HECB and other agencies pledge to help veterans use college benefits 

Thousands of returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are re-entering society as college and university students. The sheer size of the numbers is astounding, perhaps the greatest influx of veterans since the Vietnam War.

That’s why the HECB, the state’s public and independent colleges and universities, and other state agencies are partnering under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) developed by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The MOU spells out the roles each will play in advancing the educational aspirations of veterans.

Governor Chris Gregoire, HECB Executive Director Ann Daley, and leaders of other state agencies and public and private colleges and universities met in the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, Sept. 10, to sign the MOU, which spells out the roles of these organizations in helping veterans make a successful transition from “boots to books.” 

“It is critically important that we give back to those who have given so much to us, and ensure our veterans are made fully aware of the opportunities available to them to succeed outside of the military,” Governor Gregoire said.

As the State Approving Agency for veterans’ benefits, the HECB plays an important role in the delivery of educational services to veterans. Currently, it evaluates and approves programs at 310 colleges and universities, flight schools, apprenticeship sites, and on-the-job training (OJT) sites - for the use of veterans’ education and training benefits.

Governor Gregoire

Under the MOU, the HECB pledges to work with campuses to disseminate and share best practices for serving veterans effectively, including:

• Training faculty and staff to make them aware of the mindset and unique needs of veterans returning from combat zones;

• Establishing “safe zones” for veterans such as veterans’ clubs or associations;

• Holding student orientations specifically for veterans;

• Holding veterans’ service recognition events;

• Evaluating college and statewide policies and procedures that create barriers to a veteran’s success; and

• Empowering those who work directly with veterans to provide services designed to promote the educational achievement of veterans.

With thousands of military personnel returning home from service in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations, the need to improve the academic opportunities for veterans is increasing. 

“Our goal is to connect every Washington veteran with the benefits they earned,” said John Lee, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “By partnering with the campuses where many of these veterans are attending school, we will make a difference in their lives.”

John Lee and Ann Daley

Veterans are returning to school in such great numbers in part because the federal government last year authorized the most extensive expansion of GI Bill benefits since the original bill was enacted during World War II.

In addition to the Governor’s Office, the HECB, and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, other agencies signing the MOU and pledging to improve the college-going experiences of veterans include: the Washington National Guard, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Independent Colleges of Washington, the Council of Presidents, and the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges.

Additional information about the HECB’s role in veterans’ programs is available on the HECB website.