The University of Dayton has earned the Above and Beyond Award from the Ohio Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for exceeding the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Companies eligible for the Above and Beyond Award provide Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages and extended health benefits, among others.

Companies receiving the award also have signed the U.S. Department of Defense Statement of Support for employees in the National Guard and Reserve, which the University did in February, and have a manager or supervisor who has received a Patriot Award. 

In 2021, Associate Provost Deb Bickford, who oversaw academic affairs and learning initiatives before her retirement last month, received the Patriot Award for supporting UD's military-affiliated employees in her area with flexible schedules, including time off prior to and after military duty, and granting leaves of absence if needed, among other measures. 

The Above and Beyond Award, which will be presented at the Ohio Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony July 23 in Westerville, Ohio, is the second honor in as many months for the University's support of its nearly 100 military- or veteran-affiliated employees.

On May 26, the University was among the first group of colleges and universities earning Ohio's Collegiate Purple Star designation for being supportive and inclusive of military-connected students. Criteria for selection include having a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and/or office on campus, establishing priority registration for veterans and servicemembers, and allowing the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and servicemembers.

The University also is registered with Ohio Means Jobs as a military-friendly employer.

Click here for more information on UD's military and veteran programs and services.  

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu.