HFC named Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School for 8th year

Release Date
Seal stating Veteran Friendly School Gold 25-26

For the eighth year, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has named HFC a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School.

HFC was also the first community college in the state of Michigan to be named a Veteran-Friendly Employer in 2018.

“I am proud to learn that HFC has once again been awarded Gold-Level status for the work we do serving our student veterans. To be awarded Gold-Level status by the MVAA, HFC must provide a high level of service in multiple areas across the campus. This is a prestigious honor and I am delighted to be part of the gold tradition,” said HFC Veterans Affairs Supervisor Dawn Hestand.

What does Gold-Level status mean for student veterans?

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.

In 2017, HFC Veterans Services was established on the main floor of the Welcome Center (Building WC on the main campus). This was also the first year the College was awarded Gold-Level MVAA status. Here are some of the services and resources we offer to our student veterans and active service members:

  • A point of contact to help navigate Veterans Affairs (VA) and College processes.
  • Access to priority registration, which grants early access to sign up for classes each semester.
  • Guidance through HFC processes and advocacy to help you reach your goals.
  • Assistance in applying for and understanding your veteran and military education benefits.
  • Connection to College resources such as Enrollment Services, Counseling, Academic Advising, Assisted Learning Services, Student Outreach and Support, Career Services, Financial Aid, and so on.
  • Connection to external community resources.
  • Connection to the Student Veterans Association (SVA), which helps to provide a meaningful community connection for our veterans and their families.

SVA and Veterans Center

In 2019, the College opened a Veterans Center in the John McDonald Student and Culinary Arts Center for our more than 275 student veterans. The Veterans Center provides a safe place that allows veterans to unwind between classes and connect with other veterans who understand the transition from military life to civilian life.

The MVAA uses seven criteria to determine the level of support provided to student veterans and military-connected students on the campuses of colleges and universities:

  1. An established process for identifying 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 or designated staff point of contact.
  6. A system to evaluate and award academic credit based on military training and experience.
  7. Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates.

“We are honored to have achieved Gold-Level status for the eighth year in serving our veterans. We also proudly serve reservists and active-duty students,” said HFC Interim President Dr. Lori Gonko. “HFC is committed to helping our veterans and all service members succeed in academics and in life. On behalf of the HFC community, we are grateful for your service, and we are here to support you.”

Student veterans or dependents who have questions about the G.I. Bill or other benefits should contact HFC Veterans Services at 313-845-9688 or veterans@hfcc.edu.