Terra State receives Collegiate Purple Star designation award

        Terra State Community College has received Ohio’s new Collegiate Purple Star designation for supporting veteran and military students.
        The Collegiate Purple Star recognizes Ohio higher education institutions that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students.
        Terra State President Dr. Ronald Schumacher joined leaders from 33 other public colleges and universities in Ohio for an announcement of the honor.
        “Congratulations to the 33 schools chosen as the first Collegiate Purple Star campuses,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Thank you for being examples of Ohio’s proud tradition of honoring our service men and women.
        “With these Collegiate Purple Star Award designations, service members, veterans and military-connected students are able to pursue higher education knowing that their school has the necessary support system and guidance to help them find their next steps,” DeWine said.
        “Terra State Community College works diligently to provide a supportive learning environment for student service members and veterans as they transition to higher education,” Schumacher said. “We not only owe them the utmost respect and gratitude, but it is our duty as an institution that we provide sustained support as they take their next steps to earn a certificate or a degree.”
        Designations are determined by the Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee after evaluation and recommendation. The advisory committee, appointed by the Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner, is composed of members from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Ohio Veterans Education Council (with representation from two-year colleges, four-year institutions and independent institutions), the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission K-12 Purple Star Committee.
        Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star institution include having a dedicated military/veteran service member surveying student veterans and service members – along with spouses and dependents – about needs and challenges and allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and service members.
        Some of the ways Terra State helps to serve the service members and veterans include:
        • Terra State partners with OhioMeansJobs to provide additional services, accepts Academic Council on Education (ACE) military transcripts and is a member of the Service Opportunity Consortium (SOC).
        • The college designates an academic advisor for all service members and veterans to help assist them with advising, career planning, disability services, financial aid, mental health counseling, student advocacy and much more. Service members and veterans get priority registration each semester.
        • The Records Office reviews military transcripts and awards credit for appropriate courses. Military credit is given priority, and once all the military transcripts are received, students are notified within 48 hours.
        • Terra State connects students with state and federal agencies that support service members, veterans and their families.