Nation's First Certificate
Program for Veterans' Service Providers, Sponsored by
Operation College Promise (OCP) and Stockton College,
Begins Today
More than 80 Professionals
from Six States Participate
Press Release
June 22, 2010
Contact: Wendy A. Lang, Director, Operation College Promise (609) 989-1100; walang@njascu.org
A group of veterans' service professionals representing a variety of agencies arrived today at Richard Stockton College for the nation's first Certificate for Veterans' Service Providers (CVSP) program. Participants will spend 2 1/2 days at the College's Lakeside Lodge facility with some of the nation's most prominent experts exploring subject matters such as: Military Culture, The Post-9/11 GI Bill, Transfer of Military Experience and Credit, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
"We are pleased to welcome the participants and presenters to Stockton and this exciting program," added Dr. Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr., President of the Richard Stockton College. "Over the past several years, we have witnessed a tremendous growth in our servicemember population on campus and have worked diligently to meet their needs. The CVSP program is a great asset to our staff and to all professionals serving this new population of veterans."
The CVSP agenda was modeled after OCP's successful September 2009 statewide workshop held in Trenton. Contents included in each of the seven modules represent research-driven building blocks for developing a "veteran friendly" campus or environment.
Participants seeking the Certificate, limited to 50 registrants, will gain hands-on experience in utilizing the skills discussed during the 2 1/2 day training.
"The CVSP program is designed to give professionals the essential building blocks to create environments for veteran success either on campus or at any location veterans are being served," added Wendy A. Lang, OCP Director. "Our mission, this week, is to provide these committed professionals with a comprehensive training that will optimize their ability to support the transitional objectives of our nation's servicemembers."
One of the unique features of the CVSP program is the inclusion of a strong military component. The Military Culture and Student Veterans modules, seek to demystify the experience of serving by promoting a better civilian understanding of the "Who, What, Where and Why" of military service. Major General Maria Falca-Dodson, Commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard and Assistant Director of Outreach, the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC), along with local student veterans, will contribute to this element of the program. The agenda culminates Thursday afternoon with a tour of the New Jersey National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing.
The need for well-informed academic support for veterans is underscored in a statement made by Major General Maria Falca-Dodson: "The Post 9/11 GI Bill has revisions that are historic for our veterans. Not since its first inception after World War II, have there been such sweeping changes. In addition, the support that New Jersey colleges and universities can provide to student veterans is crucial to help them accomplish their academic goals. Operation College Promise is a key element in supporting all of our academic institutions of higher education in working with their student veteran populations."