This year, the Financial Intelligence Unit is training about 1,200 veterans, service members and trainees. The Tiger community includes students representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.
In 50 years of university education, FIU has trained more than 4,700 veterans and veterans connected to the armed forces. Throughout its history, the university has demonstrated its commitment to academic success through educational support services. partnerships that expand careers and employment opportunities; and financial support.
In recognition of this commitment, FIU received five national awards in the 2022-23 academic year:
- According to the magazine "Military Friendship", FIU is among the top ten universities.
- FIU was named "Best of the Best" by US Veterans Magazine .
- Ranked #1 in US News & World Report US News & World Report (FIU) . 35 Best Online Programs for Veterans.
- Colleges of Excellence rated FIU as the best in military aid and is one of five Florida universities on the list.
- Military Times put FIU on the first place in the ranking. 36 "Best for veterinarians" included public and private universities.
FIU is the first university in Florida to offer an in-state education to veterans, regardless of their state. In addition, more than 20 financial aid scholarships are available to Panthers veterans and associates.
Through the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Administration (VMA), the Financial Intelligence Group strives to ensure that each of these students transitions successfully into college life and achieves their career goals. Among its programs, FIU operates the US Department of Veterans Affairs' Vet Success on Campus program, which provides an on-campus counselor to help students understand their VA benefits.
In 2021, the Financial Intelligence Unit launched the Center of Excellence for Veterans, which connects students with admissions, university placement, career and talent development, student health and care, a disability resource center, and university staff and support services. Also funded by a grant from the US Department of Education, this initiative aims to increase persistence, survival and graduation rates; Monitoring employment levels after graduation; and coordination of services to meet academic, financial, material, and social needs.
"We are here to provide every veteran and service member with the services they need to have a fulfilling college experience and successfully transition to the next stage of their career," said Phillip Lloyd, assistant vice president for student affairs. Fairness and support. Hamilton, acting director of the VMA.
The university has long-standing partnerships with military organizations such as the US Southern Command in Doral, Florida, which has created internship and employment opportunities for students. The Miami War Museum offers students internships and training courses, as well as opportunities to learn about local military history, according to a report by Anthony Atwood, military historian for the Fiscal Intelligence Division. United Way Miami Mission is working with the Joint Financial Intelligence Unit to provide them with food, care kits and other support as they go through tough times. Global City Development sponsors scholarships for veterans as well as stoles and lanyards for students.
Maj. Dane Montes de Oca '98, MA '04, JM '22 is a three-time FI graduate and 30-year member of the Army Reserve. He says the personal support not only drew him back to FIU, but partly inspired him to join Miami-Dade College's Veterans Affairs Military Group, which he now chairs. Montes de Oca, pictured left, received her J.D. and was announced as the actual laureate last summer.
But she wouldn't be where she is today without the help of FIU's VMA office over three semesters as students and mentors like Associate Dean of Law Christopher Karbutt and FIU Chancellor Dulce Beltran. Among his many memories of FIU is a conversation with Carbot, whom he called personally when he started but ended up not asking about the law.
"This is the service I have always received from the FIU," he said. "There are things that have helped me become the director of MDC and thereby serve my alumni," she said.
The VMA offers a variety of programs and services throughout the year, from education and professional development to networking and community events. In November, the VMAs celebrate Veterans Appreciation Month with a memorial breakfast, virtual races, a football field, workshops and more. Visit the VMA website for the schedule and registration information.