March 8, 2022
San Diego Mesa College designated a Gold Status Military Friendly® School for 2022-2023
By Office of Communications
San Diego, CA – On March 7, 2022, San Diego Mesa College was awarded Gold status for the 2022-2023
school year from the Military Friendly® Company for being a military friendly school. Mesa was previously awarded the Silver status for the 2021-2022 school year. Over
1,800 schools participated in the 2022-2023 survey, of which 665 schools earned awards
level designations in Gold, Silver, and Bronze. 282 of these participants were selected
for “Gold” award status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs.
Of the 282 Gold status colleges, only ten are in California, and Mesa is one of three
in San Diego. As a fully accredited, comprehensive community college committed to access, success,
and equity, San Diego Mesa College currently serves over 4,000 veterans and their
families.
“We thank our military veterans, active duty and
families for their service by providing a welcome and inclusive learning experience
at San Diego Mesa College,” stated Dr. Pamela Luster, President. “We are excited to
receive this designation as recognition of this effort.”
In order to best serve students – and particularly veterans and their families - Mesa
has a diverse community of faculty, students, professional staff, and administrators
who collaborate to foster scholarship, leadership, innovation, and excellence in an
inclusive learning environment. Mesa College provides a vast array of Veterans services specifically geared towards assisting Veterans and their families succeed while pursuing
their education. Programs and services include financial aid and assistance with the
GI Bill and other sources of support. Mesa provides dedicated academic counselors,
and has an on-campus Veterans Success Center where Veterans can gather for community, in addition to being able to access additional
resources, such as tutoring. Mesa also offers multiple scholarships and an internship
program for Veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data driven
standards in our designation process. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages
colleges to consistently evolve and invest in their programs. Schools who achieve
designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist
schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources,
and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity
for the Military Community.” Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships,
Military Friendly®
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the
Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in higher education. Final
ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey responses and government/agency
public data sources within a logic-based assessment. We measure their ability to meet
thresholds for Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Repayment, Persistence, and Loan
Default rates for all students and specifically, for student veterans.
Mesa offers associate degree and certificate programs, and is one of 15 California
community colleges offering a four-year baccalaureate degree. By promoting student
learning and achievement that leads to degrees and certificates, transfer, workforce
training, and lifelong learning, Mesa empowers our students to reach their educational
goals and shape their future. Among the largest community colleges in California,
Mesa College serves 30,000 students per year, approximately 36% of whom attend full-time.
Mesa ranks as San Diego’s top transfer institution, and is a proud Hispanic Serving
Institution.
Find San Diego Mesa College on Social Media:
Facebook.com: sandiegomesacollege
Twitter.com: sdmesacollege
Instagram.com: sdmesacollege and sdmesaeops
Youtube: youtube.com: sdmesacollege
Snapchat: sdmesacollege
LinkedIn: San Diego Mesa College
Prez Pam Luster: twitter.com: sdmesaprez
Tags: Veterans, Press Release, Veterans Success Center, Military Friendly
Tags: Military Friendly, Veterans, Veterans Success Center, Press Release
