UC Riverside Makes List of 'Military-Friendly' Schools

RIVERSIDE - UC Riverside's placement on a list of U.S. colleges and universities recognized for having programs that offer military veterans extra help reflects its ''long-standing history of excellent service'' to those who have served their country, a UCR official said today.

The university was one of 1,518 institutions of higher education nationwide to win a spot on G.I. Jobs magazine's 2012 ''Military Friendly Schools'' list.

The roster is exclusive to the top 20 percent of colleges and universities doing the most to help former and active-duty service members.

''UCR has a proud and long-standing history of excellent service and comprehensive support to student veterans, military members and military family members,'' said Chryssa Jones, UCR's veterans services coordinator.

''They are highly motivated, goal-driven, and they really know how to hit the books, study hard and get the job done,'' she said. ''But they're also a little older, are in the midst of a career change and can have other challenges, as well. It can be a pretty tough transition when they leave military service, and we just want to make sure that students know our doors are open and we're prepared to help.''

More than 550 UCR students receive state or federal veterans' and military educational benefits, according to campus officials.

Services offered through the university include a Veterans Support Team, which connects students with campus-wide contacts who can help with various needs, and a Veteran Peer Mentors group, which focuses on easing incoming students' transition to campus life.

Last year, the university also initiated Operation Education, a scholarship program for veterans of campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq who were disabled during their wartime service.