Wayne State earns MVAA gold for empowering veterans

As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Wayne State University has received gold-level status recognition from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) as a "Veteran-Friendly" institution. This award highlights the university's exceptional dedication to military-connected students who are committed to supporting veterans and service members during their transition from military service to academic life.

To receive a gold- ranking, schools must meet six of the seven criteria in the MVAA's Veteran-Friendly School Program, such as identifying student veterans, offering a veteran-specific website and having an active student veteran organization. Universities must also provide specialized career services, maintain an on-campus veterans' coordinator and award academic credit for military training while tracking veteran students' academic progress.

"We are honored to achieve gold-level status from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, reflecting our commitment to military-connected students," said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D. "Our primary focus is the success of our students, and we are dedicated to providing the resources our veterans need to thrive."

A crucial tool in serving student veterans is Wayne State's first military support office. The Colonel Gregory Gadson Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence (OMVAE) was established in 1944 and serves nearly 500 military-affiliated students each semester. OMVAE supports veterans, active-duty personnel, National Guard members, reservists and dependents, with resources for both academic and personal success.

One of its standout initiatives is the Warrior Reboot, an academic "boot camp" designed specifically for veterans. A four-day intensive session aimed at helping veterans transition from military service to academia, it addresses essential topics like adjusting to civilian life and navigating the university system, with the first day focused on the shift from military to academic environments.

"This boot camp gives them the tools and confidence they need to adjust smoothly, empowering them to succeed in their academic journey," said William Keilman, OMVAE's director of veteran support services.

In addition to the Warrior Reboot, the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) offers numerous services that help veterans thrive both academically and personally. This includes access to Counseling and Psychological Services, especially for veterans dealing with PTSD or other service-related challenges.

"We make sure that veterans know there's no stigma attached to seeking help," said Keilman.

Beyond offering resources, the SVRC also serves as a community space where veterans can connect, relax and study between classes. The center creates a welcoming environment for students, and includes a kitchenette, a pool table, a day room with couches and a big-screen TV.

"Veterans lose that sense of belonging when they leave service. We try to recreate that here at Wayne State," Keilman explained.

Courtney Smith, a student officer in the veterans organization and work-study employee at the resource center, expressed gratitude for the support she received. "The Office of Military and Academic Excellence has been a great support system navigating as a new student here at Wayne State. The staff was able to answer all my questions and proved to be very helpful with any challenge I brought to them," she said.