Campus Connection

UW-L has joined a growing list of colleges and universities nationwide working to help military veterans be successful in school. UW-L has committed to the U.S. Department of Education’s "8 Keys to Veterans' Success." The keys are steps postsecondary institutions take to assist veterans and service members in transitioning to higher education, completing college programs and obtaining career-ready skills. “UW-L recognizes the significant value student veterans bring to our campus and believe it is important to ensure that veterans receive the best possible educational experience,” says Chancellor Joe Gow. Under the “8 Keys,” higher education institutions pledge to:

• Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
• Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
• Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
• Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space for them (even if limited in size).
• Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
• Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention and degree completion.
• Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
• Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.

Other University of Wisconsin schools making the pledge are campuses at Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville, River Falls, Stevens Point and Whitewater. Western Technical College is also on the list. UW-L’s Office of Veterans Services, in 116 Graff Main Hall, coordinates an array of services for veteran students on campus. See more at http://www.uwlax.edu/veteran-services