Veterans Services

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has a long history of providing education and training to veterans and those on active duty who are seeking to gain new skills, enhance existing skills and translate skills learned in the military for use in the civilian world. As times have changed, the focus of Minnesota's state colleges and universities has shifted to meet current needs of returning veterans.

Minnesota Guard deployment

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, about 8,000 members of the Minnesota National Guard have been called to active duty overseas. In 2008, there will be an estimated 1,000 Minnesota National Guard members serving overseas. In addition, thousands of other Minnesotans serve in the regular armed forces and federal reserve units.

Preparing for Minnesota's returning veterans

Meeting the needs of returning veterans is a complex undertaking. In September 2005, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system office began additional training for counselors, student affairs staff and administrators with the assistance of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Several colleges and universities also initiated additional workshops for staff and faculty.

Challenges facing veterans who return to college

Many veterans face personal, relationship, education and employment issues on being discharged or completing military duty. Veterans' families also may need help while their loved ones serve overseas and when they return home.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Higher Education Programs

Veterans Resource Centers provide one-stop shop on campuses
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has contracted with Central Lakes College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, to establish the Higher Education Veterans Programs. This program consists of a Program Director and Regional Coordinators located throughout the entire state of Minnesota.

Specifically, the Regional Coordinators will work with colleges to address and service the unique needs of veterans who are students at higher education institutions in Minnesota and assist veterans in finding the state and federal resources available to them as they begin or continue their higher education. One of their major tasks is to assist campuses in creating “on-campus” Veterans Resource Centers and to ensure campuses provide necessary information and resources to veterans and their families.
www.MyMilitaryEducation.Org
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Higher Education Veterans Programs has developed an extensive information and resource site at www.mymilitaryeducation.org. This site offers over 150 Frequently Asked Questions to assist Minnesota Veterans with topics ranging from Military Education Benefits to Military Family Resources, Getting Ready for College and many more items. Additionally, features such as Live Chat and Ask A Question are available along with telephone assistance 7 days a week from the Online Support Center staff.

A distance credentialed counseling and advising team is available to provide the following assistance:
- Academic and career counseling for both undecided veterans and also those with specific areas of interest.
- Educational advising on program availability, admissions, transfer, financial aid processes, and getting started online.
- Assessment and testing coordination through Accuplacer, Compass, SAT, ACT, course tests.
- Personal Connections to specialists on military education and benefits, and to specific staff at colleges and universities of interest.
- Referrals to a network of help for addressing personal, family, and other issues.
Veterans Resource Centers
Many colleges and universities have on campus Veterans Resource Centers to assist veterans. Currently there are 44 Veterans Resource Centers established across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Education-related benefits and services available for veterans

On-campus Veterans Centers - Some colleges have veterans centers and specialized services. They include: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge and Coon Rapids; Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples; Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall; Inver Hills Community College, Inver Grove Heights; and Winona State University.

Education credit transfer for military training and education - Veterans can receive education credits at a Minnesota state college or university for military training and experience that meets American Council on Education standards.

In-state tuition rates are available for non-resident soldiers and veterans.

Veterans in college awaiting federal benefits can delay tuition payments without penalty. A state college or university will not charge late fees or other late charges for veterans who are eligible or have applied to receive federal educational assistance.

Veterans Upward Bound - Minneapolis Community and Technical College has the only Veterans Upward Bound program in the state. Operating continuously since 1972, the program offers special academic and support services to eligible veterans.

Minnesota Online opportunities - Service men and women can take an array of online courses offered by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities while in the military. Go to www.minnesotaonline.org for more information.

Credit transfer information for veterans

MnTransfer.org provides information on the following topics: Obtaining military transcripts, how colleges and universities evaluate military credit and experience, general assistance, educational assistance, financial aid assistance for veterans and their families and links to veterans information at colleges and universities throughout the state.

General admissions information for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

View admissions contact information for colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system.

View college and university profiles for all Minnesota State institutions
Profiles include demographic information, campus locations, campus Web sites, program and activities information, institution highlights, campus tour information and admissions information.

On-campus services for veterans

Alexandria Technical College

Veterans Certifying Official: Kathy Kloehn
320-762-4417
kathykl@alextech.edu

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Admissions: Veteran's Services
Contact: Scott Bay, ARCC Director of Access Services
763-433-1334

Bemidji State University

Web site: Office of Admissions: Evaluation of transfer credits

Central Lakes College

Web site: Veterans Resource Center
Veterans Certifying Official: Wendy Antolak
218-855-8032
wantolak@clcmn.edu

Dakota County Technical College

Veterans Certifying Official: Kerry Lurken
651-423-8278
kerry.lurken@dctc.edu

Veterans Certifying Official: Rachel Erkkila
651-423-8216
rachel.erkkila@dctc.edu

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

Web site: Veterans Information and Services
Veterans Certifying Official: Leah Leno
218-879-0813
leah@fdltcc.edu

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Web site: Veterans Affairs
Veterans Certifying Official: Diane Schmidt
507-389-5251
diane.schmidt@mnsu.edu

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Web site: Veterans Office

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Web site: Veterans Services

North Hennepin Community College

Web site: Veterans Affairs Office
Director of Veterans Affairs: Willie Sadler
763-493-0573
willie.sadler@nhcc.edu

Northland Community and Technical College

Web site: Veteran's Benefits Information
Web site: Transfer information
Veterans Certifying Official: Dennis Bendickson
218-681-0858
dennis.Bendickson@northlandcollege.edu

Ridgewater College

Veterans Certifying Official: Sally Kerfeld
320-231-2907
sally.kerfeld@ridgewater.edu

Saint Paul College

Veterans Affairs (pdf)
Veterans Certifying Official: Katie Yep
651-846-1372
katie.yep@saintpaul.edu

Southwest Minnesota State University

Web site: Military benefits and transfer information

St. Cloud State University

Web site: Veteran's Resources

Winona State University

Veterans Certifying Official: Carl Stange
507-457-5508
cstange@winona.edu

Veterans education and career information from CareerOneStop.org

Key to Career Success campaign
The Key to Career Success campaign connects veterans and service members with high quality career planning, training, and job search resources available at local One-Stop Career Centers.

Resources available:
Transition to Civilian Life
Find Local Services
Disabled/Injured Resources
Get Credentials, Certifications, and Licenses
Plan Education and Training
Find State Resources for Veterans
Write a Resume
Find a Job
Match Military Experience to Civilian Occupations
Military Spouses
Employer/Business Resources
Workforce Professionals Resources