Program Feature: Veterans Resource Center As part of its goal to ensure Eastern Washington University will meet the needs of the thousands of service men and women returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, EWU has officially opened its new Veterans Resource Center. On July 10, 2012, President Rodolfo Arévalo gathered with university leaders and community supporters to unveil the new center.
Customized student support services offered through the center include: admissions and financial aid counseling, academic and personal advising, referrals to campus support services, sponsorship and support for veterans’ student club, activities for veteran students and their families, workshops for veteran students and targeted recruitment of new student veterans.
Located in Showalter Hall, the 2,000 square-foot center includes a lounge, kitchen area, computer lab, workshop space as well as office space for support staff. The center provides critical services and resources veterans will need as they integrate back into civilian life and learn to navigate the university system. There are currently approximately 600 veterans enrolled at EWU, and the university expects to see a 10-percent increase annually in the number of veterans seeking college degrees and utilizing GI benefits.
The Veterans Resource Center staff includes a director, an academic advisor, a VA benefits coordinator and a Vet Corps Navigator. The university has dedicated faculty liaisons from each of the four colleges and the libraries to provide specific support and counseling to student veterans. The faculty liaisons will ensure effective communication and coordination with those EWU departments and staff who regularly interact with student veterans. Providing education to the wider community is also within the scope of the center. Community engagement with other veteran organizations, employers and businesses allows EWU to be a more visible presence in the region in regards to student veteran needs and contributions. The Veteran Resource Center also sponsors veterans’ fairs, workshops and symposia on such topics as best practices for supporting military service members, transition issues, health issues and mentoring for veterans.
The Veterans Resource Center will be a national model for delivering exceptional support services to address the personal and academic needs of active-duty and former military personnel, their spouses and dependents. It is also implementing the “Got Your 6” program, which will educate staff, faculty and community about the needs and challenges of student veterans.
Wash. Representative Larry Seaquist, USN Admiral, Ret., visits the VRC. 40