When Ohio University received a designation as a military-friendly school for the first time in 2011, administrators said they were proud of the work being done, but had a long way to go.
Now, a month after OU received the designation for the second consecutive year, University College Dean David Descutner said the university plans to offer priority registration for veterans.
The early registration will follow the same model as the priorities given to athletes with scholarships. Veterans would be able to register before students in their respective class, Descutner said.
“I think we are wise to be able to offer (veterans) that advantage,” he said.
The change will go into effect for Spring Semester registration and is already listed on the official registration schedule.
OU has also been doing behind-the-scenes work to coordinate to enhance student veterans’ experiences, said Melissa Toretch, coordinator of special populations.
Toretch said she has been working all of Fall Semester to compile a list of all enrolled veterans because not all veterans declare their military experience when entering the university.
She also began sending monthly email newsletters to veterans to keep them updated on involvement opportunities and important information.
Last year, OU renovated the Veteran and Commuter Lounge in Bromley Hall, adding swipe access and a projector, Descutner said.
The OU Combat Veterans Club meets in the lounge, said Eric May, a junior studying industrial and systems engineering and Student Senate’s veterans’ representative. Outside of the group, which has about 15 members, May said he was unsure how much use the lounge sees.
“The position I hold is part of the staff on the senate and it consists of just me … My position is to pretty much advocate for veterans’ affairs and veterans’ issues that I know about,” May said. “I’m supposed to represent the veteran community.”
But the veteran community isn’t as close or well-defined as it could be, something Descutner, Toretch and May are trying to change.
“I’d like to see us develop stronger connections with the local veteran community,” Descutner said, citing local groups like American Veterans. “I think the more we can get (student veterans and veterans’ associations) connected … I think there are advantages for both those groups.”
bv111010@ohiou.edu
