Workforce readiness is an integral aspect of the veteran transition process—it’s about finding the right job fit for both the veteran and the employer, where veterans’ skills and career aspirations are understood, translated, and leveraged in the civilian workplace.” This paper makes the case for ensuring that these veteran hires have skills and career aspirations that are well-matched with employers’ needs, thus increasing job satisfaction, retention and other positive career outcomes. “With approximately 200,000 servicemembers transitioning into the civilian workforce each year over the next four years, it’s vital that both employers and veteran job seekers fully understand each other’s interests, needs, responsibilities and actions to align for mutual success,” said Mike Kelly, assistant vice president of Military Advocacy at USAA. “The latest in this series of veteran workforce readiness papers builds on the need to take a customized approach to veteran hiring.” The full report can be accessed at the IVMF website.
PROGRAM NOTES
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
ITT Shuts Down Following Federal Actions All ITT Tech campuses will be shut down, its parent company ITT Educational Services announced in early September. “It is with profound regret that we must report that ITT Educational Services, Inc. will discontinue academic operations at all of its ITT Technical Institutes permanently after approximately 50 years of continuous service,” the statement read. “With what we believe is a complete disregard by the U.S. Department of Education for due process to the company, hundreds of thousands of current students and alumni and more than 8,000 employees will be negatively affected.” Last month, the U.S. Department of Education prohibited ITT from enrolling new students who use federal financial aid. Shortly thereafter, the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education issued an emergency decision demanding ITT Educational Services stop accepting new students at its 15 California locations. ITT further commented, “The actions of and sanctions from the U.S. Department of Education have forced us to cease operations of the ITT Technical Institutes, and we will not be offering our September quarter. We reached this decision only after having exhausted the exploration of alternatives, including transfer of the schools to a non-profit or public institution.” Ted Mitchell, U.S. Under Secretary of Education, said in a blog post, “In recent years, ITT Educational Services, Inc. has increasingly been the subject of state and federal investiga-
tions and this year it has twice been found out of compliance with its accreditor’s standards. Over time, ITT’s decisions have put its students and millions of dollars in taxpayer funded federal student aid at risk. In response, over the last couple of years, we at the Department of Education have increased our financial oversight over ITT and required the school to boost its cash reserves to cover potential damages to taxpayers and students.” According to Mitchell’s blog post, students have a few options. You can transfer your credits to a new school (if that school accepts them) and complete your education. Or, if you have not finished your program and you don’t transfer your credits, you may be eligible to discharge your federal loans. The recourse for GI Bill students may be trickier. The Post-9/11 GI Bill gives veterans 36 months of college tuition, plus expenses, to attend the school of their choice. It makes no accommodation for students who are enrolled in a school that closes. With ITT shuttering its campuses, the veterans who were attending classes there face several lackluster options. The VA says it doesn’t have the legal authority to restore any benefits used at ITT, according to information on its website. “VA does not have the legal authority to restore any GI Bill benefits you have used to attend ITT, even if you are not finished with the classes this term,” the post reads. According to Student Veterans of America (SVA), veterans would be at the mercy of other schools and their credit transfer policies. SVA
is lobbying for legislation to change that. About 12,500 veterans attended ITT in 2015, according to SVA. In his blog, Mitchell added that if you are a GI Bill student and have questions about your GI Bill benefits, please contact the VA’s Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 or visit the GI Bill website. If you are eligible for the GI Bill and want to explore your education options, you can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find the program that’s right for you. ITT, it seems, isn’t going away quietly. The company’s statement went so far as to call the government sanctions unconstitutional. “These unwarranted actions, taken without proving a single allegation, are a ‘lawless execution,’ as noted by a recent editorial in The Wall Street Journal. We were not provided with a hearing or an appeal. Alternatives that we strongly believe would have better served students, employees, and taxpayers were rejected. The damage done to our students and employees, as well as to our shareholders and the American taxpayers, is irrevocable. We believe the government’s action was inappropriate and unconstitutional, however, with the ITT Technical Institutes ceasing operations, it will now likely rest on other parties to understand these reprehensible actions and to take action to attempt to prevent this from happening again.” The company has eliminated the positions of the overwhelming majority of its more than 8,000 employees. Tens of thousands of displaced students must now decide their next steps.
400 Folds of Honor Scholarship Recipients The Rite Aid Foundation has announced that more than 400 students have been named recipients of Folds of Honor educational scholarships through its KidCents program. Totaling more than $1.8 million, this is the first round of scholarships to be awarded as part of The Rite Aid Foundation’s previously announced three-year, $6 million commitment to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization based in Owasso, Oklahoma, dedicated to providing educational scholarships to children of fallen or disabled servicemembers. From now through October 14, Rite Aid associates will recognize students receiving the scholarships during special in-store celebration events. In addition to the scholarship, each student will receive a commemorative certificate and Rite Aid gift card.
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Folds of Honor is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces. The educational scholarships support private education tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents. Founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard who served three tours of duty in Iraq, Folds of Honor is proud to have awarded more than 10,000 scholarships in all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, including more than 2,500 in 2015 alone. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship, visit www.foldsofhonor.org.
MAE&T 11.7 | 3
Navigating the sea of veterans’ services. By Holly Christy, MAE&T Correspondent getting the services they need, and deserve? The end of the draft in 1973 signaled many a big change According to Ilario Pantano, senior director for programs for servicemembers and veterans. With an all-volunteer force, and services at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families numbers dropped dramatically—so much so that in recent years, at Syracuse University (IVMF), “The problem is not a lack of only about one half of one percent of the American population is services—there are literally thousands of entities serving in the military. Among other things, that that want to help veterans. The biggest challenge means that those in uniform have seen multiple today is navigating the sea of services. There are combat tours, and face a ‘disconnect’ with their so many services its bewildering.” In fact, a recent non-military peers in the civilian workforce whose IVMF survey of more than 8,500 transitioning sercareer paths haven’t been detoured or put on hold vicemembers shows that one of the chief struggles by military service. When today’s servicemember is this population faces is navigating all the available transitioning out of the military, career prospects benefits. Jim McDonough, managing director of can sometimes be bleak—whereas they might have IVMF explained, “In recent years, the landscape has been promising had one followed a non-military become littered with heartfelt approaches of people career path—and necessary services can seem eluwho want to help veterans.” sive. Those who have not served in the military, Jim McDonough In a white paper titled “Driving Community motivated by a sense of appreciation or any number Impact: The Case for Local, Evidence-Based Coordiof other factors, becomed incensed when they hear nation in Veteran and Military Family Services and about veterans not getting necessary care; they feel the AmericaServes Initiative,” the IVMF says, “A a sense of outrage on behalf of those who did volunclear gap in services for veterans and military famiteer to serve. lies persists across America. Contrary to what most Public outrage often drives political solutions, might expect, however, this gap is far from a lack of and that is the case in today’s atmosphere. As a public concern, resources, or programmatic effort. result of people clamoring to take better care of The “Sea of Goodwill” (Copeland & Sutherland, our veterans, more non-profits and veterans ser2010) toward those who have voluntarily chosen to vices have come onto the scene than ever before, wear our nation’s cloth appears deep and teeming as well as unheard of amounts of funding for such with life—for now. Rather, the gap lives between programs. So how is it that with this enormous the public, private, and nonprofit organizations that increase in funding for veterans programs, there are Ilario Pantano serve them. Put simply, the leading gap in veterans still complaints and horror stories of veterans not 4 | MAE&T 11.7
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and military family services is not a lack of resources or capacity, but a lack of collaboration, coordination, and collective purpose.” So the services and the goodwill exist, but it’s difficult for servicemembers to feel confident accessing them because there is little cohesiveness or coordination amongst the service providers or agencies. A veteran might need housing, employment services, counseling, or family care, but knowing who to turn to and how to go about it can be extremely overwhelming, resulting in too many veterans not being served. McDonough explained that the thought process at IVMF was, “It has to be possible to put all this service capacity into a network design, so someone whose needs are multiple and overlapping can be served in a more coordinated manner.” The solution they developed is AmericaServes, an umbrella organization with regional care centers that serves as a singular point of entry for veterans to access the services they require. According to the AmericaServes website, “Our vision is twofold. First, is that every servicemember, veteran, and their family can easily access the full range of comprehensive services required to achieve their unique goals, and to provide a first-class service experience to match service member and veterans’ first-class service to our nation. Second, is that all public, private, and non-profit organizations serving veterans are accountable to one another and should embrace formalized communication, coordination, and transparency.” How does it work? AmericaServes is supported by a back-end technological platform that allows network providers to securely communicate with one another, and work together to serve veterans and their families. When a veteran or family member joins AmericaServes, a referral request which includes information on eligibility for specific programs and services is created and centrally managed on the AmericaServes Platform. The AmericaServes Coordination Center, a centralized team of AmericaServes employees which handles all referrals within the Network, reviews the referral request and identifies the most appropriate network provider(s) to serve the individual in need of services. The AmericaServes Coordination Center ensures that veterans and their families are referred only to those programs and organizations for which they are truly eligible. All referrals are made via the AmericaServes Platform, and their progress and success are monitored and recorded. This way, veterans aren’t being referred carelessly for things they don’t need or aren’t qualified to receive, and service providers are free to focus on what they do best without the requirement to refer veterans to other providers for other kinds of services. AmericaServes initially began its work in New York following a challenge from the Robin Hood Foundation to create a better answer for the city’s military and veteran families who were struggling to access benefits. McDonough said the challenge required IVMF to “get providers on board, build the network, fund it, award it, run it, measure it, then grow and support it.” After a successful launch in New York, the AmericaServes program www.MAE-kmi.com
has spread to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and it’s preparing to launch in Washington as well. North Carolina laid the groundwork for a successful AmericaServes program by initially cataloging all the available service providers on the NC4Vets website; coordinating through the GovMAE&T 11.7 | 5
ernor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families; and building on the work of the Charlotte Bridge Home— a local nonprofit that was recognized as a “best practice.” North Carolina’s AmericaServes program, called NCServes-Metrolina, recently celebrated one year of providing services to area veterans. State agencies, community leaders, local nonprofits, charities, and philanthropic partners agreed that while each entity was successful at serving veterans and their families within their respective organizations, the community had an obligation to strive towards greater impact through a common agenda and formal coordination of services, resources, and care. In the last year, the NCServes-Metrolina program connected more than 1,200 unique Charlotte-area veterans and military family members to over 2,800 unique types of services, care, and resources available within this vibrant community. There are several factors that contribute to this kind of success—the support of a long-standing friend of the veteran community, network technology that makes it possible to coordinate and track outcomes, philanthropic entities looking to make important changes, and working in areas where the conditions are right. Syracuse University has a strong history of supporting our military and veterans, and plays an important role in establishing AmericaServes. Following WWII, the university opened its doors to returning servicemembers and doubled its student body overnight. The years since have seen continued efforts to support and improve the lives of military members, veterans, and their families. In 2011, Syracuse partnered with JPMorgan Chase to create the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, whose mission is to “advance the post-service lives of America’s servicemembers, veterans and their families by focusing across the full spectrum of their social, economic and wellness concerns to deliver class-leading educational and vocational programs, conduct actionable and national impacting research and policy analysis, and provide valued technical assistance, advisory support and expertise.” Pantano explained that IVMF “saw the disjointedness of the universe of veterans’ services, and is applying some real horsepower to it through AmericaServes.” He added, “When IVMF is involved, you bring an expert with significant pedigree and heart to the equation.” The AmericaServes solution is based on a network platform developed by technology partners Accenture and Unite US. Whereas it used to be that there was no way for the various federal, state, municipal, county, for profit and nonprofit entities to work together to share information and serve veterans, AmericaServes’ technology makes it possible for coordinating entities like NCServes-Metrolina to track, fulfill, and follow up on each request for service. “This approach keeps track of every ‘transaction’ to measure outcomes,” McDonough said. “There is built in accountability for actually getting the services in the hands of those who need them.” All this is made possible by grants from the Walmart Foundation, who McDonough said “funds the credentialed social workers, the networking of services, all of it.” He explained that the discerning philanthropic population is paying attention to what works, and that “the role of philanthropic investment is to seed innovation.” The Walmart Foundation echoed this sentiment in its 2016 Global Responsibility Report, saying that it is “focusing on strengthening the regional and state ecosystems that serve veterans and military families.” The foundation has invested $20 million over five years in collective impact initiatives to help support and integrate returning servicemembers. Among these initiatives is IVMF’s AmericaServes program, which they explain, “will offer veterans a 6 | MAE&T 11.7
coordinated way to access a suite of reliable local services for job placement, housing, health care and other services they may need.” This is good for the veteran, the local region, and far beyond. The Global Responsibility Report said, “As veterans reintegrate into society, everyone benefits. Veterans provide businesses with extraordinary assets and talent as hard-working, high-skilled people with strong leadership potential. Swift reintegration also enhances the stability of veterans’ families and communities, strengthening the U.S. workforce, and preserving the volunteer military in the U.S.” Pantano agreed. “When you bring a third party actor into the room with the Walmart Foundation’s funding,” he said, “IVMF’s expertise, Unite US and Accenture’s technology—aand you see how the model works—you get buy-in from the state level players.” In fact, that buy-in is part of what IVMF looks for when developing selfselected regions for the AmericaServes program. They’re expanding in areas where the state leadership recognizes the importance of Collective Impact, where there is a supportive philanthropic sector, and where providers are open to innovation. The existing service providers, of which there are likely to be many, have to be willing to acknowledge that there must be a better way to work together toward their common goal of serving veterans. “Communities selfselect by virtue of their action and coordination,” Pantano said. McDonough added, “You have to work sleeves-up in these communities to get providers to come out and say how hard it is to make blind referrals.” From a user’s point of view, the AmericaServes model should make accessing veterans services less confusing and overwhelming, and more personal and comprehensive. The new network in South Carolina (SCServes-Low Country) for instance, “enables servicemembers, veterans, and their families to digitally access a comprehensive array of services, resources, and care through online self-referral, by phone, or in person.” Pantano described the difference as being like that of a food court versus a full-service restaurant. Whereas before, veterans might find themselves trying to navigate the endless services found through a Google search of “veterans benefits,” AmericaServes brings a knowledgeable expert alongside to explain what exactly they are eligible for and provide help through the process, with follow-up and accountability. The IVMF hopes that veterans and military members will be encouraged by the knowledge that AmericaServes is out there—that their frustrations about the challenges of navigating a complex transition have been heard and understood. “We are doing something with them in mind to make it better and easier for them to get connected with services,” said McDonough. While AmericaServes isn’t everywhere, it is slowly spreading, and that is good news for veterans. According to Pantano, “When veterans hear that there truly are people who want to help them, and there are good services available, it’s an incredible boost—they aren’t victims, they’re victors!” O For more information on veterans’ services through a local AmericaServes region, visit www.americaserves.org, select the region where you live, and provide some basic contact information.
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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Transition Trends
CORPORATE CONNECTION
Military Advanced Education & Transition
Cubic Global Defense Michael Haller
Director of Information Security
Q:
What advice would you offer servicemembers and veterans looking to make the transition to a civilian career?
8 | MAE&T 11.6 | Transition Trends
A:
Start early! When you know that you’re going to transition, start putting yourself out there. Statistics show that those transitioning out of the military will go through five different jobs before they “land” in a comfortable place. The earlier you have a plan; the earlier you can
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Transition Trends
begin to execute. Going through five different employers will only hurt you in the long run. Do your homework, put in some effort, and don’t settle for the first thing that comes your way (unless it happens to be your dream job). When you get to the interview, it is as much about you interviewing the company as it is about them interviewing you. It must be a mutual fit.
Q:
What do you think is the biggest challenge veterans face in making their transition to civilian employment?
A:
Becoming institutionalized. Spending five, 10, 20 or more years in the military is a very noble profession, no doubt; but it does lead to a certain comfort zone that is very difficult to get away from. Often times, servicemembers who have spent several years in the service feel that they can no longer relate to civilian life and that the military is the only place that they can continue to survive. This is a fallacy, of course, but nonetheless, a very common misconception.
Q:
Why does your company believe veterans are a valuable investment?
A:
Steadfast loyalty and specific skill sets. Veterans present themselves as the total package to employers. When Cubic hires a veteran, they know that they are getting a person with demonstrated loyalty, someone who has been challenged, someone who puts the mission first, and someone who is dedicated to service. They are also getting someone with a skill set (punctuality, discipline, responsibility, eagerness to serve, accountability, leadership, followership), not to mention a specific technical skill that comes from their military occupational specialty, that is only taught in the military. This is invaluable to employers. In many cases, veterans can “hit the ground” running instead of having to be brought up to speed. Most employers see this as a tremendous advantage to hiring veterans.
Q:
From an educational perspective, what advice would you offer to transitioning servicemembers trying to determine a degree path/career field for their civilian careers?
A:
I see cybersecurity as the fastest growing industry at the moment. In fact, cybersecurity is growing 12 times faster than any other industry. Statistics show that today, there are over 750,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions. By 2019, that number is expected to exceed 1.5 million. The fact of the matter is; now more than ever, companies are feeling vulnerable and are seeing a real need to protect big www.MAE-kmi.com
data. You don’t have to look far to see or hear about some company, somewhere in the world, becoming a victim of a cyber-attack. The annualized total cost of a single breach in the U.S. is estimated to be $65 million. That is a hefty price to pay for not having the right people in the right place doing what is necessary to thwart attacks. Therein lies the rub; there are not enough people with the right skill set to satisfy the demand. Universities across the country are beginning to capitalize on this and are now offering accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs that will help industry fill the empty seats.
Q:
What is your commitment to hiring veterans? What percentage of your employees are veterans?
A:
Cubic has become a preeminent defense company! We wouldn’t be in this position if it were not for our long history of hiring veterans. Last year, in 2015, 44 percent of the new hires for Cubic were veterans. Today, 38 percent of our employees are veterans.
Q:
What do you believe makes your company particularly veteran-inclusive and supportive?
A:
During our long and prestigious tenure, we have hired and supported thousands of veterans. Recently, a few of our veterans got together and decided it was time to charter a Veterans Club. Cubic Veterans Club, as it’s called, is now in full swing, backed by the CEO, and dedicated 100 percent to helping Cubic veterans with many concerns—from socials to community service to resource sharing, our club does it all. Service to our country is on the top of Cubic’s list of most admirable traits. 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.
Transition Trends | MAE&T 11.6 | 9
Careers in Information ??? Technology
Careers in information technology offer employment in a strong job market. “Networking” used to refer to expanding one’s contacts within a field. These days, the digital dependence of our society brings new meaning to the term, highlighting our technology-tied world. With the advancement of each new technology comes a great need—professionals capable of serving in the booming information technology industry. “We live in a connected world where we have data at the snap of our fingers. We’ve gone from room size computers to hand-held smartphones. Just a few years ago, we would have never thought about connecting devices like refrigerators, washer and dryer machines, and coffee machines to the Internet. Wearable technology like Fitbit and Apple’s iWatch are now more common to users than a traditional wrist watch,” explained Manish Patel, faculty member in the technology department at Colorado State University–Global Campus. He continued, “With all those systems and data in place, we are going to need more and more information technology (IT) professionals who have skills to design, implement and troubleshoot them.” 10 | MAE&T 11.6 | Transition Trends
By Kasey Chisholm MAE&T Correspondent
While it seems like common sense that in a technology driven world, technology careers would be on the upswing, the numbers prove just how true that is. “According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer systems design and related services is projected to grow 3.9 percent annually until 2020, while rest of the industry is predicted to grow at 1.3 percent,” Patel said. “The job market will stay strong for a long time as we see organizations store more and more data and will need IT professionals to manage all of the information.” A degree in the information technology field can prepare a graduate for a wide array of career options, explained Siddharth Kaza, chairperson of the Department of Computer Sciences at Towson University. “Their jobs involve designing and implementing software; devising new ways to use computers; and helping businesses, financial operations, government agencies, healthcare organizations and schools with their technology needs.” This variety of applications allows prospective students the opportunity to follow a career path that truly interests them. www.MAE-kmi.com
Transition Trends
Colorado State UniversityGlobal Campus Whether interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate level degree options, prospective technology students can find the program best suited to their needs at ColoManish Patel rado State University-Global Colorado State University Campus. CSU-Global offers an undergraduate degree in IT, where students “gain knowledge to design, implement, administer, secure and troubleshoot systems and networks,” said Patel. “Students take courses in computer programming, database design, network and systems security, and data management based on their specialty track.” With a focus on real-world problems, critical thinking, and virtual and hands-on labs, students are able to develop the skills needed to thrive in the IT industry. Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to pursue such certifications as Microsoft Certified Professional, CompTIA Security+, and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacking while earning their degree.
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The graduate option for prospective IT students is the Information Technology Management (ITM). Intended to enhance a student’s career in the field, students learn how organizations use data and information in making strategic business decisions and gain competitive advantages. Students apply IT leadership skills, globalization perspective, evaluate IT resources and design and manage systems to meet organizational goals. Specializations available to students include Computer Programming, Criminal Forensics, Cyber Security, Data Management and Analysis, and Operations Management and Supervision. Patel stressed the relevance of an IT degree from CSU-Global as a strong benefit for enrolled students. He explained, “Unlike most university programs, our programs are reviewed every 18 to 24 months to keep them up-to-date with the trends in the industry and since our professors are also active professionals they recognize changes and translate those to our students in real-time.” He also noted that while “technology” is a wide ranging term, many prospective students are unclear on exactly what an IT professional’s career will entail, confusing it with such fields as Information Systems or Computer Science. Patel clarified, “While it is common for people to refer to IT as encompassing all fields within computing, IT professionals deal with how organizations store, use and protect data. Organizations employ IT professionals that have formal training and hands-on experience to implement and
Transition Trends | MAE&T 11.6 | 11
Careers in Information ??? Technology
maintain the information systems and networks as well as the users of those systems.” Patel feels that a military background can be an indicator of success for IT students. “Active IT professionals work in team environments and students with a military background are comfortable working with others. Plus, these students can more easily obtain security clearance over non-military students,” Patel stated. He went on, “Organizations such as the federal government and their contractors need IT professionals with clearance. From my experiences, students who have military backgrounds participate frequently in classes, complete their assignments, and do well in terms of their final grades.” Military students can expect to find flexibility and assistance at CSU-Global, ranging from 8-week class schedules that accommodate deployments, to individualized career coaching tailored to military students. Nearly 400 students with military backgrounds are currently enrolled in the IT programs at CSU-Global. Being the country’s first and only fully-accredited, public, non-profit, degree-granting university that is an entirely independent and a 100 percent online institution, CSU-Global is ideally suited to help the “nontraditional” student gain a valuable education.
Penn State University Offering both resident and online learning opportunities, students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology. At the undergradMichael Hills uate level, students can earn a Penn State University bachelor’s degree in information sciences and technology (with an option in integration and application, or an option in design and development) or a bachelor’s degree in security and risk analysis with an option in information and cyber security. Michael Hills, senior lecturer in Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology, explained, “Our undergraduate programs teach students the skills they need to develop new technology and the role that technology will play in our lives, businesses, and the world. Students will be challenged to think critically to solve problems using technology in a variety of contexts.” Graduate students can also pursue a variety of options. A traditional Master of Science degree program and a Ph.D. degree program is offered for residential students. For online learners, who already have professional experience in the field, PSU offers Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degrees, including MPS in information sciences with an option in cybersecurity and information assurance; MPS in homeland security with an option in information security and forensics; and MPS in enterprise architecture. For those wishing to pursue graduate certificates, there are three available to online students. Hills believes that it is an excellent time to join the IT field. “According to Forbes, nearly a million cybersecurity jobs will open in 12 | MAE&T 11.6 | Transition Trends
2016,” he cited. “While the demand for graduates with IT experience is growing in all economic sectors, certainly cybersecurity, which is the focus of IST’s programs, is the most well-known and is leading the way.” While hacks such as the attacks on Target and Sony in recent years have made cybersecurity a major area of job growth, graduates are certainly not limited to that career path. “Beyond security, IT graduates may pursue software design and development such as the creation of new apps, gamification, systems programming, networking, and data management,” Hills said. Hills is confident that the more than 300 currently enrolled online IST students with military backgrounds are on a path to success. “First, the military embraces technology in nearly every area of its operations so servicemembers, former and present, are already very familiar and comfortable working in highly technical settings using state-of-the-art technology,” he explained. “Second, operational security is something that is taught from day one in basic training and reinforced throughout a member’s time in service. Good security practices and discipline are ‘baked’ into the individual, creating individuals with a deep understanding of security principles that translate well into careers in IT.” However, it is the “team player” mentality instilled in the enlisted members of our military that Hills believes leads to excellence in the field, noting their leadership as well as “followership” abilities. Often, Hills finds that military members hold advanced certifications such as Security +, Net + and CISSP from their time of service, which is also a key to advancement. Penn State provides a wide array of supports for its military students. Veteran programs, tuition and G.I. Bill assistance, and granting academic credit for military experience are just a few of the things servicemembers can expect to find. The Penn State World Campus is an online option that is particularly suited to military members, and specifically offers admissions counseling and grants to those enrolled in undergraduate studies.
Towson University Towson University offers students undergraduate and graduate options. Three undergraduate programs offered include computer science, information systems and information technology. Within Siddharth Kaza each program are a variety of Towson University degree options. The computer science program at Towson University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with the option of the Security Track; a combined major in Computer Science and Mathematics; a combined major in Computer Science and Mathematics with Security Track; and a minor in Computer Science. The Information Systems program offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems; a combined major in Information Systems and Business Administration; a combined major in Inwww.MAE-kmi.com
Transition Trends
formation Systems and E-business; and a minor in Information Systems. The Information Technology program offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Towson University’s main campus in Towson, Md. as well as a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Towson University Northeastern Maryland (TUNEMD). On the graduate level, students can earn an M.S. degree in Computer Science and a D.Sc. degree in Information Technology. A third option, an M.S. degree in Applied Information Technology, is also available for students. Graduates of the Towson University IT programs have met with great success as systems analysts, network and database administrators, computer programmers, security analysts, software developers, software engineers and information officers. “Computer and information sciences are critical to innovation in nearly all fields of endeavor and to the operation of practically any business, institution, organization and agency,” said Kaza. “Simply put, the world works on computers,” making this an excellent time for IT professionals to hit the job market. Named a top veteran-supportive school by a variety of publications, including Military Advanced Education & Transition, it is no surprise that many supports await military students. Towson was the first university in Maryland to establish a veteran’s center. “The center offers veterans a one-stop shop to learn about admissions, scholarships and other financial aid, counseling and disability support services, academic advising and student activities,” detailed Patrick Young from Towson’s Department of Veteran’s Services. “It is also home base for the Veteran Student Group, an SGA-sponsored student organization that supports veteran-related community service projects.” Veteran students can expect help with the G.I. Bill, VA services, financial aid, and guidance through the university application and enrollment processes. Young believes that “by addressing the unique issues and challenges that veteran students face when entering into the university environment,” Towson is able to create an incredibly veteran-friendly environment.
students who dedicate themselves to their studies are able to accelerate to their degree, which saves both time and money.” Graduates of the WGU IT programs have found employment with such companies as Raytheon, Pfizer, Facebook, American Express, Adobe Systems, Microsoft Corporation, and Lockheed Martin in positions including but not limited to data scientist, network engineer, software development engineer, technical solutions architect, division chief, and defensive cyber operations branch chief. Vogel noted that students with military experience “are excellent students and go on to become excellent IT professionals.” Nearly 1,500 active-duty military, veterans, or dependent family members of military personnel are currently enrolled in WGU’s IT programs. Affordable tuition of about $6,000 per year means that most veterans are eligible for benefits that fully cover tuition and fees through such programs as the G.I. Bill and other tuition assistance. In addition to the financial benefits, WGU also has a dedicated team to help military students succeed. “WGU has created military communities which allow military students to interact with, encourage, and support other military students,” Vogel said, which ensures their success. 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.
Western Governors University Western Governors University’s College of Information Technology offers accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including the newly announced M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Myles Vogel, national director of WGU’s College of Information Technology, explained that the new MS “aligns with the latest standards from national security organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Security Agency (NSA).” In addition, students can earn a new B.S. in Data Management and Data Analytics. Included in the cost of tuition are nationally recognized IT certifications, meant to ensure graduates are prepared with the real-world knowledge needed to be competent and competitive in the workforce. Utilizing a “competency based model,” which “measures learning rather than time spent in class,” means students are granted flexibility that is of particular value to the military student. Vogel clarified, “Students can use the experience and skills they’ve acquired to advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course subject matter, spending time focused exclusively on what they still need to learn. Because of this, many www.MAE-kmi.com
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CLASS NOTES New Liberty Veterans Center Liberty University veterans have a new gathering space on campus. Liberty’s Office of Military Affairs opened a Veterans Center on the third floor of the new Montview Student Union. The space includes a lounge for student veterans to connect with one another as well as with faculty, staff, and community residents who serve as their mentors. A VetSuccess counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a military student liaison from the Office of Military Affairs are on hand to offer support services throughout the students’ academic careers. Drew Novy, a senior and president of Liberty’s Student Veterans Association, said that it is exciting for military students to have a place to call their own. “Many veterans often face a lot of overwhelming adversity when they are getting out of the military,” said Novy, who served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. “A lot of them have struggles trying to transition from military to civilian life, especially going back to being a student. I’m thankful for Liberty University and the Office of Military Affairs for really helping us with that transition. The Veterans Center just shows the high esteem that Liberty holds for its military veterans.” Veterans from the community and representatives from local organizations joined Liberty students, faculty, and staff at a dedication. Chris Johnson, Liberty’s executive vice president for Enrollment
Management, welcomed the guests, which included Keith Wilson, Department of Veteran Affairs director of the Roanoke Regional Office; David Stokes, director of the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council and public affairs chairman for the Virginia State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America; Gary Witt, commander of the Lynchburg Chapter No. 1607 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart; and Steve
Bozeman, vice president of the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council. More than 32,000 military students were enrolled last year. That number includes veterans, military spouses, and over 10,000 active duty servicemembers. Currently there are 900 military students and 1,000 dependent children of military members studying on campus.
Cybersecurity Training Program for Transitioning Veterans SANS Institute, in collaboration with RP/6 and the United Service Organizations (USO), has announced that SANS will offer 100 percent scholarship-based cybersecurity training in Colorado Springs as part of the VetSuccess Academy program. The SANS VetSuccess Academy provides transitioning veterans and active duty military spouses with advanced technical training, industry-recognized GIAC certifications, and connections to leading employers in cybersecurity. For employers, the program is a faster, more reliable, and less expensive way to find, train, certify and employ qualified cybersecurity talent. “We hear time and again from our employer partners that they want the integrity and motivation veterans bring to the job,” said Anne Sprute, founder and CEO of RP/6. “We are so excited to connect Colorado Springs’ transitioning servicemembers who have those skills in abundance to the best cybersecurity training available thanks
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to the SANS Institute and the USO. After piloting the VetSuccess Academy in Washington State, we know how powerful this program will be for the thousands of veterans and military spouses here.” Eligible participants will take and complete the qualifying assessment and based on the results, may be invited to submit a full application and interview for the program. Courses are scheduled to begin in Colorado Springs on October 24, 2016. The application process is now open and the last date to request the qualifying exam is Friday, September 30, 2016. “In an effort to find new talent to meet the rapidly growing needs in cybersecurity, we believe transitioning veterans are ready to fill the gap and are proud to partner with RP/6 and the USO to provide transitioning service members with valuable skills and a solid career path,” said Max Shuftan, Business Development Manager of SANS CyberTalent. “Our VetSuccess Program has been very successful to date and we are pleased to help
employers find great new employees with the skills they require.” The VetSuccess Academy includes three world-class SANS Institute training courses and upon completion of each course; participants will take the associated GIAC exam before starting the next course. “Partnering with the SANS Institute and RP/6 means transitioning veterans who walk through our doors have the opportunity to be connected to the best cybersecurity training available at no cost to them,” said Phil Martinez, USO director, Colorado Springs, Colorado. “Our nationwide partnership with RP/6 has turned USO-RP/6 in locations across the country into one-stop-shops for service members to connect to employment, education, benefits and training opportunities—while they transition from military to civilian life.” To learn more about the VetSuccess Academy, please visit www.sans.org/cybertalent
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Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Saint Leo Opens Military Resource Center Saint Leo University’s military community has a new place to call home. The Military Resource Center, located in Apartment Building 4 in the former Lakeside Room, will serve as a gathering place where student-veterans, activeduty and reserve servicemembers, and ROTC cadets can relax, study, meet with advisors, and receive help from external support centers. On Thursday, August 25, Pamela Martis, new director of the Office of Military Affairs and Services (formerly known as Veteran Student Services), hosted a welcome orientation at the Military Resource Center. New and returning student-veterans, military family member students, and ROTC students, as well as faculty and staff, were welcomed to the MRC. Martis, a retired U.S. Army colonel, and staff assistant John Morgan, who also is a student veteran, invited many guests to provide information about programs and support services available to the Saint Leo students. From Career Planning to the Office of Accessibility Services at Saint Leo, to outside groups such
as CareerSource Pasco Hernando, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Pasco County Vet Center, and the Disabled American Veterans, students learned about what services they can obtain. Guests discussed veteran educational benefit programs, employment opportunities, counseling services, and student success. Martis plans to continue that culture of support with the new Military Resource Center. The Office of Military Affairs and Services also will support Operation Stand Down, scheduled for September 29 to October 1, at Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson, FL. The office will collect donations of new socks, which will be distributed to homeless veterans during Operation Stand Down.
CRST Offers Apprenticeship Program for Military Veterans CRST International has been approved for the Veteran Apprenticeship Program, offered through the Department of Labor and the Veteran’s Administration. CRST International is one of the nation’s largest transportation companies, providing total transportation solutions and comprehensive logistics services to customers all over North America. The approval allows new and current CRST drivers using the GI Bill to be eligible to earn additional monthly income as they transition into trucking careers with CRST. Applicants to the 12-month program will have the opportunity to earn up to an additional $13,400 tax-free from government funding. The income levels are determined by the number of years served and the type of benefits received through the GI Bill. The program will complement CRST’s existing Heroes on the Highway military program for veterans joining the transportation industry. “We’re proud to do all that we can to support our drivers who come to us after military service,” said Jenny Abernathy, CRST vice president of capacity development. “The transition can be difficult, and this program gives our veterans a chance to learn the skills they need while earning a good income.”
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‘Transition is the Mission’ at Penn State Making the transition to college can be daunting for any student, but for military veterans it can be particularly challenging. A new class, “Transition is the Mission,” being piloted at Penn State’s University Park campus this semester, was designed to address that, by helping student veterans maximize their time at Penn State academically, professionally and personally. The course, Education 100, is being offered through the College of Education, and it is open to all student veterans. Erik Orient, who is teaching the class, has made the transition himself. After serving in the military for four years, he came to Penn State while remaining on active duty. “I’ve done it myself, and I know some of the struggles,” said Orient, director of the Penn State Engineering Ambassadors. “The military community is very tight knit and members are unified on a common mission. A university environment can feel fragmented and individualized. For veterans, this unfamiliarity can feel very, very foreign and uncomfortable. Consequently, many veterans don’t maximize their college experience because they go to class, get their grades and they’re done. That’s what I did. I don’t want to see others do the same.” The course aims to help the students get the most out of all the resources the University has to offer. That includes navigating the GI Bill; learning about resources that are available from both Penn State and State College area agencies; deciding on a major and career path; getting the most out of job searches; and getting involved in extracurricular programs. Another challenge for veterans can be heading to college without a clear idea of what they want to study. “It’s all too common,” said Renee ThorntonRoop, associate director of the Office of Veterans Programs at Penn State. “We want to catch it on the front end. It’s hard because they don’t have the luxury a traditional student has to feel out their likes and dislikes.” Thornton-Roop and Mary Fisk, coordinator of Veterans Outreach, will teach several sections of the class including information on making the most of the GI Bill, tapping into community resources, landing internships and studying abroad. Thornton-Roop and Orient said eventually they would like to make the class available to all incoming student veterans. For more information or to enroll in the class, contact Orient at evo100@psu.edu.
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Skills Supporter
Q& A
Bridging the gap between military experience, skills, and civilian careers.
Amy J. Moorash Chief, Army Continuing Education System U.S. Army Installation Management Command Amy Moorash is the Chief, Army Continuing Education System at U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She provides base support and garrison execution oversight to ACES programs/services at all Army garrisons. Prior to her current position, she was the Education Services Officer and Chief, Advising Programs at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington where she championed the Army’s Career Skills Program pilots and institutionalized career/technical and vocational education programs for soldiers transitioning from military to civilian opportunities. Moorash has served as the Education Services Officer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where she re-optimized the education center operations in support of convalescing warriors with severe trauma. Previously she was Program Manager at HQs Human Resources Command, Army Continuing Education System, Alexandria, Va., where she managed and led the Army’s premier online learning program, eArmyU and served as a distance learning expert. Moorash holds bachelor’s degrees in communication and religious studies as well as a master’s degree in clinical social work from Michigan State University. Q: It’s been two years since we first featured you in MAE&T, focusing on the Army’s Career Skills Program. What can you tell us about the program’s progress since then?
Q: How does the Army compare to the other military services when it comes to the Career Skills Program?
A: Two years ago, I developed several pilot Career Skills Programs at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington, which had one of the highest state unemployment rates in the nation. This program allowed us to test the Chief of Staff of the Army’s concept of connecting transitioning soldiers directly to an industry for skill-gap training, in hopes of lowering the unemployment compensation the Army was paying every year. In late 2014, I transitioned from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to run the Army Continuing Education System, which included the Career Skills Program, at the U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. It is here that I began to see the impact of the programs we piloted at JBLM and these programs continue to grow by leaps and bounds. In 2014, there were only a handful of Career Skills Programs, but today we oversee more than 76 programs at 24 installations and we have over 30 programs under development. Our partnerships with industry, who bear the cost of most of the training programs we offer, have continued to surpass my expectations. But what continues to inspire me the most is the difference we are making in the lives of so many transitioning soldiers and their families—building a skill bridge to their futures.
A: The U.S. Army continues to lead the way for all the military services in implementing its Career Skills Program for transitioning military. The Career Skills Programs provide vocational and technical training that focus on the practical application of learned skills that can lead to employment in a specific career or technical trade. We have an impressive employment rate of nearly 93 percent, with 3,723 soldiers having completed the program so far this year. The success of the program is evident in the decreasing number of unemployed transitioning soldiers. According to the Department of Labor, the amount of unemployment benefits paid to soldiers after leaving the Army in FY15 was $324M, a 22 percent decrease from $432M paid in FY14, and it continues to decline every month. The reduction of unemployment benefits paid by the Army indicates more soldiers are finding employment after leaving the Army, which is a testament, in part, to the Career Skills Program’s success and partnerships. At IMCOM, we are proud to have led the way, breaking down barriers and solving many of the issues facing the other services. We continue to collaborate with the Navy, Air Force and Marines to share best practices and to grow the enterprise of programs available to all transitioning military.
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Q. What has made the difference for the Army? A: As the Army plans to reduce troop strength by FY17, we are prepared to help soldiers transition and connect them and their families to meaningful careers and educational opportunities before and after separation from military service. IMCOM has hired and trained six Regional Career Skills Program Coordinators to work and connect with employers, professional associations, unions, educational providers and garrison leaders to create programs that yield highly skilled, high-demand civilian careers at minimal or no cost to participants. The coordinators are located at Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Stewart, Ga. and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. They engage, connect and create unity of effort in their individual areas of responsibility which covers multiple states. They assist garrisons in the day-to-day execution of their respective programs as well as work to leverage successful programs at one location expanding to additional sites. The Regional Career Skills Program Coordinators have expanded our capacity to grow the Career Skills Program exponentially and to implement standard operating procedures for the program. When it comes to demonstrating return on investment, these individuals help us ensure we have the data to do that. Q: Tell us about the different industries that offer Career Skills Programs for soldiers. A: There are five types of Career Skills Programs: apprenticeship; internships; job shadowing; on-the-job training and employment skills training. Of the 76 Career Skills Programs IMCOM offers, the majority of them are provided to soldiers at no cost. Our partner industries have invested in their future workforce by paying for the training and guaranteeing a career in the industry or interview for an open position. Some of the occupational industries where Career Skills Program employers offer careers to our transitioning soldiers include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Solar energy Automotive maintenance Human resources Management Corporate Leadership Information Technology (IT) Entrepreneurship Food management Hospitality Health care Customer service Electrical Industrial Coating Industrial Painting Glazing Forestry Logistics Truck Driving Fire Suppression
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• • • • • • • • •
Welding Plumbing Construction Real Estate Communications Claims Administration Manufacturing and Distribution Robotics Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
For the Career Skills Program graduates, they often get an opportunity to move ahead of their civilian counterparts competing for positions and interview directly with company leadership. Only 13 of the Career Skills Programs IMCOM offers have a cost, which soldiers pay for with their G.I. Bill benefits. The willingness of so many employers to provide training for free is a testament to the quality of candidates the Army provides. Q. What are industry employers telling you about hiring veterans? A: Companies like investing in our veterans by partnering with the Army. The Career Skills Program employers tell us that our military servicemembers make prime candidates for employment because of their highly technical skills, leadership and life experience. In addition, the soldiers’ ability to unite individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines, coupled with their resourcefulness and ability to quickly survey a situation to make an intelligent decision, is highly desirable. Employers also know that veterans have the ability to adapt to any environment, manage stressful situations as well as coach, mentor and lead others. Our veterans show up early to work, stay late, work well as a part of a team, are drug-free and adept at showing respect, demonstrating personal integrity and aren’t afraid to work hard to get ahead. Q: How does the IMCOM Career Skill Program support Soldier For Life? A: Soldier for Life provides lifelong connection to the Army and access to networks and resources offering opportunities to help soldiers and their families achieve personal and professional goals. IMCOM’s Career Skills Program is committed to assisting our soldiers and their families to reintegrate into civilian communities. We focus our efforts to develop soldiers over their lifetimes and work toward connecting them with education and employers to affect job retention and job satisfaction. MAE&T 11.7 | 17
At the same time, we love to showcase the Army’s highly skilled and trained soldiers to potential employers. The Career Skills Program honors our veterans by creating new opportunities for them to contribute after their service. Consequently, they can continue making a difference in their communities and society at large. Our troops don’t cease to be soldiers because they transition from the Army; we consider them to be “Soldiers for Life.” We know that soldiers start strong, serve strong, reintegrate and can remain strong through our Career Skills Program. As the Army continues to focus on the Soldier For Life program in support of the military lifecycle, we must continue to develop ambassadors for our Army. Once a soldier, always a soldier, a soldier for life! Q: What are soldiers saying about the Career Skills Program and what does that mean to you? A: The Career Skills Program helps reduce the level of uncertainty for soldiers as they search for employment in the civilian sector. We serve as a bridge to help them obtain industry credentials, vocational and technical education, internships, employment skills training and apprenticeship opportunities. Having the ability to participate in a Career Skills Program before leaving the military has removed much of the transition stress and worry our veterans may face. I am still honored to be part of this amazing journey that develops partnerships that bridge the education and transition gap to careers for our military men and women. I’m so proud of the work we are doing to promote direct pathways to careers for our transitioning military through education, on the job training, internships and apprenticeships. Q: What best practices for the Career Skills Program can you share with us to help education organizations, employers and installations grow their own programs? A: We’ve seen a number of best practices emerge in our Career Skills Program that other organizations, education providers and installations can replicate. For example, installations that partner with their respective local communities have seen tremendous success growing their Career Skills Programs. We have found creative ways to partner with industry, employers and professionals to help us serve our military men and women while in uniform and when they transition from service. One of the biggest surprises has been the number of federal and state entities that have come on board to support the Career Skills Program. For example, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has a critical need for claims adjusters and implemented a Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) to support its hiring efforts for GS07 claims adjusters with promotion potential to GS13. This program has been a win-win for the Army and the VA, with programs at five garrisons that have graduated over 220 soldiers directly into careers with the VA. Similarly, IMCOM has entered into agreements with the U.S. Department of Forestry, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Energy to name a few, offering federal career oppor18 | MAE&T 11.7
tunities at no cost to participants. The Career Skills Program is a critical enabler that allows companies to invest a few weeks in skill-gap training that ensures new hires are ready to hit the ground running when they come on board as veterans. Many education providers are already doing this sort of partnership within their continuing education divisions and they successfully partner with industry to train for direct positions at partner companies. By bringing their curricula into the Career Skills Program, along with an industry partner that offers a career, they are able to garner high quality candidates for their company training programs. Q: So what’s on the horizon for the Career Skills Program? A: In the coming months, IMCOM is seeking approval for an exception request for soldiers to use permissive temporary duty status to attend a Career Skills Program at a location outside of the current 50-mile restriction. What that means, is that IMCOM could have the authority to allow transitioning soldiers from one location to attend a Career Skills Program at another location, or to do an internship with an industry more than 50 miles from their current duty assignment. Under permissive temporary duty status, soldiers could travel at their own expense to attend a Career Skills Program that best meets their interest, while using barracks and meal options at the visiting location. With permissive temporary duty authority, the Career Skills Program would further expand its enterprise opportunities for transitioning soldiers, allowing them to train at the location where they want to relocate. IMCOM is also working to expand its Career Skills Programs overseas to locations in Europe and Korea. We anticipate that by the end of 2017, we’ll have Career Skills Programs overseas. Lastly, we are working with the U.S. Department of Labor to utilize the existing network of American Job Centers, to further expand our program offerings and locations. I’m gratified by the growth this program has seen in the past two years and I’m even more excited about what’s to come. We’ve seen this program expand at an accelerated rate and we’ve proven that through partnerships with education and industry representatives, we can ensure family-wage careers for veterans. I can’t wait to see what happens next! O www.MAE-kmi.com
The Education Evolution Thoughts and musings on higher education while on active duty. By Jim Hendrickson
A little over a year ago I volunteered for an open ended tour of active duty. While my daily duties are in no way related to my civilian career in higher education, I have found that education is incredibly prevalent in the lives of servicemembers from all of the service branches represented where I am assigned. Over the past year I have found some reoccurring themes related to education. Some are disappointing and need improving, while others are incredibly motivating and inspirational. All are part of the continuing evolution of education among the ranks as the U.S. military continues to build and field the most educated and lethal fighting force in history. 1. Self Improvement: Troops are constantly cracking the books. In every instance when there is free time I am witnessing troops studying, logging in to online classes, and doing homework assignments. This isn’t just one or two people; it is the majority of any group. Returning from TDY recently, I was sitting in the cargo bay of a C-17. The four airmen sitting near me were discussing what they were going to do as soon as we got home. All of them listed www.MAE-kmi.com
logging in to their online classes and submitting homework as their first priority and, surprisingly, they were excited about it. None of them talked about school work as a hassle; instead, they discussed how far along they were in their degree programs, what courses they had left, and why school was important to them. It was inspiring to be in their presence and eavesdrop in on their conversation. I was only planning to watch TV and nap on the couch when I got home... not nearly as inspiring.
Jim Hendrickson
2. Communication: Servicemembers do not fully understand the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit. Many people are only learning about the GI Bill as they are out processing and do not realize what they are eligible for or that the GI Bill has a transfer option, but only if you apply for it early enough. Out processing is too late to learn the details of the GI Bill, particularly those interested in transferring benefits to family members. The transfer benefit requires prior approval and an extended duty commitment; in short, one needs to agree to serve for a few more years to be approved for this benefit. It is MAE&T  11.7 | 19
a crushing disappointment for many to learn that they missed the opportunity to take advantage of this benefit. We need to do a better job of making people aware of all of the great options the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers. 3. Marketing “Free Education”: The overused marketing slogan that college is “free to military” remains to be a prevalent catch phrase. I drive past a billboard every morning that declares a particular school is free to military. This is not true. What the billboard is really saying is that their tuition is at or below the GI Bill cap and the student will not pay out of pocket expenses. The school is going to get paid, however, it will be the government, and by extension, the taxpayers, who will pay tuition. Every service member who uses TA, GI Bill or other earned benefit needs to treat this money as if it were their own. They earned this benefit through hard work and making the commitment to serve. Only a small percent of the U.S. population elects to serve and only this population is eligible for the GI Bill. It is an extremely valuable benefit for servicemembers and their families. It is also a benefit that can be lost if this money is not well spent. If the GI Bill is not producing positive results it can be reduced or eliminated in cost saving measures. Historically, Congress has proven extremely willing to cut military education benefits when budgets get tight. Right now, in fact, some in Congress are trying to cut GI Bill benefits. Iraq Afghanistan Veterans Association (IAVA) is fighting to hold the line but it is up to all of us to protect this benefit by using it well and making it count. Freedom is not free and neither is your education benefit. Be wary of anyone who tells you school is free. It isn’t, so make the most of this benefit and make your school earn the opportunity to be your education provider. If “free” is all they have to offer, then shop around for another school. 4. Technical Difficulties: Transfer credits and accreditation are not well understood. This is not a surprise, as it is confusing. However, transfer credit and a school’s accreditation may be the key determining factors to one’s academic success. Leverage your education center’s staff to understand the importance of these two critical decision factors. 5. A school’s accreditation will determine how other schools will evaluate your completed course work if you choose to transfer schools or change degree programs. Ensure your school has the accreditation that is most appropriate to your degree program. Generally, national accreditation is relevant to technical or vocational programs and regional accreditation is aligned with traditional degree programs. Transfer credits do not readily flow between national and regional accreditations. Making sure the school you attend is accredited is important; making sure you know which accreditation your school has is absolutely critical. Make sure the school’s accreditation is aligned with your education goals, your education plan and your degree program. Credits, on the other hand, are how your progress in school is measured. Each successfully completed class is awarded credits. A degree program requires the completion of a specific total number of credits from a variety of academic 20 | MAE&T 11.7
areas at increasing levels of difficulty. Similar to a video game, one needs to get a specific number of points, or credits, per academic level to advance to the next higher level. Once you accumulate the right number of points, at the four academic levels, you win the game and complete your degree. However, when transferring schools, the gaining school can choose not to recognize some of your credits, making your education take longer to complete and significantly more costly. Additionally, many schools may not recognize your military training credits or Associate’s degree from other schools. This will result in being dropped back a level and potentially repeating courses you have already completed. This is called the “education treadmill”: you get on, work like crazy, and never get anywhere. Make sure to vigorously fight for your credits. If a school is unwilling to recognize your completed course work and accept your credits, be prepared to shop around. Different schools have different policies regarding transfer credit so make sure you get the best credit transfer possible. 6. School Options and Delivery Models: There has been a huge shift in higher education over the past 20 years. Where “distance learning” was frequently frowned upon as inferior and its evolution to “online learning” was received with equal scorn and skepticism by academic elites, the delivery of higher education through various media has now matured and is accepted and recognized as legitimate and quality delivery for learning and is producing desired academic outcomes. Blended coursework is common on campuses and one can readily find a student hundreds of miles away from their campus completing course work on a smart phone in a coffee shop these days. What many prospective students don’t realize is that online learning is completely mainstream today. The pioneers of online learning are no longer the only options or sole providers of this type of education delivery. Public colleges and universities, private colleges, and community colleges all offer online content today. If you are stationed overseas but want to attend your hometown or state school, you probably can. Explore your options and if you have a favorite school you want to attend but don’t think you can because of your physical location, do some research. You might be wrong. Before making any decisions do your homework. Nearly all schools have good web sites with lots of information. Give the school’s military representative a call and ask if they have distance learning options and online courses. If you were shopping for a car you would get the one you want, so select your school the same way in order to get the institution that has what you want. O Jim Hendrickson is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves who has worked and consulted in military and veteran student support in higher education for nearly a decade.
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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The Marine Corps COOL program is making transition to civilian careers even easier.
Cassandra Coney Career Technical/Credentialing Program Manager Personal and Professional Development Branch Marine and Family Programs Division Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
Q: What does “COOL” stand for, and how does Marine Corps COOL assist our Marines? A: COOL stands for Credentialing Opportunities Online. Marine Corps COOL is designed for the professional development of enlisted Marines in Active Duty service. The principal benefit lies with the assistance in the transition to civilian life from full-time Active Duty service. There is an information component to COOL that helps the Marine connect through his or her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) to the civilian equivalent of his/her field of expertise. COOL provides information to the transitioning Marine about jobs that are directly and indirectly related to the MOS, as well as provides information to potential employers about Marines transitioning into the civilian sector. The immediate primary benefit is the financial support for the credential certification exams that most Marines are expected to complete at some point in their Active Duty careers. COOL provides information regarding what tests are taken for specific credentials tied to each MOS, as well as where they are administered, when they can be scheduled, and, of course how to pay for them. COOL serves as a recruitment tool for those considering Active Duty service and the potential certification benefits available to them, as well as a retention tool for the Marine already in fulltime Active Duty service. This also benefits the Marine Corps as a whole; the credential documents the Marine’s expertise in the MOS, making the Marine a more competent professional individual whose work makes the Marine Corps a better force. Q: How did Marine Corps COOL come about? A: Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act 542, Sec B, in 2014, charging all Department of Defense (DoD) services to make credentialing opportunities available for their servicemembers. All of the services are in various stages of developing their COOL programs. The Marine Corps followed the Navy COOL model and online platform. Q: Is there a particular type of job or skill that Marine Corps COOL will link a Marine’s MOS skills? www.MAE-kmi.com
A: We have linked almost every Marine Corps MOS to a civilian credential equivalent, as well as to a potential position with an employer seeking the ideal candidate who holds that credential. The Marine Corps has a full range of professional development support for its Active Duty members. The Tuition Assistance and Leadership Scholar programs provide information and assistance for college and secondary technical education. The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program provides documentation of work experience in the Marine’s MOS. SkillBridge is another program that offers additional training for Marines approaching the end of Active Duty service. There are resource links on the COOL website to all of these programs. Q: Can Marine Corps COOL do anything to support spouses or significant others? A: At this time the financial support offered by COOL is available only to enlisted Active Duty Marines. The Marine spouse, however, as well as commissioned officers and anyone else who wants to, can access the COOL website and obtain the same information pertaining to the required certification exams, accreditation, where they can be taken, and how they can be scheduled and financed. Another benefit of COOL comes from skill “translation.” While not a skill translator, COOL helps Marines become familiar with the civilian terminology of their military career fields, helping them to translate them on their own. Q: How do you see COOL benefitting Marines who may serve just one enlistment tour? A: The majority of Marines serve only a single four-year enlistment. They can prepare themselves for success in their MOS, as well as for future success in the civilian workforce, by taking advantage of COOL. Marines who serve longer than one enlistment may obtain higher level certifications or have the chance to renew certifications early. COOL is about creating the best possible Marines with the aim of retaining them for as long as they serve. COOL’s aim is not compromised by the Marine serving just one enlistment. MAE&T 11.7 | 21
Q: How does a Marine find the website to apply for COOL? A: The Marine Corps COOL website is www.cool.navy.mil/usmc. The home page contains a link entitled “MOS Codes.” The drop-down list leads the Marine to his/her MOS 4-digit code number. When the Marine clicks on the MOS number, they connect to a wealth of information about credentials available to that MOS number, including the exams to be taken to get the credentials, as well as all of the additional professional development information referenced earlier. The Marine then can follow the steps across the top of the screen that include: finding the appropriate credential, applying for the voucher to pay for the test, resources for setting up and scheduling the test, and where to submit the information that the test was passed and the credential was earned. Q: So, Marine Corps COOL has now been in existence for nearly 22 months. How has the program been doing? A: We are pleased to report that we are close to paying our 1,000th voucher, meaning that nearly a thousand Marines have made use of COOL to help pay for their certification exams. Also, it will not be long before some Marines see their certifications approach expiration and they will need to renew them through another exam and related procedures. COOL can be used to pay for continuing education units and maintenance fees. The COOL program is fully funded for Fiscal Year 2017. It is nice
to have this certainty and validation across the Marine Corps about this, as a part of the bigger professional development program being encouraged across the Corps. Marines are also encouraged to make use of Tuition Assistance, United Services Military Apprenticeship, SkillBridge and the Leadership Scholar Program. Q: Is there any other information you would like to share about Marine Corps COOL? A: We would like to thank Keith Boring, the director of Navy Credentialing Programs, and the entire Navy/Marine Corps COOL team, all of whom were invaluable in their guidance and collaboration, which continues to be vital to the success of Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy COOL. Marine Corps COOL remains accessible through the Marine Corps COOL link or the Department of the Navy COOL website at www.cool. navy.mil. A brief presentation was made about Marine Corps COOL to the Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education, at their annual conference in March 2016, so even though this is not a secondary education program, the schools are now very much aware of Marine Corps COOL. O Marines who wish to take advantage of Marine Corps COOL are encouraged to inquire through the Marine Corps Credentials Programs Office at (850) 452-6337, usmccool@navy.mil, or their installation education office.
“My today started when I realized my leadership skills were building blocks. After serving my country with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, I was equipped with the fundamentals. But I knew there was room to grow and more to learn. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, I found a highly ranked program available online that worked with me while overseas and helped develop the skills I apply in my role each day. Thanks to my advanced degree, I’m able to use my leadership and managerial expertise to tackle administrative challenges. And I’m excited to see my opportunities continue to grow today and tomorrow.”
Today is the day when limited turns into limitless.
JEFF LEHMKUHL Master of Public Administration University of Nebraska at Omaha
4 campuses. 100+ online programs. online.nebraska.edu
22 | MAE&T 11.7
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College Counseling for Military-Connected Populations: Tips and Strategies for Maximizing a Postsecondary Education By Nicholas Osborne
With the financial support of benefits like Tuition Assistance (TA) and several iterations of the G.I. Bill available, military-connected students (including veterans, those serving on active duty, or in the Reserves or National Guard) are positioned strongly to attain a postsecondary education. With so many college and university options to choose from, figuring out the best fit and return on investment can be overwhelming and requires a good bit of planning and self-inquiry.
Getting Started Be realistic. College is a time consuming and financial investment that requires strict attention to detail. At present writing, less than 40 percent of students pursuing a baccalaureate degree graduate in four years and most are enrolled full-time and are single. For a military-connected student, and particularly those on active duty, balancing work and life commitments will no doubt extend your time in the classroom. Take a realistic look at your circumstances and get creative; perhaps you’ll find that part-time enrollment and a hybrid of online and in-residence courses makes the most sense. Assess your motivation. Many veterans I’ve worked with through the years remarked that they weren’t the best students in high school or they weren’t ready to immediately attend college, so they subsequently joined the military. Now that college is on the horizon, assess the reasons you feel compelled to earn a degree. Although it’s a truthful statement that over a lifetime those with a college degree typically earn more than those without, this is a highly complex topic. A bachelor’s degree in philosophy or British literature may be interesting, but unless you’re committed to a teaching career, what types of realistic job opportunities will be available? Are you better suited to pursue these interests as personal hobbies and in your own time while making progress on a more marketable degree? And don’t forget about the trades. Many skilled labor positions are excellent entry points into a union and often provide moderate salaries and job security. Remember…not all colleges are equal. There are many options out there for military-connected populations to pursue a postsecondary education, but not all schools or programs are created equal. Sure, institutions that recognize life experience www.MAE-kmi.com
or award a wide array of credit for your military background are enticing, but will they deliver? Will these schools equip you with the rigor and training you need to be competitive in a civilian workforce? An unfortunate reaction to the proliferation of benefits that were established for military populations is that several less-than-honorable schools also developed and they view military learners as easy dollars. Don’t fall prey to these schools, as the degrees they award are often not taken seriously by employers.
Find the Right Fit for You Consider community colleges and public institutions. It’s great if one of your relatives attended a prestigious Ivy League or an elite private school, but this is not necessarily the best fit for you. Community colleges are excellent places to begin an educational career; they’re cheap, familiar working with nontraditional students, and often have an assortment of courses available in the evenings or weekends. Taking a couple general education courses that are transferrable is an excellent strategy for easing back into the classroom, boosting your grade point average, and developing an academic foundation. Public colleges and universities are other excellent options for obtaining an affordable program that is respected by employers. Make a list of subjective and objective items. Do you want to attend a traditional university with a large student population, active Greek Life, and successful football team? Conversely, are small class sizes and living in an area with a lot of outdoor activities more important? Maybe none of these things matter, as you’re searching for the best engineering program that you can get into. Make a list of what is important to you and consider the following: • Size (less 10,000 students; more than 20,000) • Location (close to family, the ocean, a major city) • Type (Community College / Trade, Public, Private, Ivy League, Public Ivy) • Reputation (highly selective, selective, less selective) • Cost (GI Bill will cover entirely, financial aid opportunities, grants & scholarships) • Other (close to a VA clinic, disability services) MAE&T 11.7 | 23
Don’t forget things like… • Types of academic programs available and their rankings • Data concerning the number of students who graduate in 4 years; receive job offers upon graduation; average debt accrued • Internship and career placement opportunities • Services for military-connected students Choose at least 9 schools that interest you and research them carefully. Now that you have a list of subjective and objective items, it’s important to identify at least 9 schools that meet your individual and unique needs. Break these schools into three separate categories. • Likely = schools that you have a high likelihood of being admitted to • Possible = schools that you have a possible/favorable chance of being admitted to • Reach = schools that are challenging for being admitted to, but you’re going for it anyway! A helpful starting point is the school’s Veterans Office or the office of admissions. Let them know of your military status and see if there is a direct point of contact you can work with. The goal in this initial research is to find out what a “competitive applicant” looks like in terms of high school grade point average, ACT/SAT scores, and other noteworthy metrics. Questions you should consider asking include: • Should I apply as a freshman or transfer student? • Do I need to submit my high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores? • Will my military service and education be considered in my application? • Do I need to submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or letter of interest as part of my application?
Take Action Apply. Don’t rush the process. Break it up into steps; for instance, begin with getting your high school transcripts sent to your selected schools. If you need to retake the ACT or SAT, you will need to plan for this and can often take it on base or at a nearby community college. Be sure to take time with your personal narrative or admissions essay. College applications are expensive, so see if the schools on your list offer fee waivers for military-connected populations. Reach out to the veterans certifying official. This person is typically located in financial aid and is a specialist on all things related to military benefits. You may have numerous federal and state benefits available, so don’t make any decisions about which benefit to use until you speak with the VCO. Your benefit choice may also be different if you have aspirations to attend graduate or a professional school beyond a bachelor’s degree. Schedule an appointment with the VCO and try to assemble things like your DD214 and military transcript prior to this meeting. Another tip is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will assess your eligibility for other potential
money sources, such as grants and loans to help fund your education. You can complete a FAFSA at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ Take advantage of transition assistance and VA programs. To gain the knowledge and practical tools you need to confidently prepare and adjust to civilian life, be sure to participate in a transition assistance program (TAP). Although the structure and availability may vary among branch of service, each TAP contains similar information concerning benefits and services. Transition assistance offices are located on most military installations, both CONUS and OCONUS. For more information, check out https://www.dodtap. mil/. Because TAPs are typically geared toward civilian career preparation, facilitators often possess only a rudimentary understanding of education benefits. Based on this, you should also consider contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs for more information, at http://www.benefits.va.gov/tap/ and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program at https://www.disability.gov/resource/departmentof-veterans-affairs-va-disabled-transition-assistance-program-dtap/
Lessons Learned Give yourself plenty of time to research and plan. If you’re preparing to leave the military, it’s recommended that you give yourself at least 6 to 12 months to plan your transition to college. Consider a campus visit. Would you ever buy a vehicle if you’ve only seen it online? If time and resources allow, one of the best ways to get a “feel” for a school is to see it in person. Be proud of your military status and highlight it. Many schools recognize the maturity, hard work ethic, discipline, and professionalism of military-connected students. Be sure to highlight your personal story on your admissions essay or application. For instance, talking about leadership roles held, deployments, and responsibility for expensive equipment are great “deliverables” that stand out to an admissions committee. Connect with other military-connected students. Many schools have a student veterans organization on campus, and a large segment are affiliated with Student Veterans of America. Connecting with other military-connected students is a great way to have an immediate peer community while getting helpful tips about things like campus events and activities, recommended courses, and housing opportunities. O
Dr. Nicholas J. Osborne
Dr. Nicholas J. Osborne is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he worked in law enforcement and intelligence. He is a former Assistant Dean of Students and is currently the Director of the Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Nick teaches an online college counseling course for military-connected populations. He may be reached at nosborne@ illinois.edu
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.
U.S. Department of Education Proposed Rules and State Authorization By Lane Huber
On July 22, 2016 the U.S. Department of Education released its proposed new regulations for the state authorization of distance education programs. According to the Department’s press release, the proposed regulations are designed to clarify institutional state authorization requirements to be eligible for participation in Title IV programs. The proposed regulations were published in the Federal Register on July 25, and the public comment period ended August 24. The Department expects to publish a final regulation before the end of the year. While all higher education institutions must have state authorization in the states in which they are physically located, there are no federal requirements for distance education providers in states where the institutions are not located. The proposed regulations were issued to address this lack of federal oversight by: • Requiring institutions offering distance education or correspondence courses to be authorized by each state in which the institution enrolls students, if such authorization is required by the state. The proposed regulation recognizes authorization through participation in a state authorization reciprocity agreement, as long as the agreement does not prevent a state from enforcing its own consumer laws. • Requiring institutions to document the state process for resolving student complaints regarding distance education programs. • Requiring public and individualized disclosures to enrolled and prospective students in distance education programs, including adverse actions taken against the school, the school’s (or state’s, if required by a state) refund policies, and whether each program meets applicable state licensure or certification requirements. www.MAE-kmi.com
Russ Poulin, Director, Policy & Analysis for WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies), in his WCET Frontiers post on August 2 was mostly pleased with the final language. “I know that many in the higher education community wish this federal regulation would go away. I don’t agree. For the amount of federal funding that institutions receive, asking colleges to follow state laws is a reasonable expectation. In talking about regulations, the impact of protecting students is sometimes lost. Keep the focus on the student.” Marshall Hill, Executive Director of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) was complimentary, as well. “I am pleased the U.S. Department of Education recognizes the need for baseline and uniform standards for consumer protection for our nation’s college students, regardless of where they live or choose to take their courses. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements is fulfilling this critical coordinating role and, through the work of state attorneys general, state-based higher education officers and institutional leaders, students in 40 states have stronger consumer protection than ever before.” Surely, there are still many institutions that have been taking the “wait-and-see” approach to state authorization in states where they are enrolling distant students. That’s probably going to change quickly when Title IV dollars will now be directly tied to compliance. And it’s not just compliance, but transparent compliance. According to the proposed new §668.50, institutions will be required to disclose certain information about the institution’s distance education programs. Specifically, how the distance education program or correspondence course is authorized. According to the proposed language, “An institution would be required to disclose whether the program offered by the institution through distance education
or correspondence courses is authorized by each state in which students enrolled in the program reside. If an institution is authorized through a state authorization reciprocity agreement, the institution would be required to disclose its authorization status under such an agreement.” You can follow Russ Poulin’s continued analysis at https://wcetfrontiers.org/ and plan to join CCME at the annual professional development symposium March 6-9, 2017 in Atlanta for the most up-to-date information on this process (www.ccmeonline.org). O
Francisco Lopez
Note from Franc Lopez, CCME President: CCME thanks Lane Huber, Chief Distance Learning Officer & Military Affairs Officer at Bismarck State College, President-Elect of CCME, and member of the M-SARA Regional Steering Committee for the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), for his overview of proposed rules and state authorization. For more information about our organization, please visit CCMEonline.org. Note: Call for Proposals and Awards, and Registration for next year’s Symposium are now open.
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 11.7 | 25
MONEY TALKS SVA Scholarships SVA Fall Scholarships are now open! With almost $270,000 in scholarship awards, all student veterans are eligible for 1 or more of the 31 individual scholarships. Thanks to some incredible sponsors, SVA has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since 2011. Learn more about the individual scholarship requirements by visiting http://studentveterans.org/programs/ scholarships. Deadline to apply is November 4th. Scholarships include: • Raytheon SVA Scholarship. This scholarship awards five student veterans with $10,000. • SVA Community College Scholarship. This scholarship awards 6 student veterans attending community colleges with $2,500. • Google SVA Scholarship. This scholarship will award eight student veterans with $10,000 each for those pursuing a degree in computer science or related fields. • NBCUniversal SVA Scholarship. This scholarship will award two student veterans with $12,000 and is open to all student veterans from community college students to PhD candidates. • PNC “Serving with Integrity” Scholarship. This scholarship awards 2 student veterans pursuing a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in finance, business administration, or related fields with $10,000. • The Walt Disney Company STEM Scholarship. This scholarship awards two student veterans pursuing a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in a designated Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) program with $10,000. • Eli Lilly and Company Student Veterans Scholarship. This scholarship awards one student veteran who is a Junior or Sophomore enrolled at an accredited four-year institution of higher learning with $10,000. • LMI Student Veterans Scholarship. This scholarship awards five student veterans who are in pursuing undergraduate or graduate at an accredited four-year institution of higher learning with $10,000.
26 | MAE&T 11.7
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Legion Charity Ride Raises $555,000 for Scholarships More than 200 American Legion Riders and their passengers rode into Harrison, Ohio, in August, bringing with them $555,312 raised to help children of fallen servicemembers and disabled veterans attend college. Throughout the 11th annual Legacy Run, hundreds more American Legion Riders joined for portions of the journey. “I think if (the Legion’s) founding fathers were here right now, they would be so proud that their vision of providing for veterans and their family members, widows and children— this is exactly what our founding fathers envisioned in 1919,” said American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett, who rode part of the Legacy Run and followed along the rest of the way. “I think that’s what makes it great. People understand that they’re riding for a higher purpose.”
The 11th annual Legacy Run, sponsored by USAA, took the Riders from Indiana through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia before ending up outside of Cincinnati, the site of the 2016 American Legion National Convention. Along the five-day ride, Legion Riders solicited donations for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides college money for the children of U.S. military personnel killed on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the children of post-9/11 veterans rated 50-percent disabled or higher. In 11 years, the Legacy Run has raised more than $6 million for the scholarship program. Along the route, the Legion Riders also made stops at veterans cemeteries and memorials to lay wreaths. Legion posts opened their doors to provide meals and present donations to the ride.
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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 American Military University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.amuonline.com/mae
Bellevue University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4 www.bellevue.edu
ECPI University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 www.ecpi.edu/military
University of Nebraska. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 www.online.nebraska.edu
Calendar October 6-8, 2016 2016 MBA Veterans Career Conference Chicago, Ill. http://mbaveterans.com
March 6-9, 2017 2017 CCME Professional Development Symposium Atlanta, Ga. www.ccmeonline.org
In the Next Issue of:
April 11-13, 2017 11th Annual Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME) Symposium Westin Virginia Beach Town Center www.vaacme.org
October/November 2016 • Volume 11, Issue 8
Cover and In-Depth Interview with
Gary Harrah President NAIMES
Special Section: Community College Spotlight
Transition Trends:
Features: Veterans Career Transition Program
Degrees & Careers in Healthcare
College for Military Dependents To Advertise, Contact: Conni Kerrigan • kmi@kmimediagroup.com
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MAE&T 11.7 | 27
UNIVERSITY CORNER
Military Advanced Education & Transition
Deann Sterner Director, Military Veteran Services Center Bellevue University military students navigate the multitude of benefit programs available and identify which benefit program(s) best suit the needs of the individual. Team members have the knowledge and experience to guide students through what can often be an intimidating web of education benefits. Our Student Veterans Association is one of the largest chapters in the nation. Members provide online or face-to-face support, guidance, and professional advice to all military students.
Q: Please provide a brief overview of your school’s history, mission and curriculum. A: Bellevue University’s mission is to engage students in earning degrees that prepare them to thrive in a competitive world. Our vision is to be the premier open access university in the United States. That vision began in 1966 when we were originally founded to serve the educational needs of Offutt Airforce Base servicepersons, their family members, and the Bellevue, Neb. community. Today we serve students around the world in the classroom and online. Our approach is different than most institutions. Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit university. We receive no federal or state funding. Therefore we remain fiscally responsible to ourselves and our students in every decision we make. Our faculty members are non-tenured and put students before everything else. Q: What makes your school unique in the benefits and programs you offer to military servicemembers? A: Military students make up more than 30 percent of our enrollment. We recognize all previous college credits and relevant experience so our students can hit the ground running. We accept all associate’s degree credits, all ACE recommended credit listed on a student’s Joint Service Transcript and CCAF transcript, CLEP/DSST exams and courses completed at other accredited schools. We offer military students a free evaluation of their prior credits and ultimately a personalized degree plan. Such support has routinely earned the university national recognition as one of the nation’s most military-supportive universities, especially for online learning. Our Military Veterans Services Center is an outstanding resource for our online students. The center serves students regardless of their location. The center offers veterans serving veterans over the phone, through email and via social media channels. Q: What online degree and certificate programs do you offer and how do these 28 | MAE&T 11.7
distance learning programs fit in with the lives of active duty and transitioning military personnel? A: As an early adopter of online learning, Bellevue University has had 20 years to refine its award-winning online platform and support services. We learned a long time ago that offering quality online programs is more than simply posting a traditional in-class program on the internet. Our students experience a higher level of engagement through our innovative online learning model. Our online instructors complete a rigorous training program for online course delivery techniques. They experience online learning themselves in order to understand the learners’ point of view. They design courses to incorporate a variety of ways for students to interact with peers and instructors. Q: How has your school positioned itself to serve military students? A: Our student support system includes 24/7 technical support via email, phone and an online ticket response system. Students can check their grades, review class schedules, make payments and perform other tasks through our real-time user information network. Students enjoy 24/7 online access to our award-winning library services. Other resources include a variety of tutorials and tools to help students get started and maintain a successful education pathway. Our Veteran Services Team helps guide students every step of the way. They help
Q: What do you think are the key issues facing higher education today? A: Student debt is a major issue in today’s higher education environment and Bellevue University is committed to maximizing the value of a student’s degree and overall experience. Not only do we offer a free evaluation of military credits, we offer a military preferred tuition of $250 per credit hour when students enroll in a select group of bachelor’s degrees. A list of available degrees is available at www. Bellevue.edu/degrees. There, you can view a list of eligible degrees by selecting “Military Exclusive Pricing” in the search options. Q: Do you have any closing thoughts? A: Bellevue University is a student-focused institution. We offer relevant and affordable degree programs that will help students reach their professional and personal goals. We go beyond the practice of merely enrolling students. We provide the support necessary to help students finish what they started. Our curriculum is based on market demand and our students routinely report that they apply what they learn immediately at their workplace. Student success is aided by small class sizes, flexible scheduling and a collaborative learning environment. We understand the unique needs of military students and provide the support and accommodations necessary to keep you on track—despite the inevitable interruptions. For more information contact a member of our Military Outreach team at military@bellevue.edu. O www.MAE-kmi.com
www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
MILITARY ADVANCED EDUCATION & TRANSITION
BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
2017 GUIDE TO COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY Measuring Best Practices in Military/Veteran Education Washington, D.C. BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
Advertising in Military Advanced Education & Transition’s 2017 Guide to Colleges & Universities is the smartest marketing investment your institution will make to maximize enrollment for the upcoming academic year. MAE&T offers three different options for enhancing your listing in the BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY magazine and on our redesigned searchable database—available year-round at www.mae-kmi.com! Washington, D.C.
OPTION A 1• 2• 3• 4• 5•
Printed BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITYGuide BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe School Logo (magazine and database) Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Contact Name, Title, Email Address Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 (magazine and database) Graduate Enrollment: 51 Shaded Background (magazine) Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 More Information Request Generator (database) Accreditation: national 300 X 300 Big Box Ad (database) Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
DISPLAY ADVERTISERS will receive OPTION A UNIVERSITY BEST PRATICES COMPLEMENTARY as well as a “See Washington, our Ad D.C. on Page XX“ www.bpu.edu banner on the enhanced listing in the magazine and on our John Doe Military year-round Coordinator redesigned searchable database (available on our jdoe@bpu.edu website) Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
OPTION
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OPTION
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School Logo (magazine and database) Contact Name, Title, Email Address (magazine and database) BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY Shaded Background (magazine) Washington, D.C. More Information Requestwww.bpu.edu Generator (database) John Doe Military Coordinator
Example
Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe BEST PRACTICES UNIVERSITY Military Coordinator Washington, D.C. jdoe@bpu.edu www.bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 2 John Doe Graduate Enrollment: 51 Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
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BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
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Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
D.C. Online GuideWashington, Example www.bpu.edu
2017 BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY
John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11 Average Class Size: 15-30 Accreditation: national Degrees Offered: bachelor’s, master’s
Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe
School Logo (magazine and database) Contact Name, Title, Email Address (magazine and database) Shaded Background (magazine)
BEST PRATICES UNIVERSITY Washington, D.C. www.bpu.edu John Doe Military Coordinator jdoe@bpu.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 1001 Graduate Enrollment: 51 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:11
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Insertion Order Deadline: November 12, 2016 • Materials Deadline: November 19, 2016
BONUS DISTRIBUTION
March 6-9, 2017 • 2017 CCME Professional Development Symposium • Atlanta, Ga. • www.ccmeonline.org For advertising opportunities, contact Conni Kerrigan
• connik@kmimediagroup.com
Your new career starts here. No one understands military personnel like we do. Bellevue University was founded by military, for military. That’s why we offer over 25 undergraduate degrees at $250 per credit hour*, as well as accelerated degrees, flexible scheduling and a Military-Veterans Service Center unlike any other in the nation. Prepare to advance into your successful civilian life at bellevue.edu.
FLEXIBLE. AFFORDABLE. ACCREDITED. NONPROFIT.
*Active duty members of the United States Military, National Guard and Coast Guard who declare a BS in Leadership, Management, Criminal Justice, Investigations, or IT Operations Management are eligible for a tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all courses in their undergraduate degree. Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through the U.S. Department of Education, www.ncahlc.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. Bellevue University. 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, NE 68005. 10511-0816