Student Life

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Office of Student Life and Success

Contacts:

Mark Allen, PhD, Associate VP for Student Life and Success;Philip Ruthkosky, PhD, Dean of Student Success, Gretchen Yeninas, Dean of Student Life

The Student Life and Academic Success office is responsible for all aspects of the following offices: Academic Success, Athletics, the Center for Career Development and Internships, Campus Counseling, Civic Engagement, Health Services, Residence Life and Student Development. The Office of Student Life and Academic Success coordinates activities in the interest of providing quality services for all Wilkes students.

The Student Life and Academic Success, as a full partner in the educational mission of the University, is dedicated to helping students reach their fullest potential by creating programs complimentary to and supportive of those of the academic departments. The Deans of Student Life and Success consider the counseling of students their most important role and are available to discuss academic, health, financial or social concerns.

Athletics

Contact: Scott Musa, Athletic Director; 

Wilkes sponsors an active intramural sports program as well as intercollegiate competition in 24 varsity sports. Varsity programs for women include basketball, cross country, field hockey, ice hockey, soccer, softball, lacrosse, tennis, swimming, golf, volleyball, and wrestling; men compete at the varsity level in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, and wrestling. Varsity teams compete at the NCAA Division III level.

Athletics Mission Vision Statement

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics places the highest priority on the preservation of student-athlete welfare.  As an integral member of the University community, the Department seeks to foster an environment which promotes the pursuit of academic excellence, offers opportunity for achievement through athletics competition and seeks to teach the importance of service to community and social responsibility.  The vision of Wilkes athletics is to offer a broad-based intercollegiate athletics program committed to recruiting student athletes of high character who value cultural diversity, social responsibility, gender equity and principles of fair play.

The University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Landmark Conference, the Middle Atlantic Conference, and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC).

Wilkes University Athletic Coaches

Fall

Winter

Spring

Bookstore

Contact: Manager (570)408-3491

Website: wilkes.bncollege.com external website

The University’s bookstore facility, named Colonel Corner is located just inside the South Street entrance of the Henry Student Center. The Colonel Corner has a partnership with Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Inc.

A revamped and expanded space in the hub of student activity makes it a convenient and memorable location to serve our students, faculty and staff, offering proximity to classrooms and dining options, as well as providing a place to meet. The academic superstore is designed to meet the specific needs of students at Wilkes, with comprehensive physical and virtual textbook services, spirit wear, lounge areas, and standard Barnes & Noble bookstore stock.

Campus Counseling Service

Contact: Dr. Maria Richards, Psychologist

Wilkes University Counseling Center provides on-campus, confidential assessment and counseling for Wilkes University students seeking support for various life circumstances. The Counseling Center offers both prevention and intervention services to promote psychological health, resilience and wellness throughout the campus community. Our team fosters personal, emotional, and academic well-being by offering comprehensive therapeutic services, outreach and prevention programs, consultations, referrals and crisis intervention. Individuals access support for concerns such as sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, identity issues, eating issues, interpersonal conflicts with peers and family, substance issues, adjustment issues, personal development, wellness strategies/skill building ​in individual, group and workshop settings. Currently, there is no limit to the number of counseling sessions.  However, if more long-term counseling is deemed necessary, referrals to off-campus providers can be arranged.

Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours counseling support is also available by calling 570-408-CHAT (2428). Campus Counseling is located on the second floor of Passan Hall, 267 South Franklin Street. Appointments can be made by contacting the counselors listed above via email or by calling 570-408-4100. Students may opt to take an anonymous, free online screening for a number of mental health related issues.

Take a free online mental health screening external website

Vector Solutions

Contact: Melissa Gaudio, Licensed Professional Counselor

Vector Solutions High-Impact Online Training Program is a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of drug and alcohol abuse and sexual assault prevention among college students. Vector Solutions engages students in effective, evidence-based prevention and gives administrators the data to target, evaluate, and strengthen prevention initiatives. College students make choices every day that affect their academic success and ultimately their success in life. The choices they make about alcohol, drugs, and sexual assault can be among the toughest—and can have the most serious consequences. “Vector Solutions courses increase awareness, encourage better decision-making, and comply with federal and state legislation.”

AlcoholEdu for College is a course that offers alcohol awareness and prevention training for students that includes content about vaping and cannabis. It is a thoughtful, well-informed, and educational program for adults committed to thinking about their life choices. The Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates course is part of this overall program. This Title IX and Clery Act training engages undergraduate students in fostering healthy relationships and preparing them to recognize and respond to sexual assault and harassment when it happens. This Sexual Assault Prevention course empowers individuals to make smart choices and be safe.

As part of a more holistic learning experience, we are also incorporating a Mental Well-Being for Students course to round out the three online courses that each incoming first year student is required to take. This course provides information and skills to support the emotional well-being of oneself and others. Each of the three REQUIRED courses include Pre and Post Surveys, which are offered immediately before and after each course to evaluate attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences related to the topic.

We require every new incoming Wilkes University first year student to take the Vector Solutions Three Course Program within the allotted timeframe including ALCOHOLEDU FOR COLLEGE, SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION FOR UNDERGRADUATES, and MENTAL WELL-BEING FOR STUDENTS. In addition, it is mandatory that they complete the follow-up survey, which is offered 30 days after each course completion to measure long-term impact. An email is sent to each first year student towards the beginning of August with directions to participate. Failure to complete the Wilkes University required the Vector Solutions program in the specified time frame will be considered an alcohol violation. The resulting penalty is that the student will receive a $200 fine and be placed on disciplinary probation.

Campus Media and Publications

Students publish The Beacon, a weekly newspaper; the Manuscript, a literary magazine; Amnicola, the University yearbook. There are opportunities for students on the editorial, art, and business staffs. The Beacon is available in print at various locations throughout campus and online.

The University also maintains an F.M. radio station, WCLH external website, which broadcasts daily at 90.7 MHz and a cable television channel, broadcast on Service Electric. Interested students are invited to participate.

University Police Department

Contact: Michael Krzywicki, Chief

The University Police Department is the primary law enforcement authority at Wilkes University. University Police Officers have full law enforcement powers, including the authority to make arrests for criminal, and vehicle code violations on University property. Our department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with 10 full-time sworn Police Officers, 8 certified Act 235 Public Safety Officers, 7 Communication Officers, and a wide array of security cameras and access control points on and around campus. Officers make regular patrols of University grounds and buildings by foot, bike and vehicle.

The department includes other units such as logistics, parking services and access control.  These entities work in unison with each other to ensure that Wilkes University is a place where living and learning can flourish.

The University Police Department is located on the ground floor of the parking garage located at 148 South Main St.

The University Police Department is also responsible for preparing and distributing the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report on a yearly basis to provide statistics on criminal activity, fire measures, and information on safety related services offered by the University in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.  The report contains information and crime statistics for the three previous calendar years involving crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings/property owned or controlled by Wilkes University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent and accessible to campus. The report also contains certain policy statements and information regarding campus security and personal safety topics such as crime prevention, fire safety, emergency response procedures, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and other related information.

By October 1st of each year, current students and employees are sent the notification by electronic mail that the newest edition of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report has been posted on our webpage. Printed copies are available upon request and may also be obtained by visiting University Police located at 148 South Main Street.

If you have any further questions regarding the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report or its contents, please call Lieutenant Philip Miller at (570) 408-4982.

Safety at Wilkes is a partnership between officers and the community they serve. All of us, from faculty, to staff, to student, are charged with the responsibility to look out for each other. Call the University Police immediately if you observe suspicious activity or people on or around campus. A community which takes an active role in being aware and responsive is a safe community.

Services and Security Programs

Wilkes University provides a number of services and programs to the campus community to ensure the safety and security of our campus affiliates. These services strive to emphasize proactive measures in order to minimize the need for reactive responses. We must all take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others. Promptly and accurately reporting any and all criminal acts, dangerous situations and suspicious behaviors greatly assists in the provision of a safe campus community.

Security Awareness Programs are sponsored by various campus groups (including, but not limited to, the Police Department, the University Health Services Office, the Office of Residence Life, and Student Development) throughout the academic year, and targeted towards the entire campus community (students, faculty, and staff).

Campus Advisory Reporting Extension or "C.A.R.E." is a program designed to allow students to phone in anonymous information regarding safety and security concerns both on campus and in the community. If making the report from an on-campus phone, dial CARE (2273); or if making a report from an off campus phone, dial (570) 408-CARE (2273). All calls are recorded by a digital answering machine, which will not be able to identify the incoming caller's extension or phone number.

University Police operates a "Safe Escort Service" on campus for any member of the University Community who requires an escort from dusk until dawn. This escort may consist of a vehicle or walking escort depending on the activities at the time of the call. To request an escort, dial the Public Safety Communications Center at 570-408-4377. The Wilkes "Safe Escorts Service" is a service intended to provide escorts for persons who actually need an escort and do not wish to walk alone at night.

The Police Department, in conjunction with Residence Life and Health & Wellness Services, conducts programs throughout the calendar year to raise awareness of certain dangers of campus life, such as Alcohol Awareness Week, Sexual Assault Awareness Week, and the "Take Back the Night" program.

"The Light Walk" at the beginning of each Fall semester, members of the Police Department, Student Affairs staff, Facilities Services staff and Student Government tour the campus for the purpose of ascertaining any additional needs for outdoor lighting or other factors which will enhance campus safety and security. The items that require repairs are taken care of immediately, while new requests are prioritized based on importance and facility needs.

Wilkes Shield App

The primary function of Wilkes Shield is to serve as an emergency communication tool between the university community and the University Police Department. Features of the platform include:

  • iReport for non-emergency incidents. This includes the ability to send real time pictures or videos and chat with our Communications Center to improve crime reporting efficiency;
  • Request a safe walk or view shuttle service locations and hours;
  • The FriendWatch feature is a peer-to-peer safety service which allows app users who want additional safety to assign a group of friends to look after them person during activities of higher risk, such as while jogging alone or walking to and from class.
  • Information on departments and resources such as dining hall menus, veteran services, IT help, clubs and organizations ;
  • Offline ready emergency plans;
  • Support resources.
  • Mass notifications for critical incidents.

The emergency call feature on the app allows users to access emergency services 24/7 at the push of a button. Communications Officers at the University Police Department are automatically provided the users location and profile information, such as a photo and any medical history that the app user chooses to share. If the user is not on campus, the app can still be used, and the caller is routed to the closest 911 call center. The application is available for free on both Android and iPhone devices.

Wilkes Emergency Notification System

Wilkes University notifies the campus community of emergency and crisis situations using Wilkes Alerts. These messages provide information on what is happening, what to do, and links to available additional information. Examples of this would be a dangerous weather event such as a tornado or the closing of campus due to adverse weather conditions. The University employs text and email messaging as another technological solution for communicating swiftly and effectively with our campus community in the event of an extreme emergency on campus.

Your Wilkes Alert account is accessible via the Wilkes Portal using your Wilkes username and password. Once your cell phone is registered and validated, a text message will let you know that you have successfully signed up for the notifications.

Wilkes also utilizes an outdoor notification system on campus which is designed to alert you to potential dangerous conditions near campus. Should the siren sound, we ask that you take immediate cover indoors and await further instructions via our text alert system. 

Shuttle Schedule

Contact: Lieutenant Philip Miller

The Wilkes University Police Department offers a shuttle service, which is available to all students. The shuttles run continuously during the times listed below, and include stops at Ralston Field, Evans Hall, Genetti’s Parking Lot, the Simms Center, Henry Student Center, and Weckesser Hall.

Shuttle Times:

Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday - 6 - 10 p.m.

Center for Career Development and Internships

Contact: Carol Bosack, Director 

The Center for Career Development and Internships is located at the Student Center Gateway at Rear 236 S. River Streets. Services are offered to assist students at all stages of career development, from a student's first year to senior year. They include career counseling and interest assessment for career decision making; assistance in interview and resume preparation and job search strategies; professional development seminars and events. CAR 101 and CAR 398 are two free elective courses offered to assist with Career Planning.

Students are encouraged to participate in on-campus interviews with human resource recruiters from business and industry, job fairs, and varied major-specific career development programs. Graduate school guides and related testing information are also available.

The office maintains and posts employment and internship information for alumni and undergraduates via the Wilkes Handshake program external website, the Career Services Website, and varied internet career testing and resume referral services. Students should register with the office to obtain these services.

Conscientious planning is essential in choosing a career goal and obtaining employment in the desired field. The programs offered by Career Services can help ensure students' successful transitions into their careers. For an appointment, call 570-408-4060.

Cooperative education is a process that formally integrates a student's academic studies with productive work experiences in professional settings. The word "cooperative" is used to mean a mutual relationship between the employer and the University. For an appointment, call 570-408-2950.

Students may combine full-time co-op positions or part-time internships into their academic course load. Most students opt for a three-or six-credit internship in addition to course work that maintains their full-time student status. Students in specialized, full-time co-op employment programs such as engineering or accounting should speak to their advisors regarding academic credit for their experiences. Students should ascertain the number of cooperative education credits applicable to the graduation requirements in their discipline. Cooperative education or internship positions held by students often lead to full-time employment and excellent career development opportunities.

Cooperative education credit will appear on the student's transcript as Cooperative Education 399.  Students may also gain departmental credits for a full-time or part-time, professionally appropriate, and academically challenging position if their department chairperson approves. Cooperative education experiences offering fewer than three credits are an option for some students' course loads. If some of the credit is taken in a participating department, a special department course number will appear on the transcript and may end in the number 399 or 462 (ME 399, PSY 399, BA 462, ACC 462, etc.)

Since cooperative education is a credit-granting program, normal tuition policies are followed during the fall and spring semesters. Tuition costs for the summer sessions will be one-half of the current tuition rates. Registration for credit must occur in the semester that that Coop or Internship hours and duties are performed.

The program is open to students of the University who meet the following requirements:

  • Undergraduate student
  • Sophomore class standing or above
  • Minimum 2.00 to 2.25-grade point average, depending upon major; Employers may have higher GPA requirements
  • Signed permission of the student's advisor and department chairperson's approval of the internship prior to placement

Modifications of any internship requirements for credit must be previously approved in writing by the student's department chairperson and the Cooperative Education Office. All interested students should contact the Cooperative Education Office at the Center for Career Development and Internships, rear 236 S. River St, ext. 2950) as early as possible to facilitate the internship application process. Also visit our Cooperative Education page for more information.

Dining Services

Contact: Patrick McGoff, Aramark, Manager

The University dining hall, Henry’s Dining Hall external website, located on the third floor of the Henry Student Center is open to all members of the Wilkes community. Resident students are required to be on a meal plan external website. Prior to vacation periods, the final meal will be the evening meal served prior to the closing of the residence halls.

Regulations

  1. All participants in the meal plan program are required to present their student ID card to obtain a meal. ID cards are not transferable.
  2. It is expected that eating in the University dining hall should be a pleasant experience for all. Therefore, any individual whose conduct interferes with this atmosphere may be subject to removal and referral to Student Affairs.
  3. All silverware, dishes, glasses, and trays must remain in the dining hall. Exceptions to this policy may be made only by the Director of Food Services.
  4. Proper attire must be worn in the University dining hall at all times. Please note the regulation that shoes and shirts must always be worn in an area where food is being prepared or served.
  5. Students are expected to assist in maintaining order and cleanliness in the dining hall. They are expected to return their dishes and trash to the dish return. The violation of any of these regulations may result in referral to the Student Affairs office for disciplinary action.

Available Services

  1. Students who are required to be off-campus during the hours the noon or evening meals are served because of a University commitment (e.g., student teaching) may request a box meal from the Director of Food Services at least one day in advance. Students are expected to pick up the box meals they have signed for and not to eat that particular meal in the dining hall that day.
  2. Sick trays: Sick trays will be provided for students who are unable to leave their residence hall because of illness. Arrangements for such trays will gladly be made by the University Health Service staff or the Office of Residence Life personnel.
  3. Guests are welcome at the University dining hall and may make cash purchases.
  4. Meal plans are available for commuter and off-campus students external website. Those wishing to participate in a meal plan may do so at Wilkes Dining.
  5. Students on all meal plans have the option of eating at the following locations using dining or flex dollars external website

Health Services

Contact: Diane O'Brien, Director

The Wilkes University Health Services Office provides routine health services for all students. All off-campus, commuter and resident students, full-time and part-time students are welcomed to use this service students. Located on the first floor of Passan Hall, it is staffed by a certified nurse practitioner and a registered nurse. Referrals are made to local physicians as deemed necessary. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 570-408-4730.

All resident students should have health insurance. A copy of your insurance card should be provided to Health and Wellness with your health form prior to moving into your hall.

There is a $10.00 fee for all antibiotics, otherwise there is no charge for routine service rendered. Students are responsible for costs incurred at any physician's office or hospital.

As a convenience for students, laboratory tests which include routine blood studies can be done at the University Health Center. Tests are completed at a local diagnostic center and run through the student's health insurance. The results will be returned to the Health Center.

Heath Services collaborates with a private physician, Dr. Michalene Torbik D.O.  She will be consulted as deemed necessary on individual cases.  She will be present at the clinic on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. and on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 12. Allergy shots will ONLY be given when the physician is present at the Health and Wellness Center.  In case of emergency or illness, notify Health Services at 570-408-4730 or University Police at 570-408-4999. In the event of an emergency or a need to transport a student to an outside facility, ambulance services will be provided through the Health Services or through University Police.

Office of Diversity Initiatives

Contact: Erica Acosta, Director for Diversity Initiatives

The Office of Diversity Initiatives (ODI) serves as the liaison and secondary advisor for students from underrepresented populations. ODI provides and supports cultural awareness for all students through a series of events and programming on and off campus throughout the academic year. Our events include Welcome to our Neighborhood, Night on the Town, Diversity Week and celebrations of commemorative months. The office provides Safe Space awareness, Ally training, and diversity training to create a more inclusive environment. Special programs include the Annual Diversity & Inclusion Student Conference, the Multicultural Awards, and the D.I.V.E. certificate program.

Residence Life

Contact: Nicole Langan, EdD, Director of Residence Life

The office of Residence Life is located on the 2nd floor of Max Roth Hall. The office supervises the on campus residence halls, 35 resident assistants and approximately 1000 students who live in residence. The department is proactive in ensuring resident students' health, safety and well-being. They achieve this through a variety of hall-wide programs that help build community among residents within the hall and within the larger campus community.


More information can be found in the Residence Life regulations section of this handbook.

Disabilities Services

Contact: Katy Betnar, Executive Director, Office of Academic Success

To meet the needs of our students with disabilities and to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), amended in 2008 with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), Wilkes University maintains reasonable accommodations within classrooms and residence halls for students with physical and learning disabilities. Such accommodations are made, whenever reasonably possible, to allow students with disabilities to undertake tasks essential to their programs of instruction.

Services for students with disabilities are coordinated through the Office of Academic Success in cooperation with offices such as Student Affairs, Health Services, Food Services, Registrar's Office, and Office of Campus Counseling. Students who have a disability (including temporary disability) and in need of accommodations are encouraged to seek the assistance of personnel in these offices.

A number of campus buildings are architecturally accessible for students with disabilities. Chase Hall, which houses the Admissions Office, is serviced by a ramp to facilitate entrance to the building. Residence hall accommodations for disabled students are available in University Towers, Fortinsky, Roth, and Evans Hall.

The Student Center is accessible from both main entrances and has elevator access to all floors. Conyngham Hall, which houses the University Learning Center, is equipped with a ramp and an elevator that services all three floors. Cohen Science Center, Stark Learning Center and Breiseth Hall, the main classroom buildings of the campus, have automatic doors and are elevator-equipped.

The Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts is accessible from the West River Street entrance and the rear entrance of Darte Hall, which adjoins the Center for the Performing Arts. The Marts Center, housing the Henry Gymnasium, meeting and conference rooms, the weight room and activities rooms, is equipped with an elevator that services all floors of the facility. The McHale Athletic Center (MAC) is also accessible and equipped with elevator access.

The Registrar's Office, Financial Aid Office, (located in Capin Hall) and the Financial Management Office (located at 32 W. South St.) are facilities accessible for students with disabilities. The Farley Library has a ramp at the main entrance which gives accessibility to that building. The library elevator gives access to all floors of the building. Students who have a disability can expect that the university will make the necessary accommodations to meet their needs in terms of relocating classes to classrooms that are accessible to them. Students have the obligation of notifying the Director of the Learning Center should such accommodations need to be made. In addition, students with parking accommodation needs should contact Katy Betnar, Director of Learning Center for documentation and permit arrangements.

Documentation of a disability is required for students requesting specific academic accommodations. Identification and documentation is the sole responsibility of the student. Documentation guidelines can be found under the Disability Support Services. Documentation of a disability must be communicated to the Office of Academic Success in Conyngham Hall (Katy Betnar, Director of Learning Center, katy.betnar@wilkes.edu). Once a student receives certification, an individual academic support plan will be developed. Once certified as eligible to receive accommodations, students must request specific accommodations at the start of each semester.

Office of Global Engagement

Contact: Cathy Lee Arcuino, Ed.D., Executive Director

The Office of Global Engagement fosters Wilkes' mission of educating students "in a constantly evolving and multicultural world."  They support two groups of students: non-native speakers of English and international students and scholars who have come to the US to study or research at Wilkes.

The office brings a global perspective to the Wilkes community by sponsoring campus-wide programs to develop a broader understanding of the world. The staff also helps with immigration and visa information. Providing support in matters of internationalization, and globalization, the office is an important resource and support for all areas of the University.

Sordoni Art Gallery

Contact: Heather Sincavage, Director

The Sordoni Art Gallery, established in 1973 by The Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation, Inc., is located at 141 Main Street. This modern facility presents exhibitions that enrich campus and community life. Exhibitions are supplemented by lectures, tours, demonstrations, and related arts programs. The Gallery is a particularly valuable study facility for students. For current exhibition information and hours, refer to the gallery's website or social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

All exhibitions and events are free and are open to the public.

Student Mail

Contact: Carrie Marko, Supervisor

The mailroom, which is located on the second floor of the Henry Student Center, is open from 8:30 A.M. till 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, and is the central receiving location for all university mail and packages. Neither USPS nor UPS, FEDEX or Amazon, etc. will deliver to a residence hall address. All on-campus students are assigned a mailbox. All student mail should include the following information:

Name and box #
84 West South Street
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766

Students will be issued a combination for their mailbox which they are expected to memorize. Do not share this combination with friends.

This box will remain open for as long as the student resides on-campus. If the student withdraws from the university or moves off campus, their mailbox will be closed. It is advised that students notify the mailroom of their new address so that their mail may be forwarded correctly.

Incoming mail is sorted into student boxes each day, but depending on the time it arrives at the university and the volume received, this process may not be completed until noon or later. If a student receives a package, a slip will be placed in the student's mailbox. Packages may be picked up during regular business hours.

Postage stamps are available for purchase for students wishing to send letters or packages. The mailroom is also able to ship packages via UPS. Students may also drop off any pre-paid UPS, FEDEX, etc. packages for shipment.

IMPORTANT SECURITY REMINDER: If family or friends are sending money through the USPS, please send checks or money orders only, no cash or gift cards. Also, it is the responsibility of students to make sure their mailboxes are locked after retrieving their mail to avoid possible theft.

Veterans Affairs

Contact: Lt. Col. Mark Kaster (USAF, Retired), Veterans' Counselor

Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard Armed Forces personnel using Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) are directed to receive approval from the student's Educational Services Officer (ESO), military counselor or respective service prior to enrollment at Wilkes University. Wilkes University has one certifying official in the Registrar's Office, the Veteran's Counselor, to process the veterans' benefits information. Applications for VA educational benefits for new students should be completed at least six weeks prior to the start of classes.

Veterans Assistance programs provide a wide range of benefits to those who have served their country in the Armed Forces, and, in some cases, to the dependent children of a veteran. Interested persons should contact their local VA Office to obtain information concerning GI Education Assistance, Veterans Education Programs, Veteran Rehabilitation, Veteran Educational Loans, the Veterans Work-Study Program, and other sources of Veterans Assistance.

For specific benefits questions, you can contact the VA by calling 1-888-442-4551.

  • All Veteran students MUST apply for benefits online at the VA website external website.
  • Each student will then receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in reply to their application.
  • Send a copy of the COE and the DD-214 to:
    Wilkes University
    Registrar's Office
    Attn: VA Certifying Officials
    84 West South Street
    Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
  • All VA students who are eligible and registered for classes MUST email registrar@wilkes.edu with their file number and chapter eligibility.
  • Veteran students must notify the Veterans' Counselor when there is a change in their credit load or program.