Feature Story
Press Release: Southern Virginia University Launches Credit for Recognized Experience, Service, or Training Program Recognizing Missionary and Military Service
New initiative formally recognizes competencies developed through full-time service
Buena Vista, VA — Beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, eligible current and incoming students at Southern Virginia University (SVU) may earn up to 24 credits for documented religious service, and up to 42 credits for military training and experience.
The new Credit for Recognized Experience, Service, or Training (CREST) program follows best practices in higher education to award credit for academic and professional competencies developed through a minimum of one year of full-time service. This could include formal programs through their church or religion, humanitarian work, military service, Peace Corps, and AmeriCorps, as well as informal experience as a primary parent or caregiver.
The program reflects SVU’s longstanding belief that growth can happen beyond the classroom.
Many SVU students have served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Returned missionaries arrive on campus having led teams, navigated complex human relationships, and served their communities with discipline and purpose — many having lived abroad and learned a second language. The CREST program ensures that experience counts towards their degree.
“We have always known that students who engage in full-time service bring something extraordinary to SVU,” said President Aaron Hale. “This program is our formal recognition of what they’ve already accomplished and our commitment to meeting them where they are.”
The Service Track awards up to 12 credits through a portfolio-based evaluation. The Military Track awards up to 30 credits and applies a similar philosophy, recognizing that men and women who have served in uniform have been tested, trained, and transformed in ways that translate directly to academic and professional life. Either track can be joined with the FLATS testing program to earn an additional 12 language credits.
SVU’s CREST program positions the university as one of the few institutions in the country designed to fully recognize and build upon the formation that defines both service and military communities.
“Whether you served a mission, in the military, or in another full-time service role, CREST is SVU’s way of saying: your experience counts here,” said President Hale. “We don’t ask you to start over — we start where you are.”
If you have questions about the CREST program or feel your service qualifies you for these credits, learn more about how you can apply for credit here.
About Southern Virginia University:
Located in Buena Vista, Va., SVU is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn more at svu.edu.