Veterans Affairs at SPC: To meet the assessed needs of Veterans, St. Petersburg College chose to address their greatest challenges: Transitioning from military to civilian life, including transitions between colleges and universities to ensure academic success; Easy access to college information, both prior to and after registration; Ready, one-stop assistance when needed with referrals for counseling and other VA benefits; A need to connect with others who understand; Tutoring and support assistance with academics, especially math, reading and writing; Ensuring that those who need accommodations for a disability have appropriate documentation to qualify for services; Instilling a sense that they are a part of the larger college family; Career exploration, job seeking and placement assistance; A sense that the college staff is aware of and concerned about their unique situation

Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Tonjua Williams, Epicenter, Rm Coordinator, Veterans Affairs; Jeff Cavanagh, EpiCenter, Rm Veterans Services Specialist; Larry Hobbs, SP-G campus, Rm AD- 120 Veteran Student Assistants Veterans Services Specialist; Leta Carreira, CL campus, Rm SS-102 Veteran Student Assistants New for June 2011: Veterans Services Generalists at the Seminole and Tarpon Springs campuses!

The SPC Veterans Affairs Program First Year “Five Initiatives”: 1) Develop Veterans Services Centers at all campuses (one-stop shops) First centers were located at the SP-G & CL campuses. New centers have since been established on the Seminole and Tarpon springs campuses. 2) Redefine then update the "scope of employment" of our Veterans Services Specialists Job descriptions have been rewritten and are a part of HR. 3) Develop new, Veteran-specific "Welcome Aboard" paperwork to include an easy-to-follow checklist outlining the steps to successful certification/registration Done and available at all Veterans Services Centers (and online at new CMS website). 4) Develop a stand-alone SPC Veterans website incorporating the information mentioned under initiative #3 and adding current links designed to assist the Veteran in preparing for successful enrollment Done: 5) Support and encourage a Campus-wide Veterans Organization designed to assist all incoming Veterans and support the growing Veteran population of SPC. The Student Veterans Association (SVA) is now a member of SGA and has branches at the Clearwater and St. Petersburg-Gibbs campuses. Expansion to Seminole, Tarpon Springs and downtown campuses has begun.

Student Veterans Association (SVA) Accomplishments Wrote charter that has been approved by the Student Government Association (SGA) and have developed Mission Statement Developed internal “chain of command” and have elected officers Attend and contribute to monthly SGA meetings Organized new Veteran Student Orientation program Working currently to develop a “sponsor” program for incoming SPC Veteran students Active participants in College events including New Student Welcome, All College Day, Turkey Trot and the recent Veterans Day programs. Took the initiative to develop a strong Veterans Day Program Volunteer on behalf of the College for local civic events Assist all Veteran Students in applying for GI BILL benefits Volunteer in various tutoring programs

Veterans Services Centers “One Stop Shops” SPC Veterans Services Center, St. Petersburg – Gibbs Campus (also covers Downtown & Midtown Campus, Allstate Center & Health Education Center) Room number: AD 120 Larry Hobbs, Veterans Services Specialist Phone: Fax: SPC Veterans Services Center, Clearwater Campus Room number: SS 102 Leta Carreira, Veterans Services Specialist Phone: SPC Veterans Services Center, Seminole Campus Room number: PB 609 Amanda Bayatpoor, Veterans Services Generalist Phone: SPC Veterans Services Center, Tarpon Springs Campus Room number: Agora/SA 120 & 121 Enrique Bernal, Veterans Services Generalist Phone:

Veterans Services Center (Typical Layout)

Phase Two Initiatives: Encourage growth of the Student Veteran Association (SVA) and promote more Veteran on-campus activities Educate faculty and staff in identifying and assisting Veteran Students; Brief and update MAP center personnel (advising/counseling) regarding Veterans affairs Establish & support Vet-only cohort classes Set up “continuing visitation rotation” designed to update all campuses Establish new centers at the Downtown and Midtown campuses Establish “kiosks” or satellite centers at the Allstate and Health Education Center campuses for the dissemination of Veteran Student “Welcome Aboard” material and to promote the use of the Veterans website. Other initiatives include: Establish Veteran workshops to discuss Standards of Progress (SAP) and student financial responsibility. Bring Veterans Services Centers up-to-date with Image Now requirements, support Veteran cohort tutoring, establish a book-lending library, establish graduation incentives and honors, support community and outside veterans organization’s efforts to assist our Veterans returning to civilian life and re-write the old SPC Veteran Handbook.

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." - George Washington