University of Pittsburgh Honored as One of the Top Military-friendly Colleges and Universities

PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh has received top honors for the support services it provides veterans and for creating a military-friendly atmosphere on its campus.

"Military Advanced Education's 3rd Annual Guide to America's Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities"-a magazine produced specifically for service members taking advantage of their education benefits-lists Pitt as one of the country's top military-friendly universities. Currently, approximately 300 veterans are enrolled at the University.

The magazine recognizes Pitt's recently expanded Office of Veterans Services (www.veterans.pitt.edu), including its academic and financial-aid guidance, career and long-term goal counseling, and tuition-benefit assistance. It also offers orientation sessions specifically designed for the veteran.

"We've accomplished one of our main goals-to create a veteran-friendly campus across the entire University," says Ann Rairigh, director of the office. "We support veterans from the application process, with pre-admissions appointments and admissions essay workshops, to academic and social support while they are a student. The support continues through graduation, with career fairs and military-to-civilian résumé-writing workshops."

Rairigh adds that the office has become a model for other higher education institutions, and the University has plans to expand its veteran services.

"Military Advanced Education," distributed to servicemen and women as they end their tour of duty, strives to assist veterans in finding the right school in their area of interest and also works to assist schools in finding the right candidates for their programs. It covers issues and trends in distance learning and education as they relate to military life.

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