Texas State honored by Texas Veterans Commission with gold award

Staff Reports

SAN MARCOS – Texas State University has been honored with a gold designation in the first-ever Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Veterans Education Program.

Established by the State of Texas, the new award recognizes universities and colleges that provide excellence in education and related services that significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military connected students.

TVC provides three levels of recognition intended to highlight the depth and breadth of services provided to veteran students and their families. The three award levels are gold, silver and bronze.

TVC evaluated applicants on a variety of criteria that highlight the various education and ancillary services offered by an institution and which contribute greatly to the overall success of veteran students and their families. Each application is evaluated as to the existence and quality of:

• a centralized place for students who are veterans to meet or find assistance and information
• an institution employee who serves as a central point of contact for students who are veterans
• a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs work-study program; admissions and enrollment policies for veterans
• new student orientation and courses for veterans
• a student organization for veterans
• academic support services for students who are veterans
• mental health and disability services
• a housing policy that applies to veterans
• faculty and staff training on issues affecting students who are veterans
• career services for students who are veterans
• any other criteria considered necessary or appropriate by the commission.

All public institutions of higher education in Texas – colleges and universities – were invited to submit application packages for recognition of the support services provided to student veterans and military-connected students.

The award was authorized by the Texas Legislature to promote best practices and recognize institutions of higher education for excellence in providing education and related services to student veterans and military-connected students.

For more information on the award visit the TVC website at www.tvc.texas.gov.