Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso Campus says it has received the inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana designation, which recognizes institutions that provide outstanding support to U.S. military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members and their families. The designation is awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. “We are honored to receive the Collegiate Purple Star designation,” said Aco Sikoski chancellor of Ivy Tech Valparaiso “Our commitment to military-affiliated students is embedded in our mission, and this recognition affirms our ongoing efforts to ensure their academic success and career readiness.”
The Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana (CPSI) designation is awarded across three achievement tiers based on 37 standards across eight key categories: core institutional policies, admissions and enrollment practices, financial and student support services, institutional infrastructure, student engagement, and career/community engagement. Ivy Tech Valparaiso was recognized at the Tier 2 level, reflecting its high achievement in these areas, a news release said. The CPSI program was established by a 2023 state law. Designations are valid for three years and signify an institution’s readiness to support the unique needs of military-connected students.
