Veteran and Military Services

Welcome to Westfield State University

Here at Westfield State University, we support our military-connected students, whether you are using benefits or not. 

Military-connected students are: 

  • Active military
  • Guard
  • Reserve
  • Veterans
  • and their dependents.

The Military Community Excellence Center (MCEC) in Bates Hall provides the following: 

  • Resources - Westfield, local, regional, and national sources.
  • Study space and student-accessible laptops
  • Coffee, tea, water and snacks
  • Refrigerator
  • Westfield State Veterans Alliance club meeting location 

We're proud to have you at WSU and we are here to assist you with your transition from high school, another college, or the military.

Our goal is to help facilitate your success at WSU by providing the support, resources, and information that meet your personal and academic needs.

Out-of-state students: 

To ensure that our discharged veterans and their eligible family members will not have to bear the cost of out-of-state charges while using their Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill® education benefits, WSU is fully compliant with Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice & Accountability Act of 2014, and all amendments.  We have also elected to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to make additional funds available without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement.

Exciting News!

Westfield State University earned a spot on the prestigious 2022 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list, showcasing our commitment to supporting military-affiliated students.

Best For Vets - Colleges logo

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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The most recent amendment for terms after August 1, 2021, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans, dependents, and eligible individuals tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.  As amended, 38 U.S.C. 3679(c) requires that the following individuals be charged the in-state resident rate:

  • A veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active-Duty Program), Chapter 31 (Veterans Readiness & Employment), or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 Gi Bill®), of 38 U.S.C. who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).
  • Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).
  • Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same institution. The person must be using educational benefits under Chapter 30, Chapter 31, or Chapter 33 of 38 U.S.C.
  • Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).

Here at Westfield State University, they want to see you succeed. However, I couldn't think of a better example of this than the help I have received from the Military Community Excellence Center. From my first day on campus and throughout my time at WSU, they have been there to help me square away my financial benefits, help my transfer credits being processed, and much more. They are here to help anyone who comes through those doors.

Ethan Lichwan, class of 2025. He is in the Veteran and Military office on campus, and wears a gray shirt with a blue "WSU" print on the front. He has close-cropped hair. Colored flags are blurred in the background and he is sitting on a green couch.

Ethan Lichwan, Army Reserve, B.S. Criminal Justice, '25

Mission:

Creates a strong military community for all students who are military-connected to enhance their engagement and success at Westfield State University; by providing resources, opportunities for personal growth, network support, and advocacy, from application to graduation and into their career.  

Have questions? We're here for you.

Fall/Spring Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri:  8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Winter/Summer Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri:  8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Robert Vigneault, Assistant Director of Veteran & Military Services

Contact Us

Rob Vigneault
Assistant Director
Bates Hall Room 16
Headshot of Justin Marques

Contact Us

Justin Marques
School Certifying Official
Bates Hall, Room 15

Westfield State University follows U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines for using military photography on our website and in marketing materials. These images do not imply endorsement by the DoD or any military branches, including the U.S. Navy and the Department of the Navy, U.S. Army, or U.S. Air Force.