CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University has signed the Department of Defense's Memorandum of Understanding - known as DoD-MOU - which will offer military veterans and service members more streamlined admission, better access to services, and continued access to federal Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits at OSU.

The memorandum is a partnership between the Department of Defense and participating colleges and universities. The new MOU provides participating schools with more detailed guidelines on how to deal with students utilizing TA benefits. OSU already has 115 Tuition Assistance recipients through the program, one of the highest numbers in the state.

This student population is likely to continue to grow over the next 3-5 years, according to Gus L. Bedwell, OSU's veterans resources coordinator.

Additionally, during the past four years, the number of military veterans or their dependents has doubled at OSU, prompting the university to expand its Veterans Services team by hiring Bedwell to work with students, along with two veterans certifying officials in the Registrar's Office.

The university has roughly 900 students receiving Veterans Administration benefits, and the number of students on campus who may qualify for assistance may be even higher.

"We're really happy to sign the MOU with the Department of Defense," Bedwell said. "In doing so, it confirms our longstanding commitment to veterans, service members - and their service to our country. Additionally, it opens the door for future students to take advantage of programs like natural resources at are offered online only at Oregon State University."

Bedwell suggests that veterans or their dependents interested in OSU first go to the university's website for veterans at: http://oregonstate.edu/veterans/home/, which lists different resources and activities on campus. Any veteran, or family member, needing assistance may also contact him directly at [email protected], or call his office at 541-737-7662.

 

Source: 

Gus Bedwell, 541-737-7662

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