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This summer, the responsibilities of the Veterans Resource Center transitioned to Aly Sehl, assistant director for Campus Life. In her new role, Sehl will focus on commuting students and veterans, populations in which there is much overlap. The hope is that the change will offer student soldiers/service members a stronger network of support and the added benefit of various resources available to the Veterans Resource Center by being a part of Campus Life.
The purpose of the Veterans Resource Center is to provide information to veterans and eligible dependents about their benefits, assist them when applying for benefits and to offer a location for them to relax between classes and engage with other veteran students. The center also looks to educate the campus community about student veterans. The goal is to engage and appreciate veterans and their families through programs and recognition events. Due to a staffing shortage, the Veterans Resource Center is currently open by appointment only.
“I am truly excited for the opportunities this new position will provide in advancing services, engagement and networking opportunities for our veteran students. I am always open to hearing feedback from our students on their experience here at Millersville, what they would like to see, and how we can work to make their time here a success,” says Sehl.
The Veterans Resource Center Offers the following amenities and services;
- Information for Veteran Students and eligible dependents on their educational benefits
- Guidance on campus resources
- Opportunity to engage with other veteran students and their family members
- Engagement opportunities outside the classroom
- Outreach to incoming Veteran students
- Community Resources to aid Veteran students
- Small computer lab and printers
- Full kitchen and grill to assist in holding programs
- Bathroom and shower
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Couches and lounge furniture to relax
- Study rooms
- Board games and outdoor yard games
The center will hold a variety of events to occur during the week of Veteran’s Day, November 8-11, 2021. Below is a list of the scheduled events:
Thank A Veteran
Date: November 8 and November 9
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Description: Tabling event in SMC near All Aboard. Campus Life will provide Thank You cards for individuals to fill out for our Veteran Students. Additionally, Campus Life purchased Red Poppy Appreciation Pins to hand out attached to a card that will list ways to thank a veteran for Veterans Day.
Open to ALL Campus
In Honor
Date: November 9
Time: 2 – 5 p.m.
Location: SMC Robert L. Slabinski Atrium
Description: a walk-through poster event to educate campus community on Veterans Day, the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, each branch of Military Service, and how to support our student veterans. Red Poppy Pins will also be handed out to attendees.
Open to ALL Campus
Paws and Relax
Date: November 10
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Veterans Resource Center
Description: Veteran Students and friends are invited to come to the VRC for an afternoon of relaxation with VRC staff and furry paws provided by KPets. Pet Therapy can help someone recover from or cope with physical and/or mental health concerns. It has been known to lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and releases endorphins that have a calming effect. Sometimes we just need to take a “paws” from life and pet a pup. Our goal is to provide a relaxing afternoon for our Veteran Students to enjoy time with therapy animals and each other. Light refreshments will be provided.
Due to size limitations, this event will be open to our Veteran Student and families first, and then University Community as space allows.
Veterans Day Luncheon
Date: November 11
Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Student Memorial Center Reighard Multipurpose Room
Description: Luncheon to thank our student veterans for their service.
Lone Oak Fall Event
Date: Friday, November 12, 2021
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Lone Oak Barn
Description: The Millersville University Veterans Resource Center has partnered with Lone Oak to create our Fall Veteran’s Event! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Millersville University Veterans community, while destressing from school or work with Lone Oak’s horses. We hope to see you there! Transportation available if needed. Contact Aly Sehl at alison.sehl@millersville.edu www.loneoaktherapeutic.org
Additionally, the campus community is encouraged to attend the Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Freedom Memorial Park on November 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Students with questions and concerns regarding Post 9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill benefits, EAP and more should contact the School Certifying Official Kristen Castaldi by email at FA.mail@millersville.edu or by phone at 717-871-5100.
Aly is available via email at Alison.Sehl@millersville.edu or by calling 717-871-4564.
