Colleges urged to adapt for U.S. veterans

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Colleges throughout the United States should work to make incoming U.S. veterans comfortable as students under a new federal bill, officials say.

U.S. Air Force veteran Allen Marr, who heads up the Military and Student Veterans Association at Western Michigan University, said college officials must be prepared to deal with an expected veteran influx under the Post 9/11 Veterans Assistance Act of 2008, the Detroit Free Press reported Monday.

Carl Ireland, Student Veterans of America president at the University of Michigan, agreed, saying the increased benefits being offered to U.S. veterans will create unique situations for colleges.

He, along with SVA co-founder Derek Blumke, have suggested offering in-state tuition at Michigan colleges to all U.S. veterans, along with offering on-campus services designed for the unique population.

"The whole idea is make Michigan veteran-friendly, a place that is welcoming and a place where they'd want to pursue their education," he told the Free Press.

Keith Wilson, Veterans Benefits Administration education services director, has predicted at least a 20 percent increase in the number of veterans, veteran dependents and military personnel attending college during the next two to three years.