Apply for VETS Campus
Description: This section provides detailed information for institutions seeking the Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Campus designation. Eligibility criteria and the steps to apply can be found below for VETS Campus and VETS BRAVO designations.
What it means to be a VETS and VETS Bravo Campus webinar:
To become a VETS Campus each institution must meet the following criteria.
• Conduct an annual campus survey of students who are veterans to identify the views, needs, issues and suggestions of veterans;
• Provide information to faculty and staff about military and veterans’ culture, including combat-related mental or physical disabilities or other challenges;
• Administer orientation programs for students who are veterans;
• Facilitate mentoring and support programs for students who are veterans;
• Develop outreach and communication strategies for military bases located near the campus, for the purpose of assessing veterans’ educational goals and meeting their identified needs;
• Create and maintain a process for the assessment of prior learning that grants academic credit to veterans for transferable training and experience attaining through military service; and
• Provide, on the campus website, information on the availability of prior learning assessments and potential program credit for skills, training or education obtained during military service.
STEPS TO APPLY
1. Download the President's letter template to submit your designation request. The template is designed to submit all items needed to be designated a VETS campus.
2. Gather additional documents, flyers, webpages, news articles, etc. that highlight the campuses efforts in serving veterans.
3. Submit application for review.
To become a VETS Bravo Campus, institutions must meet the following criteria.
- Have been designated a VETS campus for no less than the three-consecutive-year period immediately preceding the date on which the institution submits a request for certification as a VETS Bravo campus;
- Develop a peer mentoring or other similar support program dedicated specifically for veterans and military-connected students;
- Designate a VETS Bravo campus liaison who participates in no less than two professional development activities per year related to veterans; and
- Provide career placement services specifically for veterans.
STEPS TO APPLY
- Download the President's letter template to submit your designation request. The template is designed to submit all items needed to be designated a VETS Bravo campus.
- Gather additional documents, flyers, webpages, news articles, etc. that highlight the campuses efforts in serving veterans
- Submit application for review.
No, you may collect the information in forums such as a town hall, focus group, small group, or interview if the method and demographics surrounding the how it was collected is recorded with the results. Demographics need include method, how many people were in attendance, how many people actively participated, date, time, location and host name of the event.
Results of the survey should include a view, need, issue or obstacle the Veteran is facing or enduring and a recommended way to provide support. The recommendations can be from the student or the school Veteran mentor/liaison; both would be preferred.
Trainings are to be conducted at minimum annually and should be scheduled out at least one semester in advance. Be sure to track attendance to provide to THEC upon completion.
Additional information and resources can be provided to your campus community at any time.
No, this orientation can include a veteran component to the already existing orientation for the school but must include a face-to-face meeting with the veteran mentor and/or the school vets campus liaison. The student must be provided a working phone number and email for their mentor.
At this face to face meeting the student must be provided information on resources available by the school and partners to the school that they are eligible to utilize during their tenure at the school. This information needs to be in writing in an
email or booklet/pamphlet provided to the student (booklet or pamphlet needs to
be given to THEC). This meeting should also include physically showing the student the VET Center and where the VETs Campus Liaisons office is on the school grounds.
Mentorship programs for veterans are structured initiatives designed to support individuals who have served in the military as they pursue higher education. These programs will include assigning a fellow veterans or trained mentor who will provide guidance, encouragement, and resources throughout the educational journey. Overall, this mentorship program needs to aim to enhance the educational experience and increase the likelihood of successful degree completion for veterans.
These programs can include:
- Academic Support: Helping veterans navigate the challenges of college life, including course selection, study strategies, and time management.
- Career Guidance: Offering insights into potential career paths, networking opportunities, and resume building.
- Emotional and Social Support: Providing a sense of community and understanding, helping veterans transition from military to academic environments or mental health support/resources.
- Resource Access: Connecting veterans with scholarships, financial aid, and other educational resources.
Facilities should provide THEC with a list of specific partner organizations/military installations within proximity to the school, and outline how veterans can request their services. This could be as simple as sending an email or scheduling a weekly training session at a specific location. If resources are available by appointment only, please include the average time it takes to secure an appointment. Additionally, if the facility has trained personnel on staff, please provide THEC with their names, contact information, and details about their specific training. Also, explain the process veterans should follow to reach out to these staff or faculty members for assistance.
You are required to obtain the Student Veterans JST and review it for accuracy. You can use ACE and or the SOP Portal on THEC’s website to assess credit for Military Service.
Outline PLA Opportunities:
Clearly explain what Prior Learning Assessment is and how it benefits veterans. Include details on how veterans can earn credit for their military training, work experience, and other non-traditional learning experiences. Highlight that PLA can help reduce the time and cost of completing a degree.
Detail the Process: Provide a step-by-step guide on how veterans can apply for PLA. This should include:
- Eligibility Requirements: List the criteria veterans must meet to participate in the PLA program, such as being a fully matriculated student and having a minimum GPA.
- Portfolio Submission: Explain the process of creating and submitting a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning. Include information on what components are needed, such as an educational goal statement, autobiography, resume, narrative, and supporting documentation.
- Evaluation Fees: Mention any fees associated with the evaluation of PLA portfolios, as well as any workshops available to assist veterans in preparing their submissions.
- Provide Contact Information: Include contact details for the PLA office or a designated staff member who can assist veterans with questions about the process. This should include an email address and phone number.
- Include Resources and Links: Offer links to relevant resources, such as the Servicemember Opportunity Portal and the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines for evaluating military training.
- Information on how to obtain Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts, which are essential for the PLA process.
- Highlight Success Stories: If possible, include testimonials or case studies from veterans who have successfully utilized the PLA program to earn credit. This can motivate and encourage others to take advantage of the opportunity.
By following these guidelines, the campus website can effectively communicate the availability of prior learning assessments and the potential for program credit for veterans, making it easier for them to navigate their educational paths.
No, as a current designated VETS Campus an additional survey is not required. Campuses only need to submit the aggregate results from their survey conducted annually.
Contact:
Kathleen Staple
Director of Veteran Initiatives
Ph: (615) 812-1288
veteran.initiatives@tn.gov
kathleen.staple.@tn.gov