Office of
Affirmative
Action &
Equal
Opportunity

474 Oregon Hall, 5221 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5221 • (541) 346-3123 • TTY (541) 346-6203

Veterans Preference Act

The Oregon Veterans Preference Act requires that public employers grant a preference in employment to veteran or disabled veteran applicants who meet minimum qualifications.  The required preferences do not compel a public employer to appoint a veteran or disabled veteran.  However, they do require that a veteran or disabled veteran be appointed when the veteran’s or disabled veteran’s application assessment, combined with the veteran’s or disabled veteran’s preference, is equal to or higher than that of a non-veteran.  

Under the Veterans Preference Act, the following definitions apply.

A Veteran means a person who:

1. Served on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States:

i.    For a period of more than 178 consecutive days and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions;

1. For 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability; or
2. For at least one day in a combat zone and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions; or
1. Received a combat or campaign ribbon for service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

A Disabled Veterans means:

1. A person entitled to disability compensation under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
2. A person whose discharge or release from active duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or
3. A person who was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

Notice to Eligible Veterans and Disabled Veterans

To self-identify as a veteran or disabled veteran for purpose of preference in employment, please complete and return either the Applicant Data Request Card (for unclassified positions) or Page 2 of the Applicant Self-Identification Form (for classified positions and unclassified positions for which a UO application form is required).

Notice to Supervisors and Hiring Authorities

For more information about the Veterans Preference Act and the preference in employment required for veterans and disabled veterans under the Act, please see January 25, 2008 Memo to Deans, et al. with attachment. 

For more information on steps being taken to implement the Veterans Preference Act in connection with the unclassified hiring process, please see Veterans Preference – Implementation Steps.