Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Partnerships topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Columbia Southern University pitches no‑cost learning partnership with El Paso, highlights veterans' benefits
Summary
Columbia Southern University representative David Cyr presented a non‑binding, no‑cost learning partnership with the City of El Paso that would extend a 10% tuition discount, partner scholarships and veteran‑focused services (ACE/JST transfer credit maximization, a full‑ride 'Forever Hero' scholarship up to 60 credits) to city employees and veterans.
David Cyr, a local resident and representative of Columbia Southern University (an online, private, for‑profit institution headquartered in Orange Beach, Alabama), briefed the Veterans Advisory Committee on university programs and a learning partnership with the City of El Paso.
Cyr described Columbia Southern as a fully accredited online institution that offers more than 140 degree and certificate programs, with flexible "life‑paced" start dates (11 start times per year) and a variety of veteran supports. He highlighted ACE/JST military credit acceptance (allowing up to 45 of 60 associate credits to transfer in some cases), a 10% tuition discount for veterans and their families, no‑cost textbooks or required course materials for some classes, a VA flex payment plan for certain benefit chapters, and a "Forever Hero" scholarship that can cover tuition and books for up to 60 credits for a veteran.
Cyr said the city–university learning partnership is non‑exclusive, non‑binding and no cost to the organization; benefits under the agreement can be extended to all employees, not only veterans, and the partnership can be ended by a simple email. He noted Columbia Southern participates in Yellow Ribbon and that the institution holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with additional business accreditation from a council for business programs.
During Q&A, committee members asked about accreditation, Yellow Ribbon participation, for‑profit status and transfer credit policies. Cyr confirmed the institution's private, for‑profit status and described operational supports (veteran outreach teams, veteran career services, and local community representation) intended to ease transitions for service members and their families.
Cyr urged members to contact him with questions and offered to present further to city departments and community groups.
