Returning Military Services

Supporting Each Returning Veteran in the College Experience (SERVICE)

The SERVICE program is designed to help returning veterans adjust and succeed during their college experience. The students will meet weekly with an Academic Counselor to help determine their needs, and what strengths they have that will help them reach their goals. The counselor and the students work together to identify the skills gained in the military which are positive attributes and will help them succeed in civilian and academic life.

For any returning veterans who would like more information about utilizing the program or classroom accommodations, contact Shelley Stevens at 314-246-8284 or shelleystevens@webster.edu.

How does the SERVICE program help with the new adjustments returning veterans face?

Student begins by filling out an intake form with the counselor/advisor to help them get to know each other better.

• Establish and maintain relationships with fellow students AND college faculty/staff
• Find meaning and purpose in life apart from the identity as a soldier
• Develop good academic habits
• Pay attention to physical well-being
• Prepare to talk about your war experience
• Connect with other veterans

For more information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury please review our informational handout.

What is the theory behind the SERVICE program?

Our service provides veteran students with a Strength-Based approach to Academic Counseling.

Strength-Based counseling focuses on the student’s areas of strength rather than their weaknesses.

The faculty member helps the student apply his/her strengths to new and challenging tasks

Many veterans feel that the skills they have learned in the military are useless. (e.g., “There isn’t a job out there that has a requirement of pulling a trigger. I don’t know what I’m good at.”)By using a strength based approach the faculty member can help the student realized that the skills he/she gained in the military are desirable and will help him succeed:

• Dedication
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Thriving in situations of diversity
• Working under pressure
• Respecting procedures
• Communication skills
• Critical decision making skills

What does the SERVICE program include?

• Learning Strategies
• Academic Counseling
• Peer Tutoring
• Time Management/Organization
• Goal Setting
• Problem Solving
• Educational Planning