Many of the 34,000-plus GI Bill-certified colleges have military resource centers. Indeed, these colleges for military students provide a second home for them. There are more than 820,000 military and veteran students across the United States.
What makes military resources important for military and veteran students? Why have military resource centers in the first place?
Military and veteran students face unique challenges, including:
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- Unpredictable deployments
- Extended training periods
- Remote assignments or deployments
- Frequent relocations
- Intensive workloads
- Balancing family and work commitments
Their college journeys become affected by these unique challenges, too. This is where military resource centers in colleges come in.
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What Are Military Resource Centers?
Military resource centers provide extensive support services for military students. These dedicated facilities also provide resources for veterans in college. Note that military and veteran students have different needs, too. Families of military and veteran students can also access their services.
Every military resource center has its specific mission and vision. But their shared goals include:
- Provide military and veteran students with comprehensive student support services and resources
- Promote the academic success of military and veteran students
- Enable military and veteran students to enjoy effective military-to-civilian life transition
- Ensure their physical well-being and mental health while in college
- Foster a sense of community and belongingness
Indeed, military resource centers are the go-to facilities for military and veteran students.
The wide range of useful services available at military resource centers makes it so.
Military students attend orientation programs that introduce them to available services and resources. Be sure to attend these orientation programs, especially if these are virtual sessions. You won’t feel like a fish out of water on your first day if you do.
You will receive relevant information the entire year, too. The admission-to-graduation services include information about flexible learning options and transfer credits.
Academic support
Military students receive academic advising services from day one. Your academic advisor will work with you in creating your personalized academic plan. Think of it as your guidepost toward graduation.
You can also request one-on-one and group tutoring in case you’re struggling. Many centers also offer writing- and math-related services. You will find that your academic struggles become manageable when you ask for help.
Mental health counseling services
Many military and veteran students face mental health issues. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are oft-cited issues, especially among veteran students. These mental health issues have a negative impact on students, particularly on their academic performance.
Military resource centers offer mental health counseling services and wellness checks. Stress management programs, peer-to-peer support, and crisis intervention services are common, too.
If you’re battling mental health issues, you can access these services. Military resource centers offer help and withhold judgment, the perfect combo.
Financial aid guidance
The GI Bill programs can be challenging to understand, and it’s tempting to let them go. You can, fortunately, receive useful information and guidance about your financial aid options. Everything, from your eligibility, application forms, and following up, is available.
You will also receive financial planning and counseling if you want. The better your financial health, the better your focus on your studies.
Career development services
Military resource centers go beyond college, too. You have access to career development services, including resume and interview workshops. Internship opportunities, job fairs, and job placement aid are also available.
Military and veteran students face challenges in their job transition. Finding yourself in a less structured work environment is a common experience. Struggling with translating your military experience for your civilian job is another. Doing interviews with a civilian mindset can be a struggle, too.
You must take advantage of the career development services available. Your military-to-civilian job transition becomes easier.
Community and family support
Military and veteran students can struggle with creating a college community, too. While it’s easier to stick with their military-affiliated peers, it isn’t advisable. This is where the community and family support services of these centers come in.
Social events where military and civilian students mingle are popular. Student veteran associations create a sense of community. Peer-to-peer mentorships provide inspiration, information, and support. Family support services include family counseling and childcare services.
Legal aid and advocacy
Military and veteran students may have challenges advocating for themselves. These centers advocate on their behalf and, thus, contribute to their academic success. Legal aid comes in many forms, including benefits claims and discharge status.
Military resource centers play vital roles in the success of military students. Of course, it’s still your responsibility to maximize their services and resources. Think of them as a tool at your disposal – either you use it or don’t.
Top 10 Colleges with Military Resource Centers
We selected these universities based on their excellent military resource centers. These universities also offer online academic programs in diverse disciplines. Online programs represent the best in flexibility, accessibility, and affordability.
These military resource centers have physical on-campus facilities. For the best delivery of services, most of its services are available online, too.
Syracuse University
Syracuse has a consistent presence in the best military-friendly colleges. The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs provides excellent services and resources. These include the Clear Path for Veterans and the wellness and counseling services. Financial literacy services and aid for accessing veterans’ education benefits are available.
Students can also apply to the SALUTE Society, an honors program. Check out the Vet Center Program, VA VetSuccess Program, and the Veterans Legal Clinic.
University of Southern California
The USC Veterans Resource Center provides GI Bill information and guidance. Here, military students have access to computer stations and a study center. Social events, networking opportunities, and counseling services are available year-round.
Career development services through in-person sessions and video formats are available, too. There’s an exclusive online mentoring program for military students. The 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line is an emergency hotline.
Arizona State University
The Pat Tillman Veterans Center serves military students and their families. Military-connected students have access to academic support, career development, and financial aid services. Here, dedicated advisors provide admission-to-graduation support specifically designed for them.
University of Texas at Austin
The Veteran and Military Affiliated Services provides information about financial aid for military students. Dedicated staff members walk students through the entire process.
Academic support services include academic planning, counseling and peer-to-peer mentoring. VA counselors address mental health issues among military students. Community-building and networking activities are also offered.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
The Military and Veterans Resource Center is a one-stop hub for military students. There’s an MVRC Social Space for relaxation and socialization. Military students have access to computer stations, conference rooms, and counseling rooms. Excellent academic support and career development services are available, too.
San Diego State University
The Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center provides student support services exclusively for military students. Here, extensive guidance about the GI Bill and scholarships for veterans is available. Military students praise the excellent transition services, too. Academic advising, mental health counseling, and networking activities are part of the package.
Florida State University
The Military and Veterans Student Center provides outstanding student support services for military students. Personalized academic advising is just the start. Dedicated advisors provide application-to-approval guidance about tuition assistance for military personnel.
Transition assistance services through workshops and counseling are available. Study spaces and lounges are excellent for networking and socialization. There’s even a Strategies for Veteran Success Course.
University of Michigan
The Veteran and Military Services Office is the one-stop hub for military students. The extensive services and resources available contribute to student retention and success. Families of military students are also welcome to access these useful services.
These include VA education benefits certification and veteran student support. Military students can discuss their non-GI Bill financial aid options. Academic advising, transition support, and career counseling are accessible. Community building and networking activities are available, too. Advocacy for military students is also on its agenda.
Texas A&M University
The Veteran Resource and Support Center is a dedicated space for military students. The extensive admission-to-graduation services contribute to a high graduation rate. These include academic planning, tutoring, and peer mentoring services. Students praise the useful personal counseling services and resource referrals, too.
Ohio State University
The Office of Military and Veterans Services provides a wide range of military-focused services. Military students start on the right foot with academic advising and counseling. Priority registration for classes is available.
Orientation sessions introduce students to college life and available resources. Financial aid services include GI Bill certification and application. Military students also have access to VA work-study programs. Peer and veteran mentoring programs create a community of like-minded people.
Conclusion
Military resource centers offer specialized services and resources especially intended for military students. These dedicated spaces represent a safe space for military students as they navigate college life.
As a military student, you should maximize these specialized services and resources. There’s no shame or harm in asking for help, regardless of your status. Your college experience will be the best, too, because of your community.