Webinar on supporting and serving student veterans offered June 23, 2010

Wednesday, June 23, 10-11:30 a.m.
Student Union, Lyla Richards Conference Room (Room 103)

The Dean of Students Office invites you to attend the "Veterans and Mental Health: Supporting and Serving the Emotional Needs of Student Veterans" webinar hosted by PaperClip Communications on June 23 at 10-11:30 a.m. in the Lyla Richards Conference Room. Snacks and refreshments will be available. Please contact Denise Eggers at (907) 786-6152 if you have questions.

About the webinar:

As a result of the New GI Bill, campuses across the country have seen an increase in the number of veterans attending college. And, according to the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, colleges can expect to see a 25 percent increase in the number of veterans going to school over the next two to three years.

Veterans bring valuable maturity and experience to campus, but they're also faced with mental and emotional challenges not typical of other incoming students. Mental health can be challenged while serving in the armed forces, especially in combat. According to research following the early years of the current conflicts in the Middle East, 11-20 percent of veterans developed PTSD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and depression are just some of the emotional challenges some student veterans may face.

Join our expert presenter, Dr. Perry Francis, as he guides you through understanding and learning about:

• Who are today's veterans and what are their mental health needs?
• What are the challenges faced by student veterans as they transition into academic settings?
• What do you need to know about stress and anxiety disorders common among veterans due to ordeals they may have encountered in combat?
• What signs and symptoms should you be aware of as an indication that counseling may be helpful?
• What common mistakes are made in addressing the mental health needs of student veterans?