YSU to offer veterans credit for military training, schooling

By HAROLD Gwin

gwin@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University will soon begin offering college credit for the military training, schooling and certifications of veterans who enroll at the university.

The General Education Committee of the YSU Academic Senate approved the plan that could provide veterans with up to 18 hours of general education credits.

The committee reported its decision Wednesday to the Academic Senate, although Senate approval isn’t required for the program to move forward, said Julia Gergits, committee chairwoman and the university’s general-education coordinator.

Reservists who have completed basic training but haven’t completed two or more years of service would be eligible for six credit- hours under the program.

Reservists who have completed basic training and two or more years of service and/or have been deployed for a minimum of six months will be eligible for 12 credit-hours.

Any individual who has completed basic training and has been enlisted for three or more years of active duty or regular enlistment will be eligible for 18 credit-hours.

The university’s coordinator of veterans affairs would be responsible for reviewing all requests for military credits to ensure eligibility.

In addition, individuals may apply for other academic credit based on advanced training or college course work completed.

Jim Olive, coordinator of the Office of Veterans Affairs, said the new program will apply only to new students and won’t include veterans already enrolled.

It was the Veterans Affairs-Academic Planning Committee that devised the program, he said.

Gergits said the plan came before her committee for review and approval. She likened it to current arrangements in other YSU programs that give college credit for life experience. Criminal justice is one area where such credit is extended, she said.

Bege Bowers, associate provost for academic programs and planning, suggested the Ohio Board of Regents be consulted before the program is implemented to make sure none of its terms are in violation of any regents regulations. Gergits said that can be done.

Alan Tomhave, assistant professor of philosophy and religious studies, suggested the program be delayed for further Senate review, suggesting more information is needed on the details of military training that will translate into college credit.

Gergits said the parameters of training have been reviewed, and the committee is comfortable with its decision.

Olive said he would like to see the program start with this summer’s session.