UH honors military veterans with change in tuition policy

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Jodi Leong , (808) 492-0597
Dir of Communications, External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: Nov 11, 2014

Link to video and audio:  http://bit.ly/1zfhRTP

The University of Hawai'i's student veterans have something to celebrate on this Veteran's Day.

The Board of Regents recently approved a policy amendment granting all qualifying veterans resident tuition at all UH campuses, in an effort to expand veterans' access to higher education.

The vote was unanimous.

"It's the right thing to do for the veterans who have served our country. But just as importantly, it's the right thing to do for Hawai’i.  The veterans have a wealth of knowledge and experience and a University of Hawai’i education will enable them to unlock their capabilities for them and their families to thrive in their communities throughout our state," said UH President David Lassner.

Both resident and non-resident student veterans fought for in-state tuition for all vets.

"It means a lot to me.  We've been pushing hard in the Student Veterans Organization to get instate tuition for the past couple of years.  And so for this to happen is just pretty amazing.  I think it’ll mean more opportunities to attend school in Hawai'i.  Many veterans come here from the mainland.  They got stationed here for several years and then they want to stay here because they’re established here," said Hawaiʻi resident Kenith Scott, a Marine Corp veteran and UH Mānoa graduate student.

"I think it’s important for the veterans because a lot of us struggle coming out of the military.  The transition from military life, structured life, the way everything works being a civilian again is a big change and especially financially.  It’s a big financial hardship for a lot of us," said California resident Andrew Hinesley, Army Veteran and UH Mānoa undergraduate student.

To receive this benefit, veterans must be honorably discharged from the military and be using their G.I. education benefits.

The new policy takes effect in the 2015 spring semester.

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SOUNDBITES:

Andrew Hinesley/UH Mānoa Undergraduate Student & Army Veteran  (the "Hi" in Hinesley is pronounced "Hye" -- long "i"): 

I think it’s important for the veterans because a lot of us struggle coming out of the military.  The transition from military life, structured life, the way everything works being a civilian again is a big change and especially financially.  It’s a big financial hardship for a lot of us.  (:14)

Just to see as many veterans come to UH and actually any college they want to without having that extra financial burden of paying tuition on top of their GI bill. (:09)

 

Kenith Scott/UH Mānoa Graduate Student/Marine Corp Veteran:

I means a lot to me.  We’ve been pushing hard in the Student Veterans Organization to get instate tuition for the past couple of years.  And so for this to happen is just pretty amazing.  (:12)

I think it’ll mean more opportunities to attend school in Hawaiʻi.  Many veterans come here from the mainland.  They got stationed here for several years and then they want to stay here because they’re established here. (:13)

 

David Lassner/UH President:

It's the right thing to do for the veterans who have served our country. But just as importantly, it's the right thing to do for Hawai’i.  The veterans have a wealth of knowledge and experience and a University of Hawai’i education will enable them to unlock their capabilities for them and their families to thrive in their communities throughout our state.  (:19)

 

BACKGROUND INFO:

Andrew Hinesley is a UH Mānoa undergraduate student majoring in microbiology with a minor in business.    He is a California resident who wants to be a doctor.

Kenith Scott is a UH Mānoa graduate student in public administration.

 

VIDEO LOG:

:00 --:12 – Andrew Hinesley in class

:12 -- :18 – Close up Hinesley’s fingers on laptop keyboard

:18 -- :48 – Various shots of Hinesley’s class and Hinesley

:48 -- :1:20  Hinesley and Kenith Scott at UH Mānoa Campus Center

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