MANSFIELD, PA (12/02/2022) Mansfield, Bloomsburg, and Lock Haven, together as Commonwealth University, have been named as “PNGAS Guard-Friendly School” by the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations (PNGAS). Bloomsburg also received the 2022 PNGAS College/University of the Year designation.
Developed by the PNGAS Education Advisory Council, the “PNGAS
Guard-Friendly School” program was designed to recognize high schools,
colleges, universities, and trade schools that meet or exceed a set of
standards for creating a supportive learning environment that is friendly to
recruiting and assists members of the Pennsylvania Guard in pursuing
post-secondary degrees and military service.
These criteria include providing flexible scheduling options for National
Guard members whose class availability may be disrupted due to the requirements
of their Guard service, providing credit for prior learning via military
training and experience in accordance with American Council on Education (ACE)
college credit recommendations, and offering training for school faculty and/or
staff on how to support the specific needs of military and veteran students,
and permits recruiting by the Pennsylvania National Guard.
“Commonwealth University is proud to be recognized as a PNGAS
Guard-Friendly School,” said Bashar W. Hanna, president. “The men and
women of the Pennsylvania National Guard are to be commended for their hard
work and sacrifice in supporting and protecting the people of Pennsylvania.
CommonwealthU offers PA National Guard members, veterans, and their families a
path to a rewarding career through a flexible learning schedule that honors
their prior learning achievements and enables active Guard members to continue
serving the Commonwealth during their training and service.”
PNGAS seeks to grow the number of “PNGAS Guard-Friendly Schools”
across Pennsylvania, while increasing awareness of the best practices many
schools utilize to enhance student recruitment and promotion of the
Pennsylvania National Guard. PNGAS also seeks to promote the Education
Assistance Program (EAP) and the Military Family Education Program (MFEP), the
nation’s largest tuition benefits, to students, faculty, parents, and
administrators.
The integration of
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities under the banner of
Commonwealth University is a bold investment in the communities and people of
Pennsylvania. Our mission is to expand high-quality, affordable academic
opportunities to support the needs of all learners. We’re building a powerful
tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public higher education to
position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and
workforce development needs. Together we’re honoring our history, investing in
today, and building a powerful tomorrow. That’s the power of three.