Agenda. Overview. Bill Smith, BSW, MS University of Missouri Kansas City. Sheryl Frye, LCSW Northern Illinois University

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1 Agenda 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Overview Sheryl Frye, LCSW Northern Illinois University Bill Smith, BSW, MS University of Missouri Kansas City Martha Mead Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Ron Goldman, Co-Founder Kognito Interactive Agenda: 1. Current situation and challenges (5 min) 2. Intro by each panel member (30 min) 3. Panel discussion/q&a from audience (15 min)

2 Kognito Interactive Online Training Simulations on Suicide Prevention & Resiliency Skills Family of Heroes At-Risk fo High School Educators Veterans on Campus At-Risk for University Faculty & Students Peer-reviewed research, SPRC/AFSP Best Practice Registry, Under review for inclusion in SAMHSA s evidence-based registry (NREPP) Among Student Veterans Status 800,000 student veteranson campus today (set to rise 500,000 in the upcoming decade). Student Veteran drop-out rates are at higher than non-veterans (some studies suggest 70%drop rates compared to 45% and 25% for non-veteran students at two-year and four-year colleges, respectively) 1/3 of previously deployed military personneland veterans showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and/ordepression (RAND Corporation) Nearly half of student veterans report thinking of suicide and 20%said they had planned to kill themselves (Student Veterans of America) Number one priority for universities serving veterans is to train faculty (American Council on Education)

3 Sheryl Frye Northern Illinois University About School: Located in DeKalb, IL: 65 miles west of Chicago Student population: 23,000 Student veterans: 800 (700 use VA educational benefits or have selfidentified as veterans on admission materials) 20% of the student veterans are female Office of Military Students Services Founded 1.5 years ago (08/10) VA Certifying Official is located in this office Role: work with VA Official, meet together with students, refer to on and off campus resources, provide coaching to students Web: Sheryl Frye Northern Illinois University 1. Military Student Services Lounge: Space for student veterans to study and gather Offer programs that include opportunities for students to meet campus professionals in an informal setting MSS social worker visits with students on a regular basis in thelounge about non-sensitive academic or career related topics 2. Faculty & Staff Training: Professional development panel presentation for faculty and staff Student veterans serve as presenters on a panel Topics include absences due to military service or VA appointments and sensitive lecture topics Program participants receive a small sign for their office door stating they are a military student supporter

4 Sheryl Frye Northern Illinois University 3. Resiliency Coaching Model: Strength based coaching approach Encourages student veterans to develop their academic interests Facilitates civilian career development Provides support for students exploration of moral issues and sense of purpose in life Addresses physical and emotional health through referrals to VA and campus service providers About School: Student population: 14,500 Student veterans: 335 (2% of students) 20% of the student veterans are female Office & Role: Health Educator at Counseling Center no designated veteran office Currently in Place at UMKC: Veteran Certifying Official Student Veterans Virtual Resource Center Student Veterans Organization Student Veterans Advisory Committee KC-BANCS Web:

5 1. College Health Behavior Survey (MCHBS) Development of stand alone survey to assess military and veteran students Purpose is to identify tactics to better support military and veteran students 2. UMKC Advisory Committee for Student Veterans Newly established advisory committee Charge and purpose Survey of UMKC military and veteran students Initial report and recommendations About: Established in 2008 to serve Virginia's 823,000 veterans A legislatively mandated program operated by the Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services, Dept. of BHDS and the Dept. of Rehabilitative Services. We Are Virginia Veterans on Campus Conference (8/09 VMI): Virginia is 5 th in nation in number of GI Bill beneficiaries bringing over $400 million to Virginia colleges and universities, and Expected influx of student veterans Opportunity to develop relationship with VWWP at state and local level Web:

6 Conference Findings/What Works: Veterans are reluctant to seek help from Disability Office because of labels/stigma Orientation for student veterans and assistance with admissions,benefits, transition to campus life (+ identify special veteran populations) Dedicated office to assist military/veteran students Creating a central place for veterans to meet (student veterans organizations and groups are very active on campus) Need to train faculty and staff on creating a supportive environment for students Examples: Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech George Mason University/NOVA Community Colleges Longwood University VWWP Services to Colleges/Universities: Counseling services on campus to support the school s in house resources and connection to community resources Support for conference, training, events, and on-campus student peer support groups

7 Contact Information Bill Smith, BSW, MS University of Missouri Kansas City Sheryl Frye, LCSW Northern Illinois University Martha Mead Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Ron Goldman, Co-Founder Kognito Interactive Overview Sheryl Frye, LCSW Northern Illinois University Bill Smith, BSW, MS University of Missouri Kansas City Ron Goldman, Co-Founder Kognito Interactive Martha Mead Virginia Wounded Warrior Program