Citrus College, a community college known for its expansive veterans program, is furthering their dedication to veterans by adopting an initiative created by the Barack Obama Administration.
The 8 Keys to Success initiative will add to Citrus College's highly recognized Veterans Program by providing veterans and military families with an affordable, high-quality education, officials said in a press release.
The 8 Keys to Success initiative includes:
1. Creating a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
2. Ensuring consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
3. Implementing an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
4. Coordinating and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space (even if limited in size).
5. Collaborating with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
6. Utilizing a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention and degree completion.
7. Providing comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
8. Developing systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.
The initiative is used at college and universities across the nation, Citrus officials said.
Citrus College's Veterans Center, started in 2006, is home to more than 300 student veterans and provides a wide range of services, including support counseling, tutoring and G.I. Bill information.
in 2010, the Veterans Program was one of only 15 in the country to receive a $400,000 Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success grant from the U.S. Department of Education. G.I. Jobs magazine recently designated Citrus College as a Military Friendly School for the fourth consecutive year, officials said.
