San Diego State ranked higher than University of San Diego, University of California Berkeley and the University of Southern California on the Military Times “Best for Vets” colleges list.
The magazine ranked the universities after getting information for a survey from several universities around the country regarding their operations with current and former service members and their families.
Some criteria used to evaluate the universities were university culture, academic outcomes and quality, student support, academic policies and cost and financial aid.
Military and veterans program administrator Todd Kennedy said SDSU approaches veteran education and affairs in a three-stage life cycle.
“Stage one is what we call outreach,” Kennedy said. “That’s outreach to military members who are soon to be separating from the service as well as veterans and spouses, and a handful of others transitioning from the community college and assisting them with access to the university.”
Kennedy said SDSU does not recruit but serves as a guide in the transition process to a university education.
“Stage two is what we refer to as academic success,” Kennedy said. “That’s where the heart of the center comes into play. It’s certifying G.I. Bill benefits to Veteran Affairs, providing information on various resources throughout the campus. It is pointing people in the right direction when they have a problem, linking them up with different services and different support mechanisms.”
Other places for veteran students on campus includes the Student Veterans House and the “Bunker” where they can study and network with other students or relax while on campus.
A program offered by the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center is “VetSuccess on Campus” which is partnered with the Veterans Affairs Office. The program offers a full-time VA counselor to military or veteran students in need.
Additionally, a member of the College of Extended Studies is available at the Veterans Center to help students seeking specific credentials or certifications.
Students said having several services offered in one place makes the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center a great help.
“I’ve been involved with the Students Veterans Association since I started here last fall,” mechanical engineering sophomore Jonathan Reiland said.
He said he was not surprised SDSU ranked high on the list.
“I’ve been president for the past year, and I’ve had the opportunity to communicate with other Student Veterans in the American chapters across the country,” Reiland said.
He said he has been asked about the veteran programs at SDSU at a conference several times.
“The Student Veterans House is something that sets it apart from other schools across the country,” Reiland said
He said it is an open space for students to relax and spend the time with other students with similar experiences.
“Also, if you look at the administration, faculty and staff here at San Diego State they’re very student veteran savvy, with programs like Military Ally,” Reiland said. “They educate the staff on some of the challenges some veterans may have that are different than your traditional student.”
Abraham Romero, a second-year masters student, said as a post Sept. 11 veteran it is good to see SDSU evolving into a more veteran-friendly place.
Romero said Ryan Morris, a counselor at the Veterans Center, has been helpful in guiding him in his college life.
More information on what services are offered at the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center is on their website.
