Golden West College VETERAN S SERVICES. You served us. Now we are here to serve you! Cerritos

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1 Golden West College VETERAN S SERVICES You served us. Now we are here to serve you! 1 Cerritos

2 Objectives This orientation will provide you with information about the following: Veterans Education Benefits Veteran Services on Campus Veterans Resource Center Transitional Issues Faced by Veterans Resources and Websites 2

3 Applying for Benefits The first step to start receiving your education benefits is to apply for them by filling out the Veterans On-Line Application: Select your G.I. Bill Educational Benefits Chapter See a list of chapters at Visit the Veterans Services Office in Admissions and Records for a priority registration date 3

4 Forms Needed Along with your certificate of eligibility, the following forms are all needed to receive benefits: Copy of DD-214 or DD-2384 (Active Reserves) Official Transcripts: Veterans must submit official transcripts to the Golden West College Admissions Office from all prior schools attended within four week of being admitted or certification may be delayed. Completed VA Responsibility Form 4

5 Register for Classes You must first complete the online New Student Orientation from your MyGWC to get cleared to register for classes. After you register for classes, you only have 48 hours to pay fees or you will be dropped. All vets/dependents, except CH33, must pay their fees at the time of registration or they will be dropped for non-payment. CH33 vets/dependents must either pay or request a fee deferral in the Veterans Services Office or they will be dropped for non-payment. 5

6 Student Education Plan (SEP) Once all documents have been received, you can book an appointment with a Counselor to discuss your academic objective and create a Student Educational Plan (SEP). Call the Counseling Office at (714) to schedule an appointment and remember to identify yourself as a Veteran. The VA requires all students to declare a major! The counselor can assist with course selection, career guidance, and college success strategies. If you take courses not on your SEP, you will not get paid by the VA! 6

7 Student Education Plan (SEP) Once you have your completed SEP, you turn it in to the certifying official at the Veterans Services Office. In addition, you must complete the request for certification form. Request for certification needs to completed prior to the start of each semester! Payment for courses and BAH occurs several weeks later and only after all documents have been received. 7

8 Veterans Resource Center (VRC) The Veterans Resource Center Located on the south side of the central quad, next to the Administration Building 8

9 Veterans Resource Center (VRC) The Veterans Resource Center Offers: Representatives from organizations such as U.S. Vets, O.C. Vets and the Veterans Administration who visit the center to provide additional information about VA benefits, housing, personal counseling, and referrals to other services. A meeting place for the GWC Student Veteran Organization. Computer and printer access. A place to study, share resources, and socialize with fellow veterans. 9

10 Transitioning to College You may want to be aware of some obstacles Veterans often face when transitioning from the military into college: Difficulty sleeping due to hyper-vigilance or nightmares. Side effects from medications Alcohol and/or drug use as a coping mechanism Physical disabilities Mental health issues such as PTSD, TBI, or MST The Student Health Center, ACE, and Counseling Center are here to assist you if you experience any of these challenges.

11 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Signs and Symptoms PTSD is the inability to flip the switch from combat soldier to every day citizen to stop reliving the war at so high a frequency that it interferes with the ability to function. Betsy Streisand, U.S. News & World Report, Oct Insomnia Flashbacks Hyper vigilance Memory problems Poor concentration Depression Anxiety Irritability Emotional numbing Avoidance

12 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Mild TBI (mtbi) is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Signs and Symptoms Insomnia/sleep problems Impaired memory Poor concentration/attention Depression Anxiety Irritability/mood changes Headache Dizziness/imbalance Excessive Fatigue: physical and mental Noise/light intolerance Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Vision change, blurred vision

13 Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Any unwanted sexual attention, uninvited sexual advances, or forced sex while in the military MST can negatively impact a person s mental and physical health, manifesting in a number of symptoms even years later Sexual assault occurs twice as often in the military as it does within civilian society 40% of homeless women veterans have been sexually assaulted while serving in the armed forces Signs and Symptoms Disturbing memories or nightmares Difficulty feeling safe Feelings of depression or numbness Problems with alcohol or other drugs Feeling isolated from other people Problems with anger or irritability Problems with sleep Physical health problems

14 Potential triggers to be aware of Timed tests can cause hyper arousal and difficulty with concentration Inability to get a seat in the back of the classroom or near an exit can elevate stress Loud noises, the sound of people running, or smells can bring back combat memories Anniversary dates, war movies or television shows, and political discussions can evoke anxiety

15 Valuable Assets Vets Bring to Campus Outstanding leadership qualities A desire to serve as mentors and assist others Maturity, motivation, and discipline Enthusiasm about learning in the classroom Diversity of life experience

16 Resources GWC Tutoring Center located in the LRC Building VA s Tutorial Assistance (VA Form t) Vet Center Counseling Services: Educational benefits: Traumatic Brain Injury Information: TBI Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center: PTSD (National Center for PTSD): VetNet-a career service for veterans: Orange County Vet Center: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs G.I. Bill Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America iava.org Student Veterans of America Information on Benefits for OEF/OIF Vets: OEF/OIF Vets Information on Earned Benefits: Scholarships for Veterans:

17 Technical Education Programs On the home page of this website under resources, click on Directories, then click on Prospective Student/Returning Veterans Guide to California Community College Industrial & Technical Education Programs/Skills Training. Programs are shown in the right column. On the left margin under MAPS, click on CC Technology Programs. When loaded, look to the right side of School Information and click on Collapse All. You will now see a listing of technology programs. Click on a specific technology programs, and community colleges with this program will be listed.

18 ~ Thank You ~ Good luck and we hope you enjoy your time here at GWC! The Veterans Services Office and Counseling Center is available if you need additional information or assistance.

Responding to the Needs of Justice-Involved Veterans. Mark Mayhew, LCSW VA Justice Outreach Coordinator

Responding to the Needs of Justice-Involved Veterans Mark Mayhew, LCSW VA Justice Outreach Coordinator There is inherent sympathy for those who sustain damage in defense of country, whether that damage