Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia (UNG) was one of 250 schools to receive the gold-level designation on the 2023-24 Military Friendly Schools list March 7 for its leading practices, outcomes and effective programs. More than 1,800 schools participated in the survey from which the awards were bestowed.
This is the second consecutive year UNG has received the gold status.
"Military Friendly" is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the military community. Published by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, the Military Friendly Schools survey is the longest-running most comprehensive review of college and university investments in serving military and veteran students.
"We are very excited about receiving the Military Friendly award again," Christy Orr, assistant director of Nighthawk Engagement and Student Transitions (NEST), said. "UNG strives to provide excellent service to our men and women of the armed forces from the moment they step through our doors until the day they walk across that stage at graduation. We are committed to serving and supporting our veterans, and this designation highlights our dedication."
Over the past year, UNG has served over 450 student veterans by providing financial counseling and processing military benefits, linking veterans with specialized tutors, providing veteran-specific career planning services, and offering programs on topics ranging from understanding Veterans Administration benefits to mental health services. UNG also provides designated lounge spaces for veterans to connect and receive support.
Dr. Darcy Hayes
UNG associate dean of students and director of NEST
The full list will be published in G.I. Jobs magazine's May issue.
"UNG has professional staff, and VA-funded student workers, supporting the programming and financial aid needs specific to the veteran population," Dr. Darcy Hayes, associate dean of students and director of NEST, said. "Over the past year, UNG has served over 450 student veterans by providing financial counseling and processing military benefits, linking veterans with specialized tutors, providing veteran-specific career planning services, and offering programs on topics ranging from understanding Veterans Administration benefits to mental health services. UNG also provides designated lounge spaces for veterans to connect and receive support."
The veterans resource lounges are available on the Dahlonega, Gainesville and Oconee campuses. More information on the lounges is available on the student veterans webpage.
"The lounge is a fun place to come hang out and get some time away. It gives you a nice quiet area to study. I'm able to print off the documents if need be," Micah Page, a senior from Cherokee County, Georgia, pursuing an associate degree in film and digital media.
Page currently serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and will go active after graduation.
The veterans are hosting two events to give back to the community. The first, set for March 25, is cleaning up Currahee Mountain Trail, located in Toccoa, Georgia. April 21 is the date of a volleyball event at the Gainesville Campus. Both are open to everyone.
"It's open to everyone, it's free admission, and we'll have burgers," John Carr, a U.S. Navy veteran from Jackson County, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology, said. "Anyone who just wants to come over and play volleyball and have a good time is more than welcome."
"In recent years, our student veterans have maintained a higher graduation rate (59%) than the graduation rate for all students (52%)," Hayes said. "This speaks to the commitment and dedication of the UNG student veteran population who are an asset to our academic community."
Additionally, comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans is offered through the Green Zone program. In fall 2022, 39 faculty and staff members completed this training, Hayes said.
