There is a segment of our student population that is both underrepresented and under supported. About 700 students strong, these men and women have proudly served this nation, and many still do. Honor, duty and loyalty are our watchwords – principles instilled in us by the severity of responsibility involved in the defense and preservation of a great nation.
We are veteran students, and the time has come for the University of Houston to fulfill its obligation to us.
Student veterans are mostly non-traditional students. Many are married with children, many have careers or still serve on reserve status. With current University policies, too many of us slip through the cracks of a flawed system and a clogged bureaucracy.
There are many problems, but there are also solutions. First and foremost, there must be a 90-day payment plan free of fees and interest established for recipients of the G. I. Bill.
This plan would prevent veteran students from being dropped from their classes and allow enough benefits to accumulate in order to pay tuition and fees. To believe a federally and state-funded public university cannot accomplish this is ridiculous. Many other schools do this and it’s time for UH to follow suit.
In addition, the role of the Veterans’ Services Office should be expanded to assist veteran students in certifying their documents directly to the Veterans Affairs headquarters. The current convoluted method places additional burdens on an already strained Registrar’s office.
Addressing these problems immediately would ensure veteran students efficiently receive the opportunities and service we deserve.
In the coming student elections, the candidates who have pledged their support to our cause are: College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Senate Seat No. 5 Amod Ahmed, CLASS Senate Seat No. 2 Abdul Khan, At-Large Senate Seat No. 3 Kelly Waterman, At-Large Senate Seat No. 4 Tommy Kirby and Presidential candidate Kelli Harper.
To enact positive change, it takes not only the voices of veteran students, but it also our fellow students, faculty and staff who desire to see commitments honored those who have served in the armed forces.
Christopher Webb, vice president of the Veterans Collegiate Society and political science senior, can be reached via [email protected].
