Establishing an on-campus Office of Veterans' Affairs is an integral step toward becoming military friendly -- one that all nine institutions are committed to taking. At Kean University, such an office has been in existence for 40 years.
Under the able guidance of Stephen Vence, himself a navy veteran, Kean's Office of Veterans' Affairs (OVA) has strived to address the myriad needs and concerns of these non-traditional students. It was Vence's own experience, following his service in Guam and Scotland, which lead him to the campus office he has directed for 33 years.
The university's OVA places particular emphasis on direct contact with the student veterans -- something today's veterans believe to be a vital component in the success of their peers. Vence stresses the need for these students to keep in touch with both their faculty office and him to track progress and address any concerns. All student veterans are encouraged to phone or stop by the office when applying or visiting the campus.
Kean's OVA has continued to adapt to meet the needs of student veterans and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that can dissuade them from achieving their educational goals. Paperwork for both registration and readmission has been streamlined to minimize effort and cost to the student. A longtime member of the Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC), the college awards credit for military experience and expertise when applicable to their degree requirements. Student veterans are also granted credit for basic training as a fulfillment of the physical education requirement. A veterans' transition course has been developed to assist in adjusting to the academic environment.
To learn more about Kean University's student veteran offerings, contact Stephen Vence at (908) 737-4124 or svence@kean.edu.
