Military-connected college

Georgian College is committed to creating a barrier-free and inclusive learning environment. The academic success of a military-connected student will not be adversely impacted by any of the following possible military situations:

A comprehensive and collaborative approach to recognizing and putting in place the administrative and procedural supports that military-connected students require. Georgian College will provide a main point of contact to military-connected students to ensure timely and effective administrative and logistical assistance.

A supportive environment focused on the well-being of all military-connected students. Some of the initiatives include:

• orientation seminars to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working with military-connected students at Georgian College (e.g. accommodations, tutoring, counseling, Office of the Registrar, etc.)
• a guaranteed community for veterans and their supporters to meet and flourish. Georgian College recognizes the importance of this social network and as such, the Military Veterans Club holds regular meetings and organizes special events.

A military-connected college is an academic institution that develops, synchronizes and allocates resources to support an underrepresented group of students: military-connected students.

Who is a military-connected student?

Military-connected students have a tangible connection with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or with that of their home nation.

Military-connected students identify with one of the following sub-categories:

In September 2021, Georgian began the implementation of a unique academic and student services support model for military-connected students. We’re committed to building an inclusive, student-centric academic and social support framework for military-connected students.

The creation of a military-connected college at Georgian shows an alignment with military interests and values, recognition of the military community, and a desire to maximize student potential.

In concert with Georgian’s 2022-2024 strategic plan, the college’s values of excellence, unrivaled student access, supports and services, community engagement, integrity, inclusion and sustainability led to implementing a military-connected college across all seven Georgian campuses.

Military-connected students are a heterogeneous population positively influenced by education, resulting in an economic impact throughout the region.

Georgian’s Operation Hero Scholarship

The Operation Hero Scholarship is presented to a past or present member of the CAF, or a dependent or spouse of serving or past members of the CAF, entering any postsecondary program at Georgian.

To be eligible, you must demonstrate financial need and involvement within the community, and be a permanent resident of Ontario.

The value of the Operation Hero Scholarship is $7,500. It’s one of over 650 awards and scholarships available to Georgian students each year.

Georgian college offers students the ability to gain credits for relative life or work experience, students can apply for this through Prior learning Assessments (PLA’s). Credits from prior post-secondary programs can be transferred through transfer Credit assessments. For more information on transfer credits or for PLA’s please see Credit for Prior Learning.

The Liberal Arts department has supported Veterans by providing credits for prior learning for completion of developmental periods (DP) one and two.  Georgian College will waive the fee for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for military-connected students. If eligible, please complete the PLAR form and include evidence of DP completion such as Military Personnel Records Resume and/or CAF course reports/transcripts.

Georgian College Military Veterans Club

Georgian’s dedication to, and respect for, those who have served our country has always been strong. This is evident at every campus each Remembrance Day, including at our cenotaphs in Barrie and Orillia.

With the close proximity of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden to our campuses in Central Ontario, many people are medically released from the military each year. Many of them choose to participate in the vocational rehabilitation training program and attend Georgian.

The transition from military to civilian life is often fast with little time to adjust. Then, add in going back to school as a mature student, surrounded by a younger audience that may not share the same life and work experiences.

The Georgian College Military Veterans Club provides a support network and an opportunity to meet other students and faculty and share experiences. Email GeorgianSMclub@gmail.com to connect with Mike Whittaker, Student President and find out how you can get involved. Stay tuned for a list of upcoming club meeting dates, starting in September.

Free, confidential counselling through Georgian

Georgian is dedicated to supporting the flourishing mental health and well-being of our college community to accelerate success and transform lives.

All Georgian students have free, confidential access to professional counsellors. We provide individual and group counselling to support students experiencing personal and mental health concerns.

We also offer a variety of workshops, sessions and self-help resources related to mental health, coping skills and wellness.

Please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist to find out more

General resources

• Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services
• Canadian Military Family Magazine
• Department of National Defence (DND): My Transition Guide
• Support Our Troops
• Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)

Royal Canadian Legion branches

• Barrie – Branch 147
• Bracebridge – Branch 161
• Collingwood – Branch 62
• Midland – Branch 80
• Orangeville – Branch 233
• Orillia – Branch 34
• Owen Sound – Memorial Branch 6

Books available at Georgian libraries

• Girls Need Not Apply: Field Notes from the Forces by Kelly S. Thompson
• Out Standing in the Field: A Memoir of Canada’s First Female Infantry Officer by Sandra Perron
• Waiting for First Light: My Ongoing Battle with PTSD by Roméo Dallaire

To thrive at Georgian, you will:

• appreciate small class sizes
• enjoy spending time with like-minded friendly and inclusive people
• want to connect with industry-leading faculty who are committed to your success
• learn in an agile and innovative environment where opportunities become a reality
• experience real-world learning from industry leaders

Questions? Interested in learning more?

Jason Kerr, CD

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Jason Kerr is the military-connected campus coordinator for Georgian College. This position falls under the libraries and academic success portfolio and covers all student and campus matters pertaining to the military connected strategy.

Jason served 15 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as an avionics technician and flight engineer. He worked on the CC130 Hercules E/H models in Trenton, as well as assisting with the stand up of 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Petawawa.

Whether you have questions about support for military-connected students at Georgian or would just like to talk to someone who has shared similar experiences, Jason invites you to connect.