SUNY to offer new support for veterans

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The State University of New York will offer a new program to benefit veterans.

SUNY Chancellor  John King, Jr., announced the Veterans Enrollment and Support Internship Program, following a visit to Farmingdale State College.

Funding for the initiative will support paid internships for SUNY student veterans at campuses with the strongest veterans’ programs.

Under this program, an estimated 20 student veterans will complete an internship in the admissions or enrollment management office on their campus focused on increasing veterans’ enrollment and ensuring enrolled veterans are connected to additional support on campus.

The program builds on actions the SUNY Board of Trustees took in September to encourage campuses to expand their focus on veterans for recruitment, outreach, pipeline programs, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and support as part of SUNY’s commitment to improve diversity, equity and inclusion.

SUNY educates about 3,000 veterans each year. Veterans, military personnel, and military-connected family members can apply to up to seven SUNY campuses for free, saving up to $350, throughout the year. Each SUNY campus has trained counselors who can assist veterans to get the most out of their GI Bill benefits.

In addition to Farmingdale,  Stony Brook University, Suffolk Community College and Empire State College are participating in the program on Long Island.

“As a campus community, we honor and salute our student veterans active-duty service members, guards and reservists, who are a part of our campus community, within New York State, and across the country,” Farmingdale State College President John Nader said in a written statement.

“We are incredibly proud to have one of the highest populations of veteran students in the state and provide support for student veterans and reservists at every step in their college journey, from admissions and enrollment, through graduation and beyond with support programs, financial assistance, special services and benefits, alumni engagement and more,” Nader added. “I am so grateful to Chancellor King and our elected officials for visiting us today and for recognizing and acknowledging the enormous value we place on our student veteran population.”

Farmingdale offers priority registration to military-connected students, and waives the following fees for student veterans: intent to enroll fee, vehicle parking fee, orientation fee, housing deposit, fitness center fee, priority room reservation, and the health and wellness center fee.

“Farmingdale State College takes the term ‘Veteran Friendly Campus’ seriously,” Eric Farina, director of veteran services at Farmingdale State College, said in a statement. “It’s not just a term to use to attract student vets.”

“The faculty and staff actually live it. From admissions to registration to day-to-day services, we do our best to put the student first,” Farina added. “To show respect for their service to our country in war and peace, we waive certain fees, allow early registration, and provide a dedicated veterans lounge to aid them in their adjustment to campus life. And we do what we can to cut through red tape.”