UWF ranks eighth in nation, first in state on ‘Best for Vets’ list

"UWF takes great pride in supporting veterans and their academic success," said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. "We continue to develop and refine programs and resources to assist our military-affiliated students. This ranking is a testament to our commitment to them."

"Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges" looks at the services colleges provide to veterans and information that will help veterans make important decisions about their career planning and how to use the education benefits they earned through military service. Military Times noted UWF's VetSuccess on campus program, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and UWF. The program's goal is to help military veterans and eligible dependents of military veterans make a smooth transition to college life and successfully complete their educational goals. In addition, the VA's Education and Career Counseling Program offers an opportunity for transitioning service members, veterans and eligible dependents to get personalized counseling and support to guide their career paths, ensure most effective use of their VA benefits, and help them achieve their goals.

Academic support for military-affiliated students also includes the Veterans Mentoring Program called the Social Work Interns Mentoring, or SWIM, team. The program is designed to allow a Social Work Intern within UWF's Military & Veterans Resource Center to be assigned as a personal point of contact and source for any assistance a military-affiliated student may need throughout the semester. The social work intern, or SWIM Coach, can contact the student directly to offer service as needed and to provide them with study tips and test-taking skills, strategies for managing stress and anxiety, locating tutors, time management skills, assistance with adjustment to life as a student, locating on-campus resources, connecting with community resources information regarding withdrawals scholarships available Virtual and on-demand workshops bi-weekly newsletter with important announcements.

The Military Times' Best for Vets survey is sent to colleges and universities across the nation asking about their programs for veterans. The survey results are then analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, and turned into an official ranking.

To view the full rankings, visit the Military Times website.

For more information about the UWF MVRC, visit uwf.edu/mvrc.