By providing information and assistance to our state’s institutions of higher education and training programs, these Partners seek to:

• Increase awareness of veteran’s programs on and off campus
• Provide staff members with a core set of veteran cultural competencies
• Encourage campuses to implement best practices and policies designed to foster social support, acceptance, a welcoming environment, and a setting that meaningfully acknowledges the contributions of our veterans
• Encourage veterans to use GI Bill benefits
• Help veterans succeed in higher education and training
• Ensure staff and veterans have access to services through WDVA and its federal and local partners

Partners include:

• Office of the Governor
• Washington Military Department
• High Education Coordinating Board
• State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
• Independent Colleges of Washington
• Council of Presidents
• Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges

Read the Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)

Training Opportunities
The WDVA Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Program provides in-service training and consultation to college and university counseling and other professional staff, and faculty members. This special program is designed to address the needs of war exposed veterans who have returned to school after discharge from the military, and who seek assistance at student counseling centers on campus. Along with expert help with counseling methods, military and veteran cultural awareness training, providers are given instruction in how to use the sometimes complex services network available to war veterans and their family members. University and college counselors are encouraged to email the PTSD Program Director Tom Schumacher for more information. 
Best Practices for Veterans in Higher Education (pdf)

Veteran Guidelines and Best Practices in the Classroom (pdf)

Partner Campuses
In addition to the agreement signed by each of the partners, individual colleges and universities are encouraged to pledge their commitment by signing and displaying the certificate below.  Talk with the leadership at your school to find out if they would like to get involved.

For more information email Heidi Audette or call
1-800-562-0132 select option "1".

Copy of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)

Gov. Gregoire signs MOU to promote educational assistance program for veterans

Edmonds Community College Counseling and Resource Center

For more information email Heidi Audette or call 1-800-562-0132 and select option "1".

or

Peter Schmidt, Psy.D.
Community College & University
Outreach to War Veterans
Professional Consultation and
Training to College Staff, and
Referral Help for Veteran
Students and Family Members:
(425) 773-6292

peter.schmidt@edcc.edu

Veteran Supportive Campuses

Clover Park Technical College 11/9/09
Seattle University 11/10/09
Central Washington University 11/12/09
Edmonds Community College 11/12/09
South Seattle Community College 1/12/10