Military and Veterans Resource Center Mr. Marc Churchwell Director

What is a Military and Veterans Resource Center? First – What it is NOT It is NOT a replacement for existing services on campus, registrar, admissions, advising, financial aid…

Now… What it IS An organization/office dedicated to tending the unique needs of military students (active duty, veterans, dependents, spouses). A physical location for veterans to go to for a variety of transition support services, such as: How to use GI Bill education benefits PEER NETWORKING !! Technology assistance Transition coach Counseling (mental health, pre-advising, education/career planning) Well documented barrier for veterans returning to school is feeling of isolation – who to talk to???

What Does the MVRC Provide? Transition coaches (current veteran students) A dedicated office to support veterans counseling Vet Center, Campus Counseling resources, A computer center (variety of tools, laptops, Ipad, printer, fax, scanner) On site VA Certifying official and staff of case processors A place veteran students can learn the university processes and build a plan (enroll, withdrawal, refunds)

What Does the MVRC Provide? Lounge area for veterans to peer network Veterans specific orientation

Does opening a veterans resource center guarantee cooperation and support across campus? NO Foundation of support must be built Planning committee with leadership of colleges Most importantly have veteran students on the committee. (what do they need, what is their experience on campus)

Next – create an advisory council consisting of key points of contact among campus offices/departments, registrar, financial aid, advising, housing, admissions, counseling, etc… These council members become the contacts to refer veteran students to for specific needs…. The support team (VSST – veteran services support team)

So Now – What do we have? What does it look like? First – Conceptually it looks like this

MVRC Veteran Identification Orientation Computer Center Transition Coaching Mentor Program Resource Liaison MVRC Veteran Identification Orientation Computer Center Transition Coaching Mentor Program Resource Liaison Veteran Student Student Veterans of America UWF Chapter Virtual Resource Center/Web Page Learning Center Tutoring, Study Groups Military Friendly Faculty & Staff Career Services Financial Aid Inclusion Programs Health and Wellness Counseling Center Workforce Boards (Escarosa, Jobs Plus) VA Education Benefits

Visually It looks like this…

What is most important component of a veterans resource center? My philosophy – sincere compassion to support veterans. Who better to provide than fellow veterans

“ Our veterans do not need nor do they desire to be coddled; they want to understand what is needed to get to where they want to go, how to get through, around or over the barriers preventing them from getting there, and who they can trust for this information…” Why Veterans Resource Centers are Needed at Universities, Military Advanced Education, December 2011

Questions? Marc Churchwell