South Mountain Community College was recently recertified as an Arizona Veteran Supportive Campus (VSC) by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. This recertification continues a proud tradition that SMCC has of holding this distinction since the award's inception in 2017.
The criteria SMCC meets in order to be classified as a VSC involves being in compliance with the State Approving Agency (SAA) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), as well as being certified as eligible to receive GI Bill® Education Benefits.
SMCC also continues to maintain the required areas of focus in the Arizona Veteran Supportive Campus Statute which includes connecting to culture, asking the right questions, responding effectively, and engaging the military/veteran community.
This distinction holds great meaning to SMCC’s military-affiliated students as it provides a better understanding of their needs and emphasizes the importance of the college making a real difference in their academic experiences.
“For our military-affiliated students, it represents a genuine commitment to their success. It means access to dedicated support services, and a campus community that understands their unique transition challenges and values their service," said Karla Kovalin, SMCC’s Manager of Veterans Services. "They can focus on their education knowing comprehensive resources are available when needed.”
This recertification is a reflection of the ongoing commitment that SMCC has to implement tailored resources and to provide support to all of the veteran students, faculty, and staff it serves. It also represents the college’s recognition of the strengths that veterans bring to higher education and how they directly impact the campus.
“For the college, this designation reinforces our reputation as an institution that serves diverse learners and honors those who have served. Our veteran students enrich campus culture by bringing valuable leadership skills, diverse perspectives, and life experiences that benefit all students,” said Kovalin.