Out Of Uniform Into Classroom
By William Humbird
On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Service Members’ Readjustment Act of 1944, more commonly known as the GI Bill. The bill opened the door for members of the U.S. military returning from World War II to attend universities, as well as receive U.S. military backed loans.
Forty years later, U.S. Rep. Gillespie V. “Sonny” Montgomery of Mississippi sponsored an update to the GI Bill, changing its name to the Montgomery GI Bill.
In 2008, Congress updated the GI Bill again. The newest update covers more educational expenses for veterans, including books, living expenses and even allows veterans to pass unused benefits to spouses or children.
Beyond the GI Bill, the government has set up the STARS program to translate military experience into college hours.
Universities now have to determine the best way to help veterans take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government.
Anthony Jenkins, dean of students, has been working on assisting veterans in making the transition from service member to student.
“How do we make this a more veteran-friendly campus?” Jenkins asked. “How can we show we appreciate their service and we understand?”
One of the first steps came to fruition this semester with the creation of the University of Houston-Clear Lake Student Veterans Association, but Jenkins feels there is more to be done.
“What I would like to see is us [UHCL] set up a Veteran Affairs office on this campus,” Jenkins said. “We don’t have a place where a vet can get help from start to finish.”
Jenkins personally understands the soldier-to-student transition. He served in the U.S. Army during the first Gulf War. His transitional experience was made easy because of Fayetteville State University’s close relationship with Fort Bragg.
Chris Curry, communication major and SVA’s Student Government representative, seconded the notion.
“We need a veteran assistant on campus who knows all the benefits the military gives,” Curry said.
Curry has had frustrations using the GI Bill ever since leaving the U.S. Navy in the summer of 2006.
“The College of the Mainland didn’t know how to activate the GI Bill,” Curry remembered. He had similar issues with UHCL as his GI Bill did not register until two weeks before the semester began.
“I was able to use the full amount provided by the GI Bill at both campuses; however, the process of receiving military benefits should be improved,” Curry said.
Jenkins hopes to remove any stress caused by unnecessary delays.
“The Office of Admissions has been working to remove roadblocks and anything that would be a hindrance to someone coming in from the military,” Jenkins said. “We are working with the government to help streamline the process to make sure veterans don’t lose funding.”
Getting veterans enrolled is just the first phase though.
“Phase two is how to support vets when they get to campus,” Jenkins said. “We have outstanding counselors here and they are certified in handling Post–traumatic stress.”
Jenkins feels that UHCL is ahead of the curve on veteran issues, and he is expecting a spike in the veteran population.
“When the president brings people home, we are going to see a growing number of veterans seeking higher education,” Jenkins said. “I think that we are on the right course and I am confident we are making the right steps.”
For any current or returning veterans, Jenkins has one piece of advice.
“If the campus is not welcoming or not supportive or if there are services that they that need that we do not have, they should come talk to me,” Jenkins said.
For information regarding the SVA, their e-mail address is uhcl.sva@gmail.com.
“The SVA is not a recruiting tool,” Curry noted. “We only do whatever we can to help our returning veterans in their transition to student life.”
