The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s approach to welcoming veterans into its student body reflects a deep commitment to recognizing the extensive practical experience and dedication that these men and women bring to campus. Understanding the unique challenges of transitioning from military to academic life, UW-Platteville goes beyond conventional support to ensure that veterans, active duty and National Guard members are integrated into a community that honors their service and contributions with targeted resources and a supportive network.
“Veterans who attend UW-Platteville already possess a variety of characteristics that are valuable in higher education, most notably their life experience, maturity, dedication and discipline,” said Greg Tremelling, coordinator, UW-Platteville Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students. “We know that these traits often make them valuable in and out of the classroom because they may bring different views and opinions to conversations.”
As a military friendly school with Silver Status, UW-Platteville demonstrates an unwavering dedication to the needs of veterans. The university's Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students stands as a testament to this commitment, providing a comprehensive range of services and support under one roof.
“As a GI Bill® approved institution, we adhere to legal guidelines and provide programs that support their success,” said Tremelling. “We also participate in the Department of Defense Memo of Understanding to offer tuition assistance to qualifying active-duty students. We help veterans and service members navigate their benefits, whether they’re transitioning from active duty or returning to school.”
With so many student services and programs available, finding specific information, such as how to use veteran education benefits or connect with other veterans, can be confusing. Ensuring clarity and easing the process through the red tape is essential.
“Initially, the transition to school was challenging,” confessed senior Cody Kamholz, Wisconsin Army National Guard member from Hartford, Wisconsin and president of the Platteville Student Veteran Organization. “I was eager to dive in after I got back from my initial army training, but I had to navigate the system, first. Thankfully, with the support of the Wright Center and dedicated advisors, I enrolled for the spring 2022 semester. The credits I earned during my training were a bonus, reflecting the value of my experiences on my joint service transcript."
The military provides skills relevant to coursework offered at UW-Platteville and may be eligible for academic credit. The alignment between military skills and courses within the Department of Applied Engineering Technology Management, for example, means students can leverage their extensive military training to their coursework. This tailored process ensures that each student’s unique military background is acknowledged and appropriately applied to their academic pursuits.
“Veterans and active-duty personnel often bring a strong foundation in areas such as mechanics, hydraulics, electrical systems and supervision, which aligns closely with the curriculum offered by the Applied Engineering Technology Management department,” said Dr. Chris Carlson, department chair and assistant professor. “Depending on what they’ve done in the military, they can fulfill a lot of their requirements; we see many of their skills as a direct transfer.”
The university accepts all military veteran credits as required by state law, though these credits are often categorized as general electives. However, faculty try to assign these credits to upper-level coursework whenever possible. Additionally, Carlson dedicates time to counsel his students, even when they are deployed, recognizing that they may not always have daily access to the internet.
“Because my deployment would set me back a year, Dr. Carlson took the time to set up two classes for me to complete while in Africa,” said senior Riley Hasler from Waterford, Wisconsin who is majoring in technology and engineering education. “He was extremely flexible regarding the due dates for assignments, which was a necessity because my mission would prevent me from completing assignments in a timely fashion. Being able to take those two courses while I was gone for a year allowed my graduation date to be set for December 2024, rather than May 2025.”
Students like Hasler also find support from their peers on campus. The Platteville Student Veteran Organization gives this population on campus a place to come together and serve through military-related events. One of its notable contributions is the annual Field of Honor, which pays tribute to all veterans during the week surrounding Veterans Day.
“While there is a large reserves population at UW-Platteville and a smaller veteran population, both exist, and the Platteville Student Veteran Organization provides an opportunity to connect with other veterans,” explained Cody. “It creates camaraderie between veterans, reservists, dependents and military supporters.”
Kamholz’s message to veterans and military members considering an education at UW-Platteville is simple.
“I want them to know that they should not be afraid to further their education at any age and to know we are there for them.”
UW-Platteville offers military-connected students a unique blend of small class sizes and challenging coursework, fostering an environment where they can excel academically while receiving the individualized attention they need to thrive.
“They deserve to get credit for what they’re doing for our country so let’s help them along the way,” said Carlson.
By choosing UW-Platteville, veterans are not just enrolling in a university—they are joining a community that prioritizes their success and well-being.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
