HFC named Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School for 6th year

For the sixth year, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has named Henry Ford College a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School.

HFC was also the first community college in the state of Michigan to be named a Veteran-Friendly Employer in 2018.

“HFC is proud to serve our military veterans and proud to have been named a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School six times,” said President Russell Kavalhuna. “HFC provides quality service to veterans, military service personnel, and their families. HFC is proud to be recognized for our high level of services that are provided by the HFC Veterans Services office. We encourage all student veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families to bring any questions about potential services, and we will help them any way we can.”

“We are incredibly grateful to have 62 Veteran-Friendly Schools in Michigan that are committed to supporting their student-veteran population,” said MVAA Director Adam Hollier. “Making the transition from boots and a helmet to a cap and gown can be a daunting process, but having guidance and resources from their academic institution is a game changer. Their talent and experiences matter, and the best way to thank a student veteran for their service is to support them in their journey and offer them a job after they graduate. I want to wish our student veterans the best as they start this next academic year and continue their educational journey.”

Gold-Level status

Gold-Level status is the highest status an educational institution can earn based on its commitment to providing on-campus, veteran-centered services. This ranking recognizes higher education institutions for their dedication to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their dependents using the G.I. Bill and other educational benefits.

“I am excited to be part of the team that supports veterans, active military, and their families. Gold-Level status means a lot to me because it is a great accomplishment to achieve the highest level of standards the state of Michigan has for colleges that serve those who have served,” said HFC Veterans Affairs Supervisor Dawn Hestand.

Veterans Affairs office established at HFC in 2017

In 2017, the HFC Veterans Services office was established on the main floor of the Welcome Center (WC) on the main campus. Some of the services and resources offered to student veterans include:

• A point of contact to help you navigate VA and College processes
• Access to priority registration
• Guidance through College processes and advocacy to help you reach your goals
• Assistance in applying for and understanding your veteran and military education benefits
• Connection to various College resources: Enrollment Services, Counseling, Academic Advising, Assisted Learning Services, Student Outreach and Support, Career Services, Financial Aid, and more
• Connection to community resources
• Connection to the Student Veterans Association (SVA), which helps to provide a connected community for our veterans and their families

SVA and Veterans Center

In 2019, the College opened a Veterans Center for its approximately 275 student veterans in the John McDonald Student & Culinary Arts Center (Building M) on the main campus. The Veterans Center provides a safe place that allows veterans to unwind between classes and connect with other veterans who also understand the transition from military life to civilian life.

The College’s SVA helps veterans and their families succeed academically. HFC Computer Information Sciences instructor Bob James, a veteran of the United States Air Forc), is the SVA faculty advisor.

“It is our goal to provide outstanding service to our service members and their families here at HFC,” said James. “Achieving Gold-Level status for the sixth time is a reflection of that effort.”

MVAA’s seven criteria for Gold-Level status

The MVAA uses seven criteria to determine the level of support provided to student veterans and military-connected students on the campuses of higher education institutions:

• An established process to identify current students who are veterans
• A veteran-specific website
• An active student veteran organization or club
• Veteran-specific career services, advising, or outcome monitoring
• An on-campus veteran coordinator or designated point of contact
• A system to evaluate and award academic credit(s) based on prior military training and experience
• Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates

“We are honored to receive Gold-Level status by the MVAA as a Veteran-Friendly School. The HFC Veterans Services office went through a transition in staffing in the last year, but we kept our service level high. We focus on working with veterans and military service members who choose to attend HFC to ensure that they are set for each semester,” said HFC Interim Registrar Karen Sadanowicz. “We are committed to continuing to offer the quality service that our veterans, military service members, and their families deserve. Dawn Hestand is the new HFC Veterans Services Supervisor and is available to assist with any veteran or military service-related question. We look forward to an exciting year ahead!”

Student veterans or dependents with questions about G.I. Bill or other benefits should contact Hestand or call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or visit the MVAA.

For questions or more information about Veterans Services at HFC, contact Hestand at 313-845-9688 or veterans@hfcc.edu.