INFORMATION FOR VETERANS
More than a century of Widener University's existence was under the banner of a private military college. Two years after World War II, four-fifths of the student body consisted of veterans on the GI Bill. Although the banners changed from Pennsylvania Military College to Widener in 1972, we cherish our military history and our commitment to serving veterans has continued to evolve. Widener's student body today includes many veterans and veterans' family members.
Recently, G.I. Jobs magazine named Widener a “Military Friendly School” for 2012, ranking the university in the top 20 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for best education, value, and welcome for military members or veterans seeking a college degree.
Widener University welcomes applications from U. S. military veterans who want to begin or continue their college education. The University offers full-time undergraduate programs, part-time evening and weekend undergraduate programs through Widener's University College, and a choice of graduate and professional programs. Visit our
Academic Programs page for more information on our wide range of degree programs.
Widener provides personal and academic support, and guidance during the admissions and financial aid processes. To learn more about Widener and to apply for admission to any Widener University program visit our
Admissions website.
The University participates with educational benefit programs offered through the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9-11 Bill benefit programs are available to qualified veterans for attendance at Widener. The University has also committed to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering matching tuition assistance to all eligible undergraduate and graduate students attending our Chester Campus and 10 students attending our School of Law. Visit the Widener University Law School veterans website for more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program there.
Post 9-11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program at Widener
What steps do I have to go through to apply to Widener as a Yellow Ribbon participant?
- Review the VA's website. This site gives you instructions regarding eligibility and applying for your Certificate of Eligibility through the Department of Veteran's Affairs. You may wish to seek assistance from your base Education Specialist, Family Readiness Center, or from your VA Representative.
- Apply to Widener University and be accepted as a student. There is no application fee if you apply online.
- Enroll at Widener as a Yellow Ribbon participant. To apply you must be accepted to Widener University; contact Enrollment Services to apply for Widener matching benefits. You can apply to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program at Widener while your Certificate of Eligibility is being processed by the VA. Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, please fax, email or mail the certificate to:
Widener University
Enrollment Services
Attn: Veteran's Services - Lipka Hall
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013-5792
fax: 610-499-4687
enrollmentservices@widener.edu
For assistance with school certification or questions regarding any VA Education Benefit Programs at Widener University, contact Ms. Colleen Shinkle in Enrollment Services at 610-499-4159 or by email at cpshinkle@widener.edu.
Frequently asked questions for veterans at Widener University. (PDF)
For information on the new GI Bill and specific benefit questions, please contact the Department of Veteran's Affairs at 1-888-GIBill-1. The Veteran's Administration website also offers a Frequently Asked Questions search feature.
Support Services at Widener University
The Career Advising and Planning Services (CAPS) office provides resources and guidance to assist students with all aspects of career development. CAPS Counselors will help you choose a major, explore career options, obtain internships, apply to graduate school or find a job. Widener students enjoy high levels of post-graduation success. Over the past five years, 92 percent were employed or in graduate school within just six months of graduation.
The Office of Academic Coaching can provide one-on-one meetings with an Academic Counselor designed to assist full-time undergraduate students who are struggling in their academic courses. Academic support is individually tailored to the needs of each student, and can address areas such as: study skills; organization and time management; test taking and test anxiety; academic planning and preparation for course registration.
The Counseling Center provides full-time students access to counseling, psychotherapy, education, assessment, and psychiatric services. The services are confidential and free to Widener University full time students, except Law students who may attend six sessions at no fee, then pay on a sliding scale based upon income.
The Office of Disabilities Services accepts requests from Widener students seeking academic accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students must submit recent documentation that supports the request for accomodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids. This office serves as the campus advocate for the needs of students with disabilities.
The
Veteran's Law Clinic at Widener University School of Law offers free legal aid to veterans living at 150% of poverty level who have been denied benefits by their Regional Office and wish to take an appeal to the BVA. Providing case evaluation and representation, the staff assists veterans who otherwise would not have a lawyer at a critical time in their lives. If you live in Delaware or Pennsylvania and your regional office has denied your claim, contact the Widener Veteran's Law Clinic at 302-477-2090 (Delaware Office) or 717-541-3800 (Pennsylvania Office).
More than a century of Widener University's existence was under the banner of a private military college. The
Pennsylvania Military College Museum located at the Widener University Chester campus brings to life the PMC history and our distinguished alumni.
Widener University is affiliated with the
ARMY ROTC program and has an active on campus ROTC corp.
Resources on the Web for Veterans
Transcripts for Military Service/Training