University News

WIU: Charter Member of Veterans Honor Society

February 17, 2011

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Because of its commitment to veterans and active duty service personnel, Western Illinois University has been accepted as a charter member of SALUTE (Service – Academics – Leadership – Unity – Tribute - Excellence) Veterans National Honor Society.

According to Kathy Meyers, assistant director of the WIU Veterans Resource Center (VRC), as a charter member, Western is considered one of the pioneers of the national honor society team. SALUTE recognizes veterans, active duty service members, National Guard members and reservists who have been honorably discharged, or who are currently serving. One of the primary goals of SALUTE is to recognize members who have shown courage, strength, leadership, excellence and perseverance in their military endeavors and who are now showing that same commitment to their academic careers.

The national honor society provides a four-tier system designed to encourage student veterans to strive to improve academic performance so they may advance to higher tier levels in the honor society. For undergraduate WIU students, the cumulative grade point average must fall within these guidelines: Delta tier 3.00-3.24; Charlie tier 3.25-3.49; Bravo tier 3.50-3.74; and Alpha tier 3.75-4.0. A graduate student with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 may be eligible as a SALUTE GOLD member.

To apply to the Western Illinois University Chapter of SALUTE for the 2010-11 year, a student must be currently enrolled during the Spring 2011 semester, have completed both basic and advanced individual training components and received an honorable discharge from the armed forces or provide proof of current duty station. Undergraduate students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours at Western prior to Jan. 18, 2011, and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Graduate students must have completed a minimum of nine semester hours or the equivalent of one semester at Western prior to Jan. 18, 2011, and have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average.

"We are pleased to be accepted as a charter member of this unique, worthwhile honor society," Meyers added. "It is a testament to our University's commitment to, as well as the services and resources we provide to, veterans and current active duty members to be successful students."

According to SALUTE, students who are inducted into membership in SALUTE represent "every slice of American military and veterans in higher education," at two-and four-year institutions.

A copy of the Western Illinois University SALUTE chapter membership application and application guidelines can be found at wiu.edu/veterans. There is a $20 application fee. The deadline to apply for the 2010-11 academic year is Friday, March 11.

For more information, visit the SALUTE headquarters site at salute.colostate.edu.

Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing