SU Participates in Yellow Ribbon Program
SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, an optional component of the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill for veterans that will begin in August.
The Yellow Ribbon elicits memories of returning soldiers from the Viet Nam War, Iranian-held hostages during the U.S. embassy invasion, and now veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“As a symbol of remembrance and honor, the Yellow Ribbon is the perfect name for the new veteran’s program and Salisbury University is proud to participate in it,” said SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach. “What better way to support these men and women who have served our country than with opportunities for a college education, allowing them to begin new careers.”
In this supplemental program, universities pay up to half the difference in tuition beyond the amount covered by the federal government. “This is the right thing to do,” said Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, vice president of student affairs. “We always want to support our veterans for what they have done for our country.” Currently SU enrolls approximately 50 veterans under the G.I. Bill, which provides tuition coverage. To serve a potentially larger number of veterans, the Student Affairs Division has set up a committee to establish more services targeting veterans, from expanded Web offerings to focused career and counseling needs, including disability support services.
The new bill adds a $1,000 stipend for books and provide more than $1,300 a month for housing for up to 36 months. This is the most comprehensive revision of the original G.I. Bill since its inception in 1944. “We think this will make higher education more affordable for them,” added Neufeldt.
The new G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program will affect veterans enrolling into colleges this fall. U.S. troops who served in the armed forces for an aggregate period of at least 36 months of active duty after September 10, 2001, are eligible, as are those who served for at least 30 days after that time and were honorably discharged for a service-connected disability. Dependents eligible for “Transfer of Entitlement” also may be able to receive these benefits. For additional information on qualifications, visit www.gibill.va.gov.
For more information on veteran affairs at SU, call 410-543-6189 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.