Veterans and their families attending the University of Maryland Global Campus have a place they can visit personally or virtually that meets their unique educational needs.
Vessey Veteran Resource Center is a comprehensive resource that provides information to military-connected UMGC students that assists them in making informed educational decisions and transitioning to civilian life, explained Kristin Byerly, UMGC’s director of Veterans Initiatives for Stateside Military Operations.
“Not only do we have a physical veterans’ lounge, but we also have a virtual student union,” Kristin said
.From application to diploma, UMGC has its veteran students covered
Named in honor of UMGC alumnus Army Gen John W. Vessey Jr., the resource center offers career, tutoring, and other resources to veteran students.
“Two student veterans are on hand to answer general questions,” Byerly said.
Located on UMGC’s Largo, Maryland campus, the resource center and Hildebrand Lounge are open Monday through Thursday from 10"30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and from noon to 3 p.m. Friday. It provides local, state, and federal resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs and third-party organizations.
“It’s a meeting place for our student veterans to come in and regroup,” Byerly said.
Military-connected students can also meet with dedicated military and veteran staffers who can help with transitioning out of the service. into the classroom and a civilian career, Byerly added.
GI Bill continues to improve the lives of veterans and their families
Vessey Veterans Resource Center offers a virtual student union exclusively for UMGC's military and veterans community.
The online service allows students to not only connect with others who have a military affiliation but also provides information about academic success and career opportunities.
The virtual student union is available to veterans as well as all transitioning members of the military who are planning to separate within the next two years. It has more than 6,500 users.