Veterans
Veteran Services On Campus
(304) 367-4907
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) , online chat , or send a text message to 838255.
Veterans in the Classroom
Do what you already know how to do...
Encourage students to approach you with questions after class and during breaks or to use office hours and email. The relationship with a faculty member or adviser could be the single item that helps the Veteran remain in school.
For instance, this relationship may help the Veteran feel more connected to the campus, may help the Veteran navigate a new system, or feel support from an authority figure. It is important to recognize that a Veteran is a non-traditional student who may hold multiple roles (e.g., parent, spouse, employee, Reservist/Guardsman). Encourage communication and exhibit flexibility related to these many demands.
Further, if a student is a National Guardsmen and has to drill on a weekend, he or she may be away from home from Friday through Monday. This could affect the student's ability to complete an assignment or study for an exam. Some flexibility with assignments, tests, or attendance policies, based upon a particular situation, should be considered. If it is evident that the student is struggling with the material or tests, make a call to the Office of Counseling & Disability Services (304-333-3661) to see how you might approach the student to discuss the issues.
Besides the Veterans’ Services staff, faculty members are the most consistent point of contact for student veterans. There are many different ways that faculty can help student veterans. Start out by doing what you already do with students. (Click on the first icon below for more information.)