Wichita State University has initiated a new outreach program -- Veterans Preference in the Application Process -- in an effort to attract more veterans of military service to work for the university. Veterans Preference reflects Wichita State's recognition of the unique talents, skills and experiences that former service personnel offer.

“The rationale for recruiting more veterans is the unique skill sets and personal characteristics they bring to the university,” said Lloyd Hatfield, WSU Human Resource generalist. “Proven leadership skills; accelerated learning curve; teamwork; diversity and inclusion; integrity; performance under pressure; and a global mindset.”

WSU President John Bardo approved the new policy effective Sept. 8, making it easier for veterans to be considered for university employment.

Veterans Preference was drafted for applicants who meet program qualifications as well as the minimum qualifications of the position applied for, and who score in the top 25 percent of the applicant pool. Applicants who meet these qualifications will be given preferential consideration for employment at Wichita State, and are guaranteed an interview for that position.

The new policy complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and with existing federal laws that requires employers to monitor and report on efforts to hire veterans. The existing Kansas statute addressing veterans preference is only applicable to civil service personnel, leaving formerly classified staff at Wichita State outside these provisions. By adopting the new policy, which extends preference to all categories of employment at the university, WSU is taking the lead in its outreach towards veterans.

The WSU Veterans Preference policy includes mechanisms that enable the university to continually monitor and evaluate employment practices to meet the federal requirements, as well as WSU’s institutional interest in attracting the talent and experience that is unique to military veterans.

Veterans preference programs have been in effect in some form since World War II to give workers who were displaced as a result of military service the opportunity to reintegrate into the civilian workforce. The new Wichita State policy can be found in the WSU Policies and Procedures Manual: 3.46 / Veterans Preference in the Application Process.

To discover career opportunities for veterans at Wichita State, go to wichita.edu/employment/wsuveterans.