With conflicts drawing more Americans into active duty overseas, colleges must now plan services aimed at returning veterans. Many of these veterans are just looking for a good education and simple campus life.
But, with 270,000 soldiers enrolled in colleges under the GI Bill, it is disturbing that wounded veterans are not eligible for the same aid as soldiers returning from active duty.
Schools like Penn State, however, have commendable programs set up specifically to include all veterans, wounded and nonwounded. These programs offer wellness help, tutoring and distance classes for soldiers still overseas. For many returning young men and women working to reintegrate into civilian life, such programs could make all the difference in getting their degrees and moving forward. Organizations have also taken initiative in assisting wounded veterans, like the American Council on Education's program that offers the wounded career counseling and help with achieving educational requirements for college.
While AU doesn't offer programs comparable to PSU or the American Council on Education, the university has taken steps to help its veteran students. AU recognizes veterans' challenging experiences and often considers giving class credit to returning troops.
These programs, whether informal like at AU or institutionalized like at PSU, are important. AU's efforts to help veterans through the admissions process or support networks are honorable. The university should continue to think of forgotten or marginalized communities in an attempt to make education accessible and attainable for all.
