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Learn how our institution is supporting military veterans and their families, fostering a welcoming environment and providing valuable resources and programs. From establishing outreach strategies to developing peer mentoring programs and creating a dedicated online presence, discover our commitment to serving those who have served. Join us in building a supportive community for military veterans on campus.
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The Vets Are Coming, The Vets Are Coming(And now they are here)Response To Diverse Groups On Your Campus Richard Heath, Director Financial Aid Office
Overview • The Post 9/11 GI Bill was signed into law in July of 2008 • Implementation in August of 2009 • Spring 2009 AACC had 474 Veterans • Spring 2010 (603 and still processing)
Goals • Increase AACC’s learning programs and personal enrichment opportunities for military, veterans, and their families. • Identify best practices for serving military, veterans, and their families. • Insure that the military, veterans, and their families have access to a full array of academic and support services
Goals • Create a climate that aids transition to an academic environment and/or reintegration to a work environment. • Provide training opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. • Develop a support system for military, veterans, and their families.
Goals • Expand and/or develop partnerships with the local community and state and national organizations. • Implement an outreach strategy to inform military veterans of academic, professional and personal enrichment opportunities, educational benefits, activities, and support services available at AACC.
Initiatives and Activities Military/veterans @ AACC
Best Practices • Explored best practices. • Surveyed and called two- and four-year institutions (60 institutions); compiled best practices. • Hosted webinars and training for faculty and staff. • Surveyed military/veteran students.
Creating a Presence • Created a Military/Veterans link (http://www.aacc.edu/military/) • Established dedicated email addresses and phone numbers for military/veteran students • Created a virtual community group (ANGEL)
Creating a Presence • Webinars • Post 9/11 GI Bill • A Military-friendly Institution • Presentations (available at AACC website) • Community Outreach • Adult Learner Orientations • Guest speakers • Communications Plan AACC - A military friendly institution
For Students…by students • Established a chapter of Student Veterans of America. • Hired a work study (veteran). • Researched best practices for a veteran-veteran peer mentoring program. • Pilot, fall 2010 • Created a resource center/lounge for military/veteran students.