8/16/2019 3:06:12 PM
Madeline Paakkonen
Because of their non-traditional student status and unique benefits, starting the admissions process can seem overwhelming for Veterans beginning a career in higher education, often discouraging them from the process all together.
“Veterans have to maneuver through all of the traditional documents, policies, programs, and offices that come with starting at a college or university, along with all of the benefits and aid offered federally and by the State because of their Veteran status,” explained MDVA Office of Education and Employment Director Dave Bellefeuille.
However, the State of Minnesota offers current military members, Veterans, and their families a nation-leading program of quality resources and staff members to assist them in achieving their goals during and after their military service.
“The first step would be to contact or visit one of our On-campus Resource Centers,” said Bellefeuille.
Unique to Minnesota, On-campus Resource Centers exist to aid Veterans in all phases and details of the higher education process, such as payment extensions relating to benefit delays, the transfer of military credits, Veteran Resident Statuses, deployment-related course changes, and any question or concerns that may arise while navigating or starting their careers in higher education. Each center also contains a computer lab and area for Veterans and their families to visit while on campus.
“We have 85 on-campus centers that reach Veterans throughout the whole state,” said MDVA Education and Employment Supervisor Eric Abell.
On-campus Resource Centers are located on all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and on most private campuses across the State.
For more information about On-Campus Resource Centers, visit the
Or call 1-800-456-8519, +1 (651)-556-0596 (international), or 1-800-627-3529 TT.
Other resources: