What's Happening?
The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) has received national recognition for its commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. For the 2026-27 academic year, UNCG earned high marks in Military Times’ Best for Vets rankings and was
named a Military Friendly Top Ten School for the fourth consecutive year, also being recognized as a Military Friendly Spouse School. In Fall 2026, UNCG enrolled 1,859 military-affiliated students, including 480 veterans, 85 active-duty students, and approximately 1,300 military family dependents, marking a 7% increase from Fall 2025. To further enhance support, UNCG launched 'Ready to Serve' in November 2026, an asynchronous online training program designed for faculty to better assist military-affiliated students. This training aims to provide faculty with practical information and strategies to understand and support students balancing military service, civilian transition, and college demands.
Why It's Important?
This recognition and the launch of the 'Ready to Serve' program highlight UNCG's dedication to a significant and growing demographic within its student body. Military-affiliated students often face unique challenges, including navigating educational benefits, transitioning from military to civilian life, and balancing academic responsibilities with service obligations. By providing specialized programs like the Veterans Access Program (VAP) in the School of Nursing and offering priority class registration, UNCG helps these students convert their military experiences into academic and career success. The 'Ready to Serve' training is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and understanding campus environment, ensuring faculty are equipped to address the specific needs of this population. This initiative not only benefits the military-affiliated students directly but also enriches the broader university community by integrating diverse experiences and perspectives.
What's Next?
UNCG plans to continue its efforts in supporting military-affiliated students, with the 'Ready to Serve' training expected to be a continuous resource for faculty. The university's Military-Affiliated Services (MAS) will persist in coordinating services, advocating for students, and building community. Faculty who complete the 'Ready to Serve' training will receive a certificate and a digital badge, encouraging widespread participation and demonstrating a visible commitment to supporting this student group. The ongoing focus on research through the iCOMMAND Institute will also contribute to military well-being, potentially leading to further advancements in support systems. These sustained efforts aim to ensure UNCG remains a welcoming and supportive institution for veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiatives at UNCG reflect a broader national trend of universities recognizing and addressing the unique needs of military-affiliated students. The emphasis on specialized academic pathways, such as the Veterans Access Program, acknowledges the valuable skills and experiences gained through military service, allowing them to be directly applied to academic pursuits. Furthermore, the 'Ready to Serve' training underscores the importance of faculty development in creating an inclusive educational environment. This approach goes beyond mere accommodation, aiming to integrate military-affiliated students fully into campus life and leverage their diverse backgrounds. The success of such programs can serve as a model for other institutions, promoting a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to supporting those who have served and their families in their educational journeys.
