1. Veteran’s Services Advisory Group April 12, 2013

2. Introductions

3. Possible Ideas Establish dialogue between departments that directly affect the academic success and well-being of veterans and their families; Create awareness of issues faced by veterans Develop programs to support veterans and military families on campus; Develop support systems and social networks to help veterans integrate into academia; Provide a forum for student veterans to provide feedback on issues that affect their lives;

4. Possible Ideas Inform the development of outreach to the local and state- wide military organizations; Support a Veterans Student Club; Develop a process for inclusion of the local community in participation and support of veteran’s programs; Create a supportive campus atmosphere and provide comprehensive services to promote a successful academic experience for veterans; Explore options in scheduling to facilitate the formation of veterans’ learning communities; Inform efforts to provide interview training and placement.

8. VA Chapter Descriptions ProgramDescription Chapter 30Montgomery GI Bill – Either a monthly allowance or tuition and fees based on their rate of pursuit Chapter 35Survivor’s and dependents Chapter 1606Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves/Monthly Stipend Chapter 1607Reserve Educational Assistance Program Chapter 33Post 9/11 GI Bill – Tuition & Fees, Book Stipend, and a Monthly Stipend – Pro-rated by the rate of pursuit Chapter 31Vocational Rehabilitation Tuition & Fees, Books, School Supplies, and a Monthly Stipend VRAPMonthly Stipend ($1500 for 30 days) Must be Full-time in College in certain technical programs

9. CSN by the Numbers (Veteran’s)

10. Microsoft SharePoint http://veteransaffairs.csn.edu

11. American Council on Education (ACE) http://todaysgibill.org http://todaysgibill.org

12. Orientation CSN offers a new student orientation open to all students. This orientation includes an overview of all student service departments and academic resources on student success. A representative of each department gives a presentation and provides a point of contact to students. Additionally, the orientation provides on-site advising to ensure students receive proper guidance. The students are then guided throughout campus on a tour to show them the resources we have to offer. The Veteran’s Center held an orientation for veterans introducing the VRAP benefits. This orientation was successful in presenting several resources to students as well as details on how to use their benefits. We currently do not have a veteran specific orientation but look to have one in the future. In compliance with the “The Principles of Excellence” we hope to have a full-time counselor on board that can assist us in planning an orientation. This orientation will be in collaboration of our current new student orientation but will include additional resources to serve the needs of our population and resources created specifically for this group. This would be an opportunity for them to get familiar with Veteran’s Center representatives and providing them with welcoming arms to CSN.

13. Services CSN does have a Veteran Center which includes additional resources other than processing of certification benefits. Our Veteran’s Center provides academic advising with a counselor who is knowledgeable with VA benefits. We have free computer access and unlimited printing for any school related assignment. We have designated study space and lounge area available for veterans. The service center serves as a liaison for students to different departments in hopes of always finding an answer to their question or concern. Currently we only have one center at the Charleston campus. In the future we hope to have a center with similar resources at every major campus (Cheyenne and Henderson).

14. After Graduation The veteran’s center collaborates with community organizations looking to hire veterans. We also post the flyers in the veteran center of job opportunities with veteran preference. CSN offers career assessment and a listing of job opportunities throughout the valley. We offer workshops in resume writing and have programs in leadership development. Our leadership development academy and certificate program improves professional development and gives them the necessary knowledge to help students be successful in the workplace.

15. Discussion, Ideas and Next Steps

16. Contact Information Bradley Honious, Assistant Vice President, College Access Services WCH D128A Ext. 5946 Vanessa Robledo Program Officer I, Veteran’s Resource Center WCH W22D Ext. 5060