September 15th, 2009
Texas State welcomes veterans

STAFF REPORT

Faculty and staff volunteers wrapped yellow ribbons around lamp posts, signs, benches and even the huge marble pillars of the Alkek Library to welcome military veterans to a new semester at Texas State.

“It’s about making the Texas State community aware that there are veterans on campus and in the classrooms,” said Sheila Bustillos Reynolds, coordinator, retention, management and planning.  “As well as welcoming veterans, it’s about awareness.  We wanted the rest of the community to ask questions.”

Texas State provides a variety of services and activities for its more than 1,000 veterans. “G.I. Jobs” magazine has recognized Texas State as one of the top “military friendly” campuses in the country.

“One of their criteria is bringing awareness about veterans to the student population,” said Texas State Assistant Registrar Melissa Hyatt. “We also offer a number of other services to our veterans from counseling to career services, financial aid advising and others.”

Christopher Schave served in the Air Force before coming to Texas State and is the president of the Veteran’s Alliance. The Alliance is a student organization for veterans to discuss common concerns, learn about university resources and socialize with fellow veterans. Shave said there are a variety of concerns that a student who is coming out of the military may have that could be foreign to a traditional student.

“You have individuals coming out of combat situations who may need counseling or could have environmental concerns in crowded areas or classrooms,” Schave said.  “But you also have people who may have questions about managing their financial aid with their resources from the G.I. Bill.”

Schave said the age difference between older students coming out from the military and freshly graduated high school students can sometimes present a maturity gap. The problem is familiar to those who are Vietnam vets and those who attended college with them. Sometimes just having a place to connect and meet with people who have had a common experience can be comforting.

Question about veteran’s resources, services or events can be answered at the Veterans Affairs Office (512) 245-2641 or through email at veteransaffairs@txstate.edu.

Questions about the Texas Veteran’s Alliance should be directed to Christopher Schave at cs1664@txstate.edu.