HFC named Gold-Level Veteran Friendly School for the fourth year
HFC has been named a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School for the fourth year.
This honor was first bestowed upon the College in October 2017 by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). HFC was given Gold-Level status for three consecutive years, then the pandemic occurred, forcing HFC to move all its operations online. Now that HFC students and employees have begun returning to campus and offering services in-person, the College has once again been awarded Gold-Level status.
Gold-Level status is the highest status an educational institution can earn based on its commitment to providing on-campus, veteran-centered services. This ranking recognizes higher education institutions for their dedication to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their dependents using the G.I. Bill and other educational benefits.
“I’d like to congratulate HFC on achieving Veteran Friendly Status for the 2021-22 School Year. I appreciate your time, dedication, and perseverance as we worked to re-invigorate the Veteran Friendly Status program after the pandemic brought the world to a standstill. You have been awarded Gold-Level status for this year, showing that you have worked to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for our military-connected students,” said MVAA Education Analyst Chris Taylor.
HFC is Michigan’s first community college to be named a Veteran-Friendly Employer
HFC, which has a student veteran population of approximately 275, was the first community college in Michigan to be named a Veteran-Friendly Employer in 2018.
HFC also supports its Student Veterans Association, which has helped veterans succeed academically. In 2019, the College opened a Veterans Center in the Student and Culinary Arts Center on our main campus. The Veterans Center provides a safe place that allows veterans to unwind between classes and connect with other veterans who also understand the transition from military life to civilian life.
MVAA’s seven criteria
The MVAA uses the following seven criteria to determine the level of support provided to student veterans and military-connected students on the campuses of higher education institutions:
1. An established process for the identification of current student veterans
2. A veteran-specific website
3. An active student veteran organization or club
4. Veteran-specific career services, resources advising, or outcome monitoring
5. An on-campus veteran coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
6. A system to evaluate and award academic credit(s) based on prior military training and experience
7. Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates
“Though the last 17 months have provided challenges we never expected, HFC’s student veterans have persevered!” said HFC Veterans Coordinator Gail Bock. “By working hard to communicate and connect virtually, we are so proud to again meet the criteria for the MVAA Gold-Level status as a Veteran Friendly School.”
Student veterans or dependents with questions about G.I. Bill or other benefits should call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or visit the MVAA website. For questions or more information about veterans services at HFC, contact Bock at 313-845-9688 or veterans@hfcc.edu.