Action is being taken to ensure post Sept. 11 veterans receive educational funds and support from universities.
UH Veterans’ Services Office held a seminar June 18 for local higher education schools on the basics of providing an adequate Veterans’ Resource Center on their campuses.
Allen Grundy, UH Director of the Veterans’ Service Office, said UH is one of the leading provider of veteran services.
‘Our facility is the one in the state that is the model,’ Grundy said. ‘We are looking to develop the idea and to motivate schools and colleges without legislation to do what they need to do for the veterans.’
UH has a history of working with veterans dating back to the influx of returning soldiers who enrolled in the university following World War II.
‘The University is indebted to the veterans not only for their service, but also for the enrollment they provide,’ said Dr. Elwyn Lee, vice chancellor and vice president of Student Affairs. ‘I’m not sure UH would be here were it not for the [WW II] G.I. Bill.’
The importance of a holistic approach in aiding veterans was stressed throughout the seminar. Speakers were present to address everything from facilitating the admissions process to on-campus support, including Counseling and Psychological Services, Career Services, Center for Student with Disabilities, and ROTC programs, as well as faculty involvement and education.
Connie Jacksits, director of the Texas Veterans Commission’s Veterans Educational Program, was present to provide an overview of legislation schools expect to encounter regarding veteran educational benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill is set to go into effect on Aug. 1, 2009.
The bill will grant up to 100 percent coverage for tuition and fees, paid directly to the school, for up to 36 months depending on length of service. A monthly housing stipend and a stipend for books and supplies is also available. Veterans will be given a period of fifteen years to apply for the new GI Bill.
UH continues to improve services for current and prospective veteran students. The Veterans’ Services Office is teaming up with the Bush Cares Foundation to establish the ‘Leave No Vet Behind’ scholarship for veterans with financial need who no longer qualify for the GI Bill.
UH Professor Lawrence J. H. Schulze said he is in the process of collecting funds for the proper training of faculty and staff so they may better understand veteran student issues and the resources available for them at UH.
For more information on veteran affairs, visit the Veterans’ Services Office website at http://www.uh.edu/veterans
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