2008 Woodie Awards
New Campus Group Helps Veterans Acclimate after Service
Brian Jones
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: College News
- Page 1 of 1
Transitioning back into civilian life from military service isn't always easy. Navigating the waters of financial aid, filing for Montgomery GI Bill benefits and figuring out which degree path fits best can all provide headaches for service men and women adjusting to the world of collegiate academics. A new student group has formed with the goal of helping.
On Sept. 18 the second organizational meeting of Veterans at IUPUI was held in room 115 of the University College.
"Our goal is to raise awareness about veterans and service members and to be a resource to those who already are," said Russell Silver, president of the organization.
The meeting focused on laying out plans for the organization and discussing the common concerns facing the nearly 1,000 student veterans and current members of the armed forces at IUPUI.
"I'm not putting any limits on what we can and can't do, "said Silver.
Many of student veterans in attendance expressed concern over issues with financial aid, academic policies related to veterans and numerous other issues effecting veterans attending college.
"This is going to be your one-stop-shop for anything veterans related," said Nicholas Gentry, vice-president of the organization.
The organization is growing. Silver stated that the 21 people in attendance were a better turnout than the group's first meeting on Aug. 28. Approximately 16 people attended the organization's first meeting.
Silver says that around 80 students have expressed interest in membership through e-mail and meeting attendance.
"I'm looking forward to the organization and I know several veterans who have come through IUPUI, "said Kevin Patterson, a veteran and general studies student. "There are other universities out there; locally, that support veterans a lot more that IUPUI and I think we can help IUPUI come up to that level."
Membership in the group is open to all IUPUI students who are veterans, current members of the armed forces, and members of the IUPUI Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
The group plans to hold meetings monthly, starting in mid-October. Information about meetings and upcoming events will be made available on the group's website; http://vet.usg.iupui.edu or the group can be contacted directly at svets@iupui.edu.
On Sept. 18 the second organizational meeting of Veterans at IUPUI was held in room 115 of the University College.
"Our goal is to raise awareness about veterans and service members and to be a resource to those who already are," said Russell Silver, president of the organization.
The meeting focused on laying out plans for the organization and discussing the common concerns facing the nearly 1,000 student veterans and current members of the armed forces at IUPUI.
"I'm not putting any limits on what we can and can't do, "said Silver.
Many of student veterans in attendance expressed concern over issues with financial aid, academic policies related to veterans and numerous other issues effecting veterans attending college.
"This is going to be your one-stop-shop for anything veterans related," said Nicholas Gentry, vice-president of the organization.
The organization is growing. Silver stated that the 21 people in attendance were a better turnout than the group's first meeting on Aug. 28. Approximately 16 people attended the organization's first meeting.
Silver says that around 80 students have expressed interest in membership through e-mail and meeting attendance.
"I'm looking forward to the organization and I know several veterans who have come through IUPUI, "said Kevin Patterson, a veteran and general studies student. "There are other universities out there; locally, that support veterans a lot more that IUPUI and I think we can help IUPUI come up to that level."
Membership in the group is open to all IUPUI students who are veterans, current members of the armed forces, and members of the IUPUI Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
The group plans to hold meetings monthly, starting in mid-October. Information about meetings and upcoming events will be made available on the group's website; http://vet.usg.iupui.edu or the group can be contacted directly at svets@iupui.edu.
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