1. OVERVIEW SB1538 ALLEN Grundy, M.Ed Program Manager UH VETERANS’ SERVICES OFFICE

2. HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY ACT July 31, 2009 The House passed the final version of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, H.R. 4137 The House passed the final version of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, H.R. 4137 which was instituted to make college more affordable and accessible. This legislation is the first reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in 10 years. which was instituted to make college more affordable and accessible. This legislation is the first reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in 10 years.

3. H.R. 4137 HIGHLIGHTS Increase college aid and support for veterans and military families Increase college aid and support for veterans and military families  Creates a new scholarship program for active duty military personnel and family memners, including children and spouses of active duty military service members or veterans  Establishes support centers to help veterans succeed in college and graduate.

4. PURPOSE OF SB 1538 The purpose of the SB 1538 is to initiate Veteran Resource Centers which would be provide centralized focal points of assistance and resources resembling a one-stop-shop for veterans, spouses and dependents on higher education institutions throughout the state of Texas.

5. LETICIA DE VAN PUTTE Author Author Senator Van de Putte currently serves as Chair of the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee, and serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Education, State Affairs and Business and Commerce. She is also the Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus

6. SB 1538 NEED Currently, no state program exists to address the issues of having a centralized location on campuses that can be accessed by veterans and their families to provide assistance and information to veterans and their families during their educational experience.. Currently, no state program exists to address the issues of having a centralized location on campuses that can be accessed by veterans and their families to provide assistance and information to veterans and their families during their educational experience..

7. TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION 1538 Proposed vision The Texas Veterans Commission proposed to establish Veterans Resource Centers to serve the needs of OIF/OEF veterans and their families in the state of Texas. The purpose of these Veteran Resource Centers is to provide centralized focal points of assistance and information during their educational experience. The Texas Veterans Commission proposed to establish Veterans Resource Centers to serve the needs of OIF/OEF veterans and their families in the state of Texas. The purpose of these Veteran Resource Centers is to provide centralized focal points of assistance and information during their educational experience.

8. TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION Mission The Texas Veterans Commission is committed to provide superior service through agency programs of claims assistance, employment services and education that will significantly improve the quality of life of Texas veterans and their families.

9. ON POST-9/11 GI BILL Since May 1, VA has received more than 20,000 applications and the number climbs by roughly 3000 a day. New GI Bill benefits are to begin Aug. 1, in time for fall classes Since May 1, VA has received more than 20,000 applications and the number climbs by roughly 3000 a day. New GI Bill benefits are to begin Aug. 1, in time for fall classesMay 1May 1

10. LOCATION OF CENTERS (REGIONS)  High Plains  Northwest Texas  Metroplex  Upper East Texas  Southeast Texas  Central Texas  Gulf Coast  South Texas  West Texas  Upper Rio Grande

11. REQUIRMENTS OF INSTITUTIONS MOU with TVC Understanding that institution would provide and bear cost of office space to include internet access (1) computer site, (2) office equipment, (3) telephone access and ADA compliant.

12. VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER PERSONNEL Program manager (1)  Provide overall management of center  Evaluate effectiveness of centers  Supervise regional counselors  Prepare an annual budget

13. VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER PERSONNEL Regional Coordinators (10) Establish Resource Centers and supervise, Veterans Resource Counselors and Administrative Assistants. Establish Resource Centers and supervise, Veterans Resource Counselors and Administrative Assistants.

14. VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER PERSONNEL Regional Counselor (4)  Oversee centers in region  Housed at a regional center institution  Visit institutions in region  Develop supportive environment for veteran  Work with local, state and national veterans groups

15. VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER PERSONNEL  Work with local workforce and institutes career services  Work with TAP military installation  Create and manage publicity campaigns  Maintain statistical info of student veterans  Other activities assigned by TVC

16. VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER PERSONNEL Administrative Assistant (1)  Provide administrative support under the Program Manager  Provide oversight of travel and expenditures  Oversee all faxes, telephone, and e-mails correspondence

17. UH VETERANS’ SERVICES OFFICE

18. SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS *March 25, 2009 *March 25, 2009 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150 *March 25, 2009 *March 25, 2009 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150 http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=20 09&lim=150

19. UPCOMING SEMINAR June 18 th, 2009 “COOPERATIVE SUPPORT FOR VETERANS RESOURCE CENTERS” “COOPERATIVE SUPPORT FOR VETERANS RESOURCE CENTERS” WHERE: University of Houston WHERE: University of Houston PLACE: University Center PLACE: University Center TIME: 10:00-4:00 PM (Free) TIME: 10:00-4:00 PM (Free) TO RSVP call: (713) 743-5490 TO RSVP call: (713) 743-5490