-Jordan Costa

Fitchburg State University announced on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, that it has been recognized as a Military Friendly institution. Over 1,000 schools participated in the surveying for 2021-2022. Fitchburg State was one of 750 schools that earned the designation. This is Fitchburg State’s fifth-year being named a Military Friendly Institution.

Fitchburg State University was among fourteen other Massachusetts colleges and universities that have the Military Friendly status for this year. Including sister school, Westfield State University, and neighboring school, Mount Wachusett Community College. 

The 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found on the Military Friendly website.

The Military Friendly surveys are free to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. The survey assesses the institution’s ability to comply with “Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans” according to the university’s press release on the matter.  

Hank Parkinson, Associate Dean of Student Development, and the Fitchburg State Veteran Center explain what the campus community offers to our veteran students.   

“At Fitchburg State University, we have a veteran’s lounge which offers a space for veteran students to come together. We have a veteran advisory committee which consists of key members of the University. Representatives from Student Affairs, The Registrar’s Office, Student Accounts, and Admissions come together to create a welcoming and efficient environment for our veteran community to allow for use of their veteran education benefits.”

Evaluations were made by Viqtory and the Military Friendly Advisory Counsel. These individuals are well equipped with knowledge in higher education and the military recruitment process. 

In a campus press release, President Lapidus is proud of this status and continues to support those who have served and are part of the Fitchburg State community.

“We are honored to once again receive Military Friendly designation,” Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus said. “Our campus community is committed to supporting those who served in achieving their academic goals, and we welcome the diverse life experiences that student veterans bring to our institution.”

This benchmark that Fitchburg State has met shows the true commitment in investing efforts to keep programs updated as well as the resources and support services for military students. As of spring 2021, there are 175 veteran students enrolled, not including dependents of military members. The Military Friendly label helps Fitchburg State and the programs we offer to stand out to those who have served our country and plan on continuing their education.