MassBay Earns National Military Friendly Schools Recognitions

MassBay Community College earned its second recognition this year for its military friendly policies and campus last week.  Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named MassBay to the coveted Military Friendly Schools® list. The 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

Earlier this year, MassBay was recognized for its commitment to the men and woman that serve in the United States Armed Forces by Military Advanced Education, a monthly publication which provides information regarding higher education opportunities for military personnel and their spouses.  One of only two community colleges in the state to be selected as one of America’s Top Military Friendly Colleges, recognition is based on aspects of particular interest to military students, including flexibility, academic support, financial assistance, and understanding of military culture.

MassBay currently enrolls more than 100 veteran students.

“Education is one of the most effective ways of integrating our veterans back into civilian life,” says Julie Komack, Director of MassBay’s Career Services. “MassBay strives to offer the best for members of the Armed Forces coming back home by providing comprehensive, on-campus support services.”

Among the resources available to MassBay’s veteran students is the on-campus Veterans Resource Center, nicknamed “The Bunker.”  Opened in spring 2011, the Bunker offers all-inclusive services, including academic advising, career counseling, and support services to assist with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic injury disorders.

MassBay also provides Veteran students with the highest monthly housing allowance of any community college in Massachusetts.  The College has been approved to offer GI Bill benefits and offers college credits for eligible military experience.

Timothy Harrington, U.S. Marine Corps and MassBay Class of 2013 (Associate Degree in Criminal Justice) says, “MassBay has been a comfortable environment for me.  Professors are always very approachable, the classroom environment is small, and because it’s a state school my tuition and fees are entirely covered.”

“The professors here are so supportive of Veterans,” says Kelly Ratcliffe, U.S. Army and MassBay Class of 2014 (Associate Degree in Business Administration).  “They understand that we have underlying situations…they really care, and that’s what keeps me coming back.”

MassBay awards associate degrees and certificates in over 70 academic programs in a wide range of career-driven subjects ranging from accounting and automotive technology to forensic DNA science and early childhood education.  The College’s facilities in Wellesley Hills, Framingham and Ashland house day, evening and weekend classes that meet the needs of degree-seeking students and career minded life-long learners. Online options provide convenience and allow faculty to facilitate the learning process.  Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and strives to meet the needs of the diverse local communities it serves.  Registration is underway for fall classes starting on October 28th.