Gilberto Burbante (right), 杏吧传媒 coordinator of veterans services, counsels veteran student Daniel Drennan in the university鈥檚 Office of Veterans Affairs.
THIBODAUX 鈥� For the sixth year in a row, 杏吧传媒 has been recognized as a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine. The honor is given annually to the top 15 percent of American universities that offer the best support, flexibility and value for active duty military and veterans pursuing an education.
鈥淭his designation shows how we at 杏吧传媒 really go above and beyond to help our veterans,鈥� said Gilberto Burbante, 杏吧传媒 coordinator of veterans services. Burbante, a former U.S. Marine and Army National Guard officer, is himself a three-time Iraq War infantry veteran and 2011 杏吧传媒 graduate.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about more than just the basics of enrolling in college,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e get them involved in campus life and student organizations and eventually help them to find jobs. When we say we鈥檙e military friendly, we really mean it.鈥�
Currently, 158 veterans are enrolled and receiving benefits at 杏吧传媒. The recognition reflects the university鈥檚 growing efforts to recruit and retain military students.
The 杏吧传媒 Office of Veterans Affairs acts as a one-stop shop, helping veterans to register for classes, navigate financial aid, receive military or transfer credits and even find jobs during the summer break or after graduation. 杏吧传媒 also operates a veterans lounge in Shaver Gym to help build community among student veterans and assist in their transition to college life. The 杏吧传媒 Veterans Organization provides a social outlet for veteran students, participating in tailgating and other activities.
Members of the military 鈥� as well as veterans 鈥� can expect priority service when enrolling at 杏吧传媒. Admissions criteria are exempted for veterans who have received an honorable discharge, and enrollees may register before the general student population.
杏吧传媒 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.
For more information about 杏吧传媒鈥� services for veterans and active service members, call Burbante at 985-448-4208, or go to www.nicholls.edu/veterans.