CANTON -- SUNY Canton has been named to the 2013 Guide of Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities by Military Advanced Education magazine, the second time the college has been recognized by the publication.

"We take great pride in SUNY Canton's standing as a military-friendly school, and we work diligently to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and accommodating for our nation's service members, veterans and their families," said Interim President Carli C. Schiffner. "It's an honor to help those who have served our country reach their educational goals."

Among the reasons for its designation are a dedicated study lounge and flexible online learning options for service members living stateside and abroad.

Military personnel have enrolled from all over the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

SUNY Canton's counseling staff receives regular Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) training, and former service members can now take advantage of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), which offers 12 months of financial assistance to veterans who are between 35 and 60 years of age and are unemployed, among other criteria.

Earlier this year, SUNY Canton hired its first Veterans Affairs Officer, Patrick S. Massaro in a shared position with SUNY Potsdam. Massaro is charged with advising veterans as they navigate the admissions process.

"I serve as the main point of contact for the college's military students and their families," Massaro said. "One piece of my responsibility is to ensure they are aware of the programs and services that can assist them with their educational goals, such as VRAP."

Military Advanced Education is a journal of higher learning for American service members, and is published by KMI Media Group. Its 2013 guide will be published in the magazine's December issue.