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Veteran Resource Center

Ensuring that our Protectors of Today can

Succeed Tomorrow

Mission StatementThe 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

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 2008 -- Presidential Commission FormedSpring 2009 -- Need Assessment & Best Practices Measurements CompletedFall 2009 -- Veteran Resource Center Opened in collaboration with Student Success Services & Student Veterans ClubSeptember 2010 -- Director Hired

Veteran Community

The Veteran Community Includes:VeteransService MembersSurvivorsDependants

There are 700 “Identified” members of this community currently receiving

benefits, & 2000 not receiving benefits attending Kennesaw State University

Who Serves the CommunityVA Certifying Official -- Glenda Espana Veteran Resource CenterVA Work Study – 15 students that are prior

service or dependants who assiststudent veterans transition to KSUSpecific RSO’s that allow opportunity for the veteran community to actively get involved in positive efforts in the larger communityCurrently, there are 3 RSO’s that are

registered:• Student Veterans Club• ROTC Club• 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 theVeteran Community

Counseling on the different GI Bill benefits & assistance in determining which is best suited for themAssistance 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 BenefitsOrientation fee reimbursementTesting fee wavierMilitary 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 programGlobal Engagement Certification through overseas

deploymentYellow Ribbon programMilitary 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 SenatorProfessionalize VRCCooperative Studies (Internship)Marine Scholar ProgramVeteran First Year Learning Community

(Fall Semester only)Veteran Insight Sessions Veteran Advisory Committee VA Work Study Program

Current Efforts

Soldiers to Scholars -- Board of RegentsAcceptance of AARTS & SMARTS, transcripts, (Already recognized by the Board of Regents) & Service Member Opportunity College (SOC network) Advocating Veteran Issues through the SGACommunity 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 OfficialSpace & resources to adequately services

this ever growing community 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 aloneOver 700 “Identified” veteran students with guaranteed tuition & fees paid through a GI Bill averaging over $1.8 million per Semester paid to KSUOver 600 thousand veterans in the US are

currently using VA education benefits