MADISON, Wis. – Veterans now have access to higher education resources through their mobile devices. The University of Wisconsin System, University of Wisconsin-Extension, and the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) released a smart phone–friendly version of the Veterans Education Portal (www.veterans.wisconsin.edu). Veterans who want to take the first step toward completing their education will find information about Wisconsin’s veteran education benefits, academic programs and support—all in one place, tailored for display on a small screen. The new version also automatically detects what kind of smart phone is being used and customizes the display for the best view.
The Veterans Wisconsin Education Portal was first launched in November 2010 to help veterans make the transition from military service to college life. The site guides Wisconsin veterans toward the right fit among Wisconsin’s public colleges and universities.
“Our goal is to make higher education as veteran-friendly as possible. Now veterans can explore higher education opportunities from wherever they are, using their mobile device,” said Janice Sheppard, interim assistant vice president, University of Wisconsin System.
Morna Foy, spokesperson for the WTCS, stated that “Wisconsin’s technical colleges are excited about the availability of this new tool to help veterans make the most of their education benefits.”
Veteran enrollments at UW System are holding steady compared to last fiscal year and up 12% over the fall 2009-10 term, with a total self-reported enrollment of 5,060 student veterans in fall 2011. Over 4,300 UW student veterans as well as children and spouses of eligible veterans are now benefiting from the Wisconsin GI Bill and the federal GI Bill, up 7% from the fall 2009-10.
Enrollments of Wisconsin GI Bill participants in the Wisconsin Technical College System increased 5% from fiscal year 2009-10 to 2011-12, based on preliminary 2011-12 estimates. Last year, 4,450 WTCS student veterans or eligible children and spouses of qualifying veterans received education benefits under the Wisconsin GI Bill and the federal GI Bill.
# # #
Media Contacts:
David F. Giroux
UW System
608-262-4464 (office)
608-235-5359 (mobile)
Morna Foy
WTC System
608-266-2449 (office)
608-220-6194 (mobile)