New student-veterans welcomed to campus

The first-ever “Meet and Greet Social” for student veterans, dependents, and service members took place on Thursday, Sept. 4 in the College’s Student Union Building.

Sponsored by the Office of Veteran and Military Services and Student Accounts, nearly 50 students and 20 faculty and staff attended the event aimed at providing opportunities for new students to mingle with peers and meet members of the College’s leadership team.

“We thought it would be a good idea to host this event so that our students could meet everyone involved with helping to ensure their educational success while attending New Paltz,” said Jason Gilliland, coordinator of veteran and military services. “It gave students the opportunity to meet one another, administrators a chance to meet some of our students, and provided an overview of the services we provide from the application process to graduation and everything in between.”

Gilliland, who was appointed coordinator this spring, supports the coordination and development of a wide range of educational outreach, support, and referral services for SUNY New Paltz student-veterans, service members, and their dependents.

“Our office’s No. 1 goal is to be advocates in the best interest of the student veteran, service member, or their dependents,” he said. “Veteran students are typically adult learners. They’re older, with a lot more responsibilities. We’re here to assist them in making a smooth transition from military life to that of a student.”

For more information about services offered to SUNY New Paltz student veterans, dependents, and service members, please visit http://www.newpaltz.edu/veterans/.