(November 12, 2008) -- California State University (CSU) today announced it will provide guaranteed admission for fall 2009 to 115 active duty and veterans from the six military branches – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard and Navy – at CSU campuses around the state.

“The sacrifices these veterans have made for our freedom truly earn them a place of honor in California and a seat at our state’s great colleges and universities,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Higher education is crucial for getting these dedicated men and women into quality high-paying jobs.”

Through this program, the service members will be admitted regardless of credentials beyond a few basic requirements.  In lieu of the typical application process, the military command of each branch will be asked to recommend selected individuals to the CSU.

“The men and women selected for this program have served the country with honor and distinction. They have earned the admiration of their peers, and gained the approval of their commanding officers,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “We are confident that these students will be successful at the CSU.”

Earlier this year, San Diego State launched the idea with five active duty Marines selected as candidates for admission to SDSU by Camp Pendleton commander General Lehnert.  All 23 CSU campus presidents will be implementing a similar program to reserve five slots for active duty and veterans to enroll at their campus.  Since the majority of CSU campuses are not located near a military base, the program was expanded to include not only active duty service personnel, but also men and women leaving the military service and transitioning to veteran status.

In addition, the CSU is recommending that commanding officers choose from candidates across their entire service branch as a way to encourage men and women who are California residents but stationed elsewhere to return to the state to join the workforce.

 “This will be an excellent way to ensure that more of these outstanding men and women come back to California to utilize the special skills they acquired during their active duty service,” said Reed. “This program is the next step in a continuing effort by the CSU to clear the path to college for our troops and veterans.”

The CSU has been a leading partner in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Troops to College initiative, which was launched in the spring of 2006 and serves to unite California ’s public colleges and universities behind the mission of making campuses more veteran friendly.

All 23 CSU campuses have a veteran coordinator or services point person. Many campuses have implemented programs to help maximize veterans’ technical and professional experience, with some campuses offering internships, job search support, medical service connections and other transition services.

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Note to editors: This Veterans News Advisory and previous CDVA news releases, advisories, and newsletters are available on our website at www.cdva.ca.gov and via email from Jaime.Arteaga@cdva.ca.gov.

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