CCSU has a long commitment of service to military veterans
Peggy Porter, Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Central Connecticut State University

In the main entrance of the Davidson Hall administration building at Central Connecticut State University there is a large wooden plaque with the names of men and women students from the former Teachers College of Connecticut who served in World War II.  Thankfully, most returned to complete their educations after the war.

Since then, many of our students have served in the U.S. armed forces before or after completing their studies.  To assure that they receive the educational benefits that they have earned, the Veterans Affairs Office works with the state’s Department of Higher Education, the federal Veterans Affairs Administration, Connecticut National Guard Educational Assistance offices, local recruiters, local military organizations, and the campus Veterans Appreciation Organization.

The nation’s response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001 has put added pressure on students in the Reserves and National Guard.  CCSU’s commitment to these students is clearly stated in the university’s policy: "All possible assistance will be provided in expediting changes in student status, refunds of fees, return of textbooks, financial aid status, academic questions, VA benefits, and subsequent re-admittance to the university.

“It is the intent of the university to make this transition period as smooth as possible for CCSU students who are serving our country in these extraordinary and unsettling times. We are very proud of them, and they have our gratitude for the sacrifices that they are making in their lives and the interruptions to their educational pursuits."

The entire campus community supports our military students called to active duty, as well as in their transition to student status upon return. There is cooperation in eliminating course registrations, processing full refunds (university costs and bookstore purchases), providing leaves of absence from studies while on active duty, federal benefit notifications, and other assistance.

The university processes nearly $500,000 in Montgomery GI Bill benefits each semester, and provides waivers to hundreds of eligible student/veterans and Connecticut National Guard students.

These hardworking people are more than multi-tasking as members of the military.  Many military students hold other jobs and juggle family responsibilities to gain the education needed for their futures.  Numbers of these students vary as they make their presence known. Even if eligible for benefits, some do not accept them and remain anonymous in the university community.

CCSU also serves veterans sponsored by the Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Program, as well as dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.  Services provided by the CCSU Veterans Affairs Office can be found at the website: http://www.ccsu.edu/admaffairs/VETS2.htm

The university shows its pride in our vets in the annual Veterans Day ceremony on November 11, when a community veteran and a student veteran are honored for their outstanding service to their country and the community.

It is an honor and privilege for CCSU to help the exemplary people who have served or are currently serving our country.

Back to CCSU SCENE