Education Management Corporation schools pledge support for students and employees in the National Guard and Reserve

PITTSBURGH, May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Management Corporation (EDMC), one of the largest providers of post-secondary education in North America, announced today that the organization and each of its United States-based schools signed a Statement of Support for the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a U.S. Department of Defense office that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers.

Campus presidents from Argosy University, the Brown Mackie College system of schools, South University, and The Art Institutes system of schools signed the pledge today at 35 school locations across the country, joined by leaders from ESGR. In doing so, EDMC and its schools declared their commitment to highlight the unique skills that service members bring to the workforce while supporting employment opportunities for guardsmen, reservists and veterans.

By signing the Statement of Support, EDMC joins other employers in pledging to:

• Fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• Provide managers and supervisors the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the guard and reserve.
• Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and encourage opportunities to hire guardsmen, reservists and veterans.
• Continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

"Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units," said Tom Bullock, Chief of Employer Outreach for ESGR. "The ESGR Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR's efforts to gain and maintain employer support."

"This statement of support demonstrates our commitment as an organization to educate, hire and honor the service and commitments of our nation's service members," said Edward H. West, President and CEO of Education Management Corporation.

About Education Management Corporation

Education Management Corporation (www.edmc.edu) provides post-secondary education in North America through four education systems, The Art Institutes, Argosy University, Brown Mackie Colleges, and South University, totaling 110 locations in 32 U.S. states and Canada. The company offers academic programs to students through campus-based and online instruction, or through a combination of both.  The company is committed to offering quality academic programs and strives to improve the learning experience for its students. Its educational institutions offer students the opportunity to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and certain specialized non-degree diplomas in a broad range of disciplines, including media arts, health sciences, design, psychology and behavioral sciences, culinary, business, fashion, legal, education and information technology.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. 

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SOURCE Education Management Corporation