Office of Military and Veterans Resources
Bloomsburg University is the educational destination for over 400 military students and has been growing steadily in recent years during a period of declining enrollment. What makes BU different from many other colleges and universities is our unique appreciation for the fact that military students have different needs and attributes than non-military students. The centerpiece of our efforts is the Office of Military and Veterans Resources, or as we like to call it — The Military Office.
The Military Office differs from other colleges and universities in that we work for current and former military members, spouses and dependents, and ROTC cadets. We also have developed very strong relationships with area military recruiters in order to facilitate conversations for people who are interested in joining the military.
Our objectives in serving you are:
- To assist with the overall integration, academic and personal success and retention of all military students, to include members of ROTC cadets, spouses and dependents, and current/former service members.
- To elevate campus awareness regarding military student population and associate their issues, challenges, and strengths.
At Bloomsburg University, you will be taken care of by a network of dedicated individuals who appreciate your military service and go well out of their way to ensure that your time at BU is maximized. From Admissions to benefits, academic advising, military-specific programming, student organizations and more, BU sees you, the military student, as unique and deserving of additional resources:
- The Military Office — Led by a two-tour combat veteran who understands academic affairs, student affairs, and strategic enrollment. Staffed by current and former military members who are using the same benefits you are and will assist you in maximizing your benefits, getting assistance with financial aid, or helping with your military or civilian career goals and aspirations.
- Additional academic advising for all military students (on top of your major advisor) — Bob Heckrote is a dedicated professional who can explain every aspect from admissions to graduation.
- Military Academic Credit Review Board (MAC-RB) – An individualized process which ensures military service and experience is acknowledged as appropriate academic credit. This process is innovative, even path-breaking. It exists nowhere else in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Only a handful of colleges and universities nationwide are doing anything so service-intensive and academically grounded to support military students and veterans.
- GI Bill Certifying Official — Located in the Military Office to offer a one-stop experience.
- Military specific programming, guest speakers, and events created specifically with military members in mind.
- All military members who have graduated entry training receive two credits in healthy living which satisfies one of the 10 general education goals.
- A co-curricular learning experience (CLE) specifically for military members who have experience with other cultures (usually in the form of a deployment) — This CLE earns 2 out of the5 points needed for the cultures and diversity general education requirement- and it's FREE!
The Military Office
Student Services Center 204
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
stvets@bloomu.edu
570-389-3856
OMVR Contacts
Bob Heckrote | rheckrote@bloomu.edu
Advisor for Military and Undeclared Students
Student Services Center 204 | 570-389-4696
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dawn Orzolek | dorzolek@bloomu.edu
Student Success Center | GI Bill®
Student Services Center 204 | 570-389-4264
Judy Rostucher | jrostuch@bloomu.edu
Military Resources
Student Services Center 204 | 570-389-4264
Jamie Golden | jgolden@bloomu.edu
Office of Financial Aid | National Guard EAP
Student Services Center 119 | 570-389-4498
Beth Coladonado | bcoladon@bloomu.edu
Office of Bursar | Tuition Assistance
Waller Administration Building | 570-389-5261
VA Vet Center – Berwick | 570-759-0351
VA Vet Center – Williamsport | 570-327-5281
VFW Post 804 – Bloomsburg | 570-784-4600
American Legion Post 273 | 570-784-3015
Military Resources Center
One of the most common issues veterans face after coming home from a military deployment or after leaving active service is a sense of being lost and alone. These feelings can become even more magnified in the academic setting. The Military Resources Center is a safe place for current and former military members and military supporters to come and gather information relevant to their specific needs.
The Military Resource Center is staffed by current and former military members who are knowledgeable of specific military needs and solutions, and will do whatever it takes to resolve any issues. The Military Resources Center is located in Student Services Center 204 and is open Monday through Friday, 8: a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by for free coffee and to get to know your military network.
Referral Services
In addition to the Military Resources Center, Bloomsburg University offers a number of resources, which any student, including military students, may contact if they are having any issues or concerns. Some such resources are: