MTSU has again made the list of “Military Friendly Schools,” an annual rating by G.I. Jobs magazine published by Victory Media for veterans transitioning out of military service.

The veteran-owned publication surveyed more than 7,000 schools nationwide, and 1,231 were selected for the “military-friendly” designation for 2012.

Those schools go the extra mile to recruit and retain veterans, provide financial assistance and offer special on-campus programs and opportunities, organizers say. Some schools provide credit for military service and offer programs for military spouses.

The University received the same honor for 2011.

“MTSU is military-friendly in part due to the support of administrators and faculty who comprise the Military Task Force and work together to provide services for our veteran population,” said Cathy Kirchner, registrar in the Office of Records and Scheduling.

Kirchner’s office guides veterans through the maze of requirements and documentation needed to receive their GI Bill benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Two full-time employees and four student workers are supporting MTSU’s fall 2011 population of 1,035 veterans—almost 4 percent of the University’s full-time enrollment.

“The staff spent countless hours calling and emailing veterans to assist them in the enrollment and the fee-payment confirmation process for fall 2011,” Kirchner noted, adding that enrollment was up from the 998 veteran-students enrolled in fall 2010.

“This semester, representatives from our (MTSU) Business Office, Enrollment Services and the Information Technology Division created a ‘Veterans Tab’ in RaiderNet to provide a process for veterans to complete forms needed each term online.”

A list of all the G.I. Jobs’ newest “Military Friendly Schools” will be distributed to thousands of active and former military personnel this month. To see the entire list, go to www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/2011list. For information on MTSU’s services for veteran students, visit www.mtsu.edu/military.

— Tom Tozer (Thomas.Tozer@mtsu.edu)