MountainCat Veterans Program

The Pitt-Johnstown MountainCat Veterans Program (MVP) recognizes the service performed by United States military veterans, and assists them in making a successful transition into the student population. This program represents Pitt-Johnstown’s deep commitment to serving current and former members of the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) who served on active duty.

The MVP is a collaboration of many units across the campus that compose the Veterans Support Council. Pitt-Johnstown is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program.  Our commitment to veterans and active-duty military men and women has earned Pitt-Johnstown the prestigious distinction of being named a "Military Friendly School" by GI Jobs magazine. 

Currently, our campus has more than 40 veteran students.

For more information:

Admissions Welcome Center
157 Blackington Hall
814-269-7050
upjadmit@pitt.edu

Benefits at a Glance

  • Accelerated Admission Review This application process provides veterans with the opportunity to begin an academic program on either a part-time or full-time basis. Students who enroll through Accelerated Admission Review benefit from communication geared to their nontraditional situations and needs, personalized academic advising, and assistance with transfer into traditional academic divisions at Pitt-Johnstown. The standard application fee is waived for all veterans. 
  • Priority Registration MVP participants are provided with special priority status enabling them to register before the general student population. 
    This provides you with the opportunity to register for popular classes that typically fill very early during the open registration period.
  • Flexible Tuition Payment Options Participants who have been approved for Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) can take advantage of flexible payment options until tuition funding from the government is received. The participant can then pay his/her tuition bill without penalty by making arrangements with the Business Office.
  • Credit Evaluation Credits earned from previous course work, including through military service, can be evaluated for potential transfer to Pitt-Johnstown. Transcripts will be evaluated closely in order to maximize the number of credits awarded. Eligible applicants may benefit from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
  • Readmit The University of Pittsburgh will promptly readmit a service member with the same academic status they had when last attending or accepted for admission. This requirement applies to any student who cannot attend school due to military service. Learn more
Additional Aid/Scholarships for Military Members and Their Families

Specially trained individuals have been designated as your primary points of contact in several student services and administrative departments, which comprise the Veterans Support Council:

Contacts:

NameTitleContact
Brett HaselrigDirector of Admissions814-269-7045
Ray Wrabley, PhDInterim Vice President, Academic Affairs814-269-2078
Lisa HunterRegistrar814-269-7060
Stephen Kilpatrick, PhDAssistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs814-269-2077
Bob KnippleExecutive Director, Housing and Dining Services814-269-7072
Jordan MangesRegistrar's Office - VA Certifying Official814-269-2948
Brandon RagerDirector, Residence Life814-269-7123
Kathleen A. PattersonHuman Resources Specialist814-269-7030
Shelley PerusoExecutive Director, Health and Counseling Services814-269-7119
Sherri RaeDirector of Community Relations and Engagement814-269-7113
Amanda ReedDirector, Business Office/Billing814-269-7040
Christian StumpfVice President for Student Affairs814-269-2020
Joni TrovatoDirector, Financial Aid814-269-7045

Additional Benefits and Services

As an MVP, you are also eligible for:

  • Free parking
  • 20% discount on clothing and various items in the Pitt-Johnstown Book Center
  • Annual President’s Veterans Day luncheon for you and a guest
  • Fellowship and networking opportunities through the Pitt-Johnstown Veterans Support Group

In order to qualify for participation in the MountainCat Veterans Program, individuals must meet eligibility requirements for the GI Bill®.

Act 46 of 2014 requires public institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to provide veteran students, as defined by the Act, with preference in course scheduling.  Non-compliance may be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by submitting the Higher Education Student Complaint form found at www.education.state.pa.us.