The general assembly finds that veterans need comprehensive, statewide support to aid them in transitioning from military service to enrollment at public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education. This support should encourage enrollment of veterans and address issues that may deter veterans' participation in higher education, such as affordability, lack of awareness by faculty and staff of military and veterans' culture, the need for orientation and mentoring programs designed specifically for veterans and facilitation of credential completion by veterans as quickly as possible.