Former U.S. service members Bryce Gilham (left) and Mary Signorelli (right) work with Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Nadine Kent (center).
Former U.S. service members Bryce Gilham (left) and Mary Signorelli (right) work with Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Nadine Kent (center).
When former U.S. service members and their family members who are attending CSU Stanislaus want to meet up with fellow veterans to study, share a cup of coffee or just hang out, they can now head to the new campus Veterans Center, located in the Student Services Building.

More than 350 veteran students are currently enrolled at CSU Stanislaus, which was recently recognized by two national publications for its policies that favor American service members and facilitate their educational pursuits. The online publication G.I. Jobs (http://www.gijobs.com) included the university in its 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools®, and Military Advance Education commended CSU Stanislaus for “enacting academic, support and financial aid policies that benefit the men and women who serve our nation” in naming the university to its 2012 Guide to Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities. At CSU Stanislaus, veterans receive priority registration status, one-on-one advising and other services to help them succeed in college.

“The new center is a great space for small group interaction, one-on-one meetings, or simply relaxing,” said Nadine Kent, CSU Stanislaus veterans coordinator. “Before we had the center, Veterans Club meetings often took place in rented spaces, and private staff-student meetings took place in open, non-private areas or cramped offices.”

The center provides a point of contact for CSU Stanislaus veterans and their dependents, bringing together academic and student support services to promote a smooth transition from the military, provide assistance for veterans benefits, deployments, information and referrals; as well as a place where veterans can gather for study groups and social activities. An opening celebration is planned for October.