What Is VetSuccess?
Webster University and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) have partnered to bring a VetSuccess on Campus Counselor (VSOC) to Webster University. Webster is one of only 94 schools nationwide to have a VSOC counselor on campus.
The VSOC program aims to help student Veterans and their qualified dependents succeed and thrive through a coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling leading to completion of their education and preparing them to enter the labor market in viable careers.
What Do VSOC Counselors Provide?
- Communication with student Veterans and their dependents to address questions regarding VA education benefits, health services, and general VA benefits.
- Community and on-campus outreach to connect with new and potential students on campus and to bring awareness to the VSOC program.
- Educational and Vocational Assessments and Counseling to help individuals choose a vocational direction and determine the course of action needed to achieve the chosen goal. Assistance may include interest and aptitude testing, occupational exploration, setting occupational goals, locating the right type of training programs, and exploring educational or training facilities which might be utilized to achieve those occupational goals.
Am I eligible for educational and vocational counseling?
You are eligible if you are:
- A transitioning Service Member who is within six months prior to discharge from active duty, or Veterans within one year following discharge from active duty.
- A student Veteran or qualified dependent who is eligible for and has entitlement to
VA education assistance under The Post-9/11, Montgomery or select Reserve G.I. Bills:
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Reserve Educational Assistance Program
- Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program, and
- The Dependents' Educational Assistance Program
Survivors and Dependents Assistance
We provide education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain Veterans. Additional information, as well as VA Form 22-5490, Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits, may be found here.
- Adjustment counseling to resolve problems that interfere with completion of education programs and entrance into employment.
- Referrals for health services, including mental health treatment through VHA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, or Vet centers.
- Assistance to Veterans applying for other VA benefits such as VA Home Loan, Compensation, Pension, etc.
- Referrals to community services and organizations as needed.
- Veteran Mentorship Program provides a student-to-student support structure for newly arriving veterans on campus by pairing existing Webster veteran students with a freshman or transfer veteran student.
Webster's VetSuccess On Campus Counselor (VSOC)
Jason Blakemore MA, CRC
314-246-8079
Jason.Blakemore@va.gov
Additional information including VA Form 28-8832, Educational/Vocational Counseling Application
Become a Gorlok
Whether you’re seeking to start your academic journey or continue what you already started, we'll help you achieve academic excellence while serving for your country. The first step is to fill out our application.