General Information Military Veterans   Accelerated Programs for Military Students' Needs The University of Mary's Accelerated and Distance Education program have been designed for adult learners whose life responsibilities often require changes in schedule. For military personnel this means that the university can accommodate transfers between duty stations and deployment. On-site students can move to the online delivery system upon deployment. Online students can work toward their degree from anywhere Internet access is available. If deployment necessitates discontinuing the program, a student can withdraw without penalty and re-enter at a later date. [See Deployment Policy] Adaptable Scheduling The university has gained extensive experience in helping students earn their degree while serving their country, particularly in the past decade as many National Guard and Reserve units have been deployed. Many of these individuals were able to continue their degree program while overseas. On-post students at Fort Riley, Kansas were able to move to the online delivery system without missing any classes. Processes have been developed within the school that provide comprehensive, ongoing support relative to deployment or temporary duty assignments. Individual Attention At the University of Mary, an academic advisor is immediately assigned to each student upon enrollment. Assistance with questions and guidance concerning programs of study, planning, policies, procedures, course registration, and completion of degree requirements are available from day one. Advisors can be contacted by telephone, e-mail and fax throughout the course of study and work closely with faculty to identify and reconcile issues specifically related to military service. Graduate Scholarships and the Yellow Ribbon Program Participant U-Mary offers graduate studies scholarships to military personnel eligible for tuition assistance through their branch of service. And, since the Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program took effect, U-Mary has provided an increased undergraduate and graduate tuition benefit to military veterans and service members that meet Veterans Administration qualifications. Through the program, U-Mary offers unlimited enrollment in both its undergraduate and graduate programs in order to serve all veterans who want to receive an education based on Catholic, Christian and Benedictine values. "For many years, the University of Mary has offered graduate study scholarships to active duty military and National Guard students, but through the Yellow Ribbon Program a U-Mary education is affordable to even more military students," notes Kaspari. "Enabling these women and men to earn their degree for free is one small way we can thank them for their service." In addition, there is a VA certifying official that works with students to insure that the correct forms are completed and all questions are answered in a timely manner, and technical assistance is available for any issues students may encounter during online courses. A Military Friendly School All of these things combine to make the University of Mary a "military friendly" school and have garnered recognition at the local, state and national levels. Several awards were received in 2012-Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Golden Eagle Award, Soldiers Angels Crystal Angel Award, and Military Ovation's Think Globally, Act Locally Award-and since 2007 U-Mary has been recognized as military friendly by Military Advanced Education and G.I. Jobs magazines. In addition, the university received the 2008 North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Above and Beyond Award. For more information about the University of Mary's military friendly programs, call 1-800-408-6279, ext. 8128, e-mail cade@umary.edu, or visit www.umary.edu/cade