Operation Promise for Servicemembers

Rowan University has one of the largest servicemember populations among the traditional higher education institutions in New Jersey, with that number increasing significantly over the past two years.  Their Veterans' Affairs Office assisted more than 300 veterans -- more than double the number in 2007 -- transition to the classroom with services designed to meet their distinct needs.  Rowan has an active Veteran Student Organization (VSO) that was founded to offer specific peer guidance techniques for veterans and increasingly, active-duty servicemembers.  Their unique model for outreach, the Four Stage Model for College Success, includes a peer coaching process to help students transition, set goals and succeed in the college environment.  The group partners with community organizations in civic activities including toy drives and remembrance events.

Rowan has taken a technology-driven approach to keeping their deployed students in touch with the campus.  Through an on-line listserv, student soldiers can keep in touch with their friends and the Rowan community.  The University is also actively engaged with local military installations, including the Naval Air Warfare Center in Lakehurst, where an innovative partnership with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) offers opportunities for engineering students to apply their knowledge to real-world projects.

For more information on Rowan's servicemembers' initiatives, go to:  http://www.rowan.edu/clubs/vso/.