New Ohio law to help veterans earn degrees

By Maddie Wood, For The Miami Student

Governor John Kasich signed House Bill 488 into effect in June to provide financial support for veterans aiming to earn their college degree. Now the state is sending out a survey to Ohio colleges to better educate them on the new law.

The bill encourages veterans to get their college degree by offering college credit for training received during their time in the military.

According to Kasich, the bill creates the Military Transfer Assurance Guide to provide a baseline of standards, procedures and tools for granting college credit for military experience for any public college and university, providing more consistent services across the state system.

By creating a standards guide to regulate college credit earned through training, universities make it easier for veterans to attend school, receive a degree and get a job in the civilian workforce.

Bill 488 requires that higher education institutions provide these college credits for free. In addition to credits, priority registration will be granted to veterans to make sure they receive the necessary classes to earn a degree.

While education and training can help veterans earn a steady job, support can be a vital part of transitioning to civilian life as well.

Bill 488 requires the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents to assess veteran support programs at higher education institutions and make changes, if needed, to assimilate veterans into their new surroundings. The bill also includes provisions to help veterans better make the transition through improved academic and employment counseling.

Jeff Robinson, Director of Communications for the Ohio Board of Regents, believes the new legislation will help give veterans the extra push they need to reach out for support.

"In some cases, a veteran may not know the first point of contact on a campus for help, or that there is even help available specifically for them," Robinson said. "Campuses may not be equipped to effectively evaluate a veteran's prior training and experience, or such an evaluation may come at a cost to the veteran. With the new legislation, this evaluation would come at no cost to the veteran."

According to the Ohio House Government website, this legislation requires state institutions of higher education to support and assist veterans and designate a contact person for veterans' affairs.

The surrounding area has adapted to the provisions set by House Bill 488. Miami University offers many programs and groups that work to assist veteran's needs.

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Miami's Oxford, Middletown and Hamilton campuses all house an organization titled the Student Veterans Association that was founded to aid and support veterans with their transition to college life, as well as provide them with a liaison to university administrators. The group hosts meetings, plans events and fosters a sense of community among the veterans studying at Miami.

Robinson said he thinks the new bill will inspire veterans to pursue an education at all higher education institutions in Ohio.

"It is our hope that this legislation will make it easier for all veterans and service members, who have given so much for our country, to pursue higher education and a successful career here in Ohio," Robinson said. "We hope the word will get out that Ohio places a high priority on veterans and service members."