Photo by Misty Leigh McElroy/¹ū¶³APP
THIBODAUX ā ¹ū¶³APP has recently been designated as a āGovernorās Military and Veteran Friendly Campusā by Gov. Bobby Jindal and has been recognized for the seventh consecutive year as a āMilitary Friendly Schoolā by G.I. Jobs magazine.
Jindalās military friendly designation was created this year to assist veterans in selecting which Louisiana school best fits their needs. This yearās recognition identifies 24 schools that offer tailored veteran admissions policies and support services, application fee waivers, priority class scheduling, career workshops and veteran-specific courses like the veterans-only freshman seminar class instructed by ¹ū¶³APP President Dr. Bruce Murphy, a retired lieutenant colonel who served 23 years in the U.S. Army.
āEarning military friendly designations year after year validates the effort ¹ū¶³APP has already made ā and continues to make ā to accommodate our nationās veterans who are seeking a quality education,ā said Gilberto Burbante, ¹ū¶³APP coordinator of veterans services. Burbante, a former U.S. Marine and Army National Guard officer, is a three-time Iraq War infantry veteran and 2011 ¹ū¶³APP graduate.
āThe ¹ū¶³APP Office of Veteran Affairs acts like a military unit,ā Burbante said. āWe take care of our own here, and thatās how we are able to make an impression and lasting connections with fellow veterans on campus.ā
Currently, 198 veterans are enrolled and receiving benefits at ¹ū¶³APP. The Office of Veterans Affairs acts as a one-stop shop, helping veterans to register for classes, navigate financial aid processes, receive military or transfer credits and even find jobs during the summer break or after graduation. ¹ū¶³APP also operates a veterans lounge in Shaver Gym to help build community among student veterans and assist in their transition to college life. The ¹ū¶³APP Veterans Organization provides a social outlet for veteran students, participating in tailgating and other activities.
Members of the military ā as well as veterans ā receive priority service when enrolling at ¹ū¶³APP. Admissions criteria are exempted for veterans who have received an honorable discharge, and enrollees may register before the general student population.
¹ū¶³APP administrators have also identified a group of individual advisers to serve as veterans advocates. Veterans may consult with these faculty members for information, advice or understanding as they work their way through university rules and regulations.
ā¹ū¶³APP is committed to supporting our veterans as they work toward earning a college degree,ā Murphy said. āWe are proud of our military and veteran friendly designation and enjoy helping these individuals achieve continued success.ā
For more information about ¹ū¶³APPā services for veterans and active service members, call Burbante at 985.448.4208, or click here.