Posted 4:53 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012
Veteran students face challenges ranging from traumatic brain injuries to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Many have trouble adjusting their lives to fit civilian norms — not to mention college norms. UW-La Crosse’s Veterans Student Association is attempting to help with the transition. This fall UW-L opens a new Veterans Center to all veteran students and others interested in vets’ issues.
[caption id="attachment_14512" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="From left UW-L senior Spencer Niebur; Carol Oyster, Veterans Student Association adviser; and UW-L sophomore Ian Carter. The three sit in the newly furnished Veterans Center."]
[/caption]
Veteran students face challenges ranging from traumatic brain injuries to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Many have trouble adjusting their lives to fit civilian norms — not to mention college norms.
UW-L’s Veterans Student Association is attempting to help with the transition by providing a space on campus to relax, study and connect with others. This fall UW-La Crosse opens a new Veterans Center in 264 Cartwright Center to all veteran students and others interested in vets’ issues.
“A center provides a safe environment where they can socialize and receive support from individuals who share their experience,” says Professor Carol Oyster, advisor for UW-L’s Veterans Student Association.
The room includes spaces for entertainment, studying and socializing. It is furnished with surplus goods, donated and discounted furnishings — purchased at no cost to the university. The center will also be stocked with information on campus services for veterans and staffed by a veteran work-study student. The center complements the Veteran’s Educational Benefit office in 116 Graff Main Hall.
UW-L veteran students Spencer Niebur and Ian Carter recall the difficulty of initially making the transition to college. What made the move easier was connecting with other veterans through a special vets orientation session and the Student Veterans Association. They hope the center provides one more way for veteran students to feel at home at UW-L.
“If I’m having a tough day or experiencing things others may not understand, I can come here and get away,” says Carter.
[caption id="attachment_14515" align="alignleft" width="500" caption="The new Veterans Center is located in room 264 Cartwright Center."]
[/caption]
[/caption]
Veteran students face challenges ranging from traumatic brain injuries to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Many have trouble adjusting their lives to fit civilian norms — not to mention college norms.
UW-L’s Veterans Student Association is attempting to help with the transition by providing a space on campus to relax, study and connect with others. This fall UW-La Crosse opens a new Veterans Center in 264 Cartwright Center to all veteran students and others interested in vets’ issues.
“A center provides a safe environment where they can socialize and receive support from individuals who share their experience,” says Professor Carol Oyster, advisor for UW-L’s Veterans Student Association.
The room includes spaces for entertainment, studying and socializing. It is furnished with surplus goods, donated and discounted furnishings — purchased at no cost to the university. The center will also be stocked with information on campus services for veterans and staffed by a veteran work-study student. The center complements the Veteran’s Educational Benefit office in 116 Graff Main Hall.
UW-L veteran students Spencer Niebur and Ian Carter recall the difficulty of initially making the transition to college. What made the move easier was connecting with other veterans through a special vets orientation session and the Student Veterans Association. They hope the center provides one more way for veteran students to feel at home at UW-L.
“If I’m having a tough day or experiencing things others may not understand, I can come here and get away,” says Carter.
[caption id="attachment_14515" align="alignleft" width="500" caption="The new Veterans Center is located in room 264 Cartwright Center."][/caption]
It’s a central meeting point that is available for students to come between classes, says Niebur. “It’s a safe environment where they know they’re not going to be judged and can feel safe to express themselves,” he explains. Evidence suggests that veterans who feel supported on campus tend to have increased grade point averages and higher retention and graduation rates, according to an American Council on Education report. UW-L has received accolades for its veteran support. The university has earned a spot on G.I. Jobs list of Military Friendly Schools each year since 2010 and the Student Veterans' Association — now 25 members strong — was recognized as Outstanding Student Organization on the UW-L campus for the 2010-11 academic year. The national Student Veterans of America organization also identified UW-L’s SVA for best practices. UW-L’s veteran student population is estimated at about 250. However, the university is only able to track veterans who self-identify and receive benefits.