______ _______ _____ ______ _______ _____ Veteran Resource Center Ensuring that our Protectors of Today can Succeed Tomorrow

Mission Statement The Kennesaw State University Veteran Resources Center (VRC) is: Committed to support the mission of the Division of Student Success & through the development & implementation of outreach programs designed to provide student support services focused on the special needs & requirements of today's military veteran, service members, dependents & survivors Committed to support the mission of the Division of Student Success & through the development & implementation of outreach programs designed to provide student support services focused on the special needs & requirements of today's military veteran, service members, dependents & survivors The VRC also plays a supporting role in the development & implementation of educational & development components designed to position the university with veteran & military affiliated organizations & agencies The VRC also plays a supporting role in the development & implementation of educational & development components designed to position the university with veteran & military affiliated organizations & agencies

Our Creed

History Fall Presidential Commission Formed Spring Need Assessment & Best Practices Measurements Completed Fall Veteran Resource Center Opened in collaboration with Student Success Services & Student Veterans Club September Director Hired

Veteran Community The Veteran Community Includes: Veterans Veterans Service Members Service Members Survivors Survivors Dependants Dependants There are 700 “Identified” members of this community currently receiving benefits, & 2000 not receiving benefits attending Kennesaw State University

Who Serves the Community VA Certifying Official -- Glenda Espana Veteran Resource Center VA Work Study – 15 students that are prior service or dependants who assiststudent veterans transition to KSU Specific RSO’s that allow opportunity for the veteran community to actively get involved in positive efforts in the larger community Currently, there are 3 RSO’s that are registered: Currently, there are 3 RSO’s that are registered: Student Veterans Club Student Veterans Club ROTC Club ROTC Club Semper Fi Society Semper Fi Society

Who Serves the Community SGA -- The combined efforts of both the KSU’s VRC & the Veteran Organizations, the SGA has authorized & approved the posting of a new Senator position who’s sole purpose is to advocate the unique needs of today’s veteran community

Services Offered to the Veteran Community Counseling on the different GI Bill benefits & assistance in determining which is best suited for them Assistance in applying for GI Bill benefits Assistance in navigating through the KSU support structure (e.g., Admissions, Registers, Financial Aid) Referring to outside agencies such as DOL, DAV, VA, Georgia Veteran Services Veteran Black & Gold Insight sessions

Current Benefits Orientation fee reimbursement Testing fee wavier Military fee wavier(Select reserves 180 consecutive days in combat zone) except for Meal Plans & Special Class fees such as Lab VRC with VA work study program Global Engagement Certification through overseas deployment Yellow Ribbon program Military stoles authorized for graduation Counseling Social networking through student organizations

Accomplishments KSU recognizing these unique needs by hiring a full- time Director – (Frank Wills,U.S.M.C.,MPPA) Approval of a Student Senator Professionalize VRC Cooperative Studies (Internship) Marine Scholar Program Veteran First Year Learning Community (Fall Semester only) Veteran Insight Sessions Veteran Advisory Committee VA Work Study Program

Current Efforts Soldiers to Scholars -- Board of Regents Acceptance of AARTS & SMARTS, transcripts, (Already recognized by the Board of Regents) & Service Member Opportunity College (SOC network) Advocating Veteran Issues through the SGA Community events to raise veteran awareness

The Future A self sufficient entity capable of truly being a “One Stop Shop” Acquisition of a dedicated VA Certifying Official Space & resources to adequately services this ever growing community Expand upon current efforts to incorporate the VCAP program Expand upon current efforts to incorporate the VCAP program

Some Facts Veteran enrollment at KSU has increased by over 67.5% within the last academic year alone Over 700 “Identified” veteran students with guaranteed tuition & fees paid through a GI Bill averaging over $1.8 million per Semester paid to KSU Over 600 thousand veterans in the US are currently using VA education benefits