Wed, Dec 03 2008
|
|
Published October 12, 2008 10:58 pm - OKLAHOMA CITY — With many service members returning home and enrolling in colleges and universities, higher education officials are being asked to help them transition from the battlefield to the classroom. About 7,000 veterans attend Oklahoma colleges now, but that number is expected to grow next year because the new GI Bill, which offers financial assistance, will greatly expand benefits. Veterans’ numbers in college to increase The Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — With many service members returning home and enrolling in colleges and universities, higher education officials are being asked to help them transition from the battlefield to the classroom. About 7,000 veterans attend Oklahoma colleges now, but that number is expected to grow next year because the new GI Bill, which offers financial assistance, will greatly expand benefits. Maj. Matt Faubion, a military psychiatrist, told those attending a conference for Oklahoma higher education officials last week that he’s not surprised that one in five service members return from Iraq and Afghanistan with problems such as post-traumatic stress. While more veterans are coming home alive than in past conflicts, they bring with them physical injuries and memories of death and destruction, Faubion said. Post-traumatic stress can occur after someone has been through a traumatic event such as combat or military exposure, sexual or physical abuse, a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. The person may feel scared, confused or angry and find it hard to continue with daily activities. Faubion said colleges can help service members by acknowledging their special needs and offering counseling, he said. For combat soldiers, hypervigilance is key to survival and pose a problem in a classroom setting. The veteran may have trouble concentrating and may be easily startled, preferring to sit near a doorway. “They have learned that safe places aren’t safe, so your classrooms may not feel safe,” Faubion said. Smaller classes can be helpful, and students who are veterans should know about academic, mental health and disability resources. “As long as they are engaged in the education system, they’ll need help,” Faubion said. Tulsa Community College has opened a veterans’ center at its metro campus. It’s a place for former troops to relax and find out about programs and services in the Tulsa area. Many campuses offer peer support through student veterans groups. Veterans Upward Bound programs at East Central University and Cameron University offer help with preparing for courses, time management and study skills. The veterans affairs office at Rose State College helps students navigate the GI Bill and offers tutoring and work-study placement. 
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
More from the State News section
Kansas: Lawmakers plan to deal with coal plants again Oklahoma: Bill targets religious discrimination in schools Missouri: Senator seeks to dampen river parties |
Print this story
E-mail this story
Post to del.icio.us
Discuss this story
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
The Joplin Globe Publishing Company 117 East Fourth Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Using our site is your agreement to the terms and conditions. News: news@joplinglobe.com • (417)623-3480 Advertise with the Joplin Globe Copyright © 2006 The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO All rights reserved. |
Popular Business directory links - Joplin Apartments | Joplin Attorneys | Joplin Auto Dealers | Joplin Auto Parts | Joplin Auto Repair | Joplin Beauty Salons | Joplin Car Rental | Joplin Dentists | Joplin Doctors | Joplin Flowers | Joplin Hotels | Joplin Insurance | Joplin Loans | Joplin Mortgages | Joplin Movers | Joplin Pizza | Joplin Realtors | Joplin Restaurants | Joplin Storage | Joplin Tax Preparation | Joplin Travel | Joplin Featured | More...
|
|
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service |