New Veteran Services Program Available

Free Nov. 4 Program for New Vets on Campus

October 29, 2008

Military veterans are invited to take part in a Tuesday, Nov. 4, program “CSUF Services for the New Veteran: Are We Doing Enough?” from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 205 of University Hall. Moderated by Joseph Chang, coordinator for Veteran Student Services, student veterans will share their stories of transition into civilian life following active duty.

When veterans become students, they often face transition problems, adjustment concerns, anxiety and, in some instances, post traumatic stress disorders, particularly among veterans who have recently been in combat, noted Chang, who has served in Iraq.

“When you’re in the military, it serves as your family,” he said. “When vets return, they’re still looking for that connection.”

The problems aren’t only related to readjusting to civilian life … they are about dealing with coordinating payments with the GI Bill, learning what previous college-level courses may be transferable and working on a plan to combine work, study and time with their families. That’s where the new Veteran’s Service Program comes in.

Chang started a veterans’ group last year. This year, the program is more formalized and Chang, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human services last May, hopes to develop discussion groups and mentoring programs for returning vets.

“It’s good to be able to meet with vets one-on-one,” Chang explained. “We can help them with a variety of problems and refer them to folks who can help with specifics: post-traumatic stress disorder, feelings of isolation, family counseling — whatever they need.

“We also can assist with such areas as answering questions they may have about the GI bill and the many practical matters they may face.”

Chang hopes to develop programs to focus on counseling and guidance, referrals, discussion groups, workshops and special events, career connections and veteran internships and peer mentoring programs.

For more information on the program, contact Joseph Chang at jjchang@fullerton.edu or call 278-8660.

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