Today@Sam Article

Veterans Alliance Training Scheduled For Nov. 1

Oct. 23, 2017
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

To help Sam Houston State University’s approximately 800 veteran students in dealing with the challenges associated with transitioning back to civilian life, the Veterans Resource Center will offer an informative session to support veteran student success.

The Veterans Alliance Network will comprise an hour-and-a-half training that raises awareness of statistics and experiences related to students’ military experiences in an effort to provide them with an encouraging, structured environment on campus.  VANWide

VAN presentations will explore veterans’ experiences from several perspectives, including defining the different roles military personnel play, examining frustrations that can accompany veterans returning to school, and introducing the Bearkat community to the resources offered on campus through the VetSuccess on Campus program.

“Some veteran students have a hard time adjusting to the bureaucracy of higher education; they can’t always understand why some processes move so slowly,” Chavez said. “By introducing the resources available through the VetSuccess on Campus program, faculty and staff will have a better idea of what SHSU offers and where they can direct veteran students to receive the assistance they need.”

Presentations will be led by Fernando Chavez, Veterans Resource Center director and U.S. Navy Veteran; Jeremiah Dancy, assistant professor of history; Roberta Ardoin, VetSuccess on Campus counselor; Drew Miller, assistant vice president for Student Services and executive director for SHSU's Counseling and Health Services; and U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Pablo Sanchez, an SHSU student and retired U.S. Army veteran.

A big portion of the presentation is devoted to understanding the mental effects of military life on both combat and non-combat veterans, issues related to transitioning back, and how the SHSU community can best support that transition.

“The purpose of the VAN sessions is to help the Bearkat community consider their own biases and assumptions and then think about these issues from the perspective of those who experience them, the brave men and women who have chosen SHSU for their education,” Chavez said.

Taking place Nov. 1 from 2-3:30 p.m. in CHSS Room C070, the session is free and participants will receive credit for 1.5 hours. Registration through Talent Management is required.

For more information, contact the Veterans Resource Center at 936.294.1046. 

 

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