West Virginia University colleges and schools are increasing their participation in the Yellow Ribbon program to ensure veterans’ tuition is fully financed when they exceed the amount allotted by the GI Bill.

While the Yellow Ribbon Program is mandatory at the undergraduate level, graduate students do not always get the same opportunities. The program has been offered at WVU for years, but this will be the second year that all schools and colleges at WVU are offering these benefits at both levels.

“West Virginia University has a proud history of serving the educational needs of our veterans. In any given year, the spirit of dedication to those who have served fills corridors campus-wide,” Jerry McCarthy, director of Veterans Affairs at WVU. “Thanks to the generosity of all the Deans, every school and college at West Virginia University continues to be a Yellow Ribbon participant at all levels of education. Offering the Yellow Ribbon program removes financial barriers between our student veterans and world class education.”

WVU provides the maximum amount – 50 percent of the difference between the cost of in-state and out-of-state tuition – for each graduate student who uses the Yellow Ribbon program. Each college decides for itself how many veteran students are able to use the program each year.

In 2013, the College of Business and Economics joined the initiative.

“The College of Business & Economics is proud to support our men and women in uniform,” said Nancy McIntyre, the College’s Interim Dean. “These men and women have served our country and we want to thank them for their service. We are very happy to have them in our classes. They provide excellent role models for our students and we want to support them during their educational journey!”

The College of Law joined the Yellow Ribbon Program in 2014 and has since increased the number of students participating in the program.

“It is wonderful to be able to include veterans among the College of Law’s student body. Veterans are valued members of the law school community. Their presence in and out of the classroom makes a positive impact on faculty, staff and students,” said Janet Armistead, Assistant Dean for Students Affairs at the College of Law. “With their unique background and knowledge, veterans are important contributors to the law school experience, and they are prepared for the challenges of being a law student. The Yellow Ribbon program helps to make this possible.”

The School of Medicine also joined the effort in 2014 and has since increased their participation. Five students participated in the program this year, up from two last year.

“In our team’s holistic approach to applicant review, we highly consider veterans unique life experiences from service to our country as an added diversity that they can share with our student body,” said Linda S. Nield, MD, Assistant Dean for Admissions at the School of Medicine.

Those eligible to receive benefits of the Yellow Ribbon include, but are not limited to:

• Those eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Those who have served an aggregate period of 36 months in active duty after Sept. 10, 2001
• A dependent of a veteran who meets criteria for Transfer of Entitlement

For more information on qualifications and participation, visit the WVU Veterans webpage.

-WVU-

jg/11/11/15

CONTACT: Jerry McCarthy, WVU Veterans Affairs
304.293.8262, Jerry.McCarthy@mail.wvu.edu

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