A Letter from VA Counselor Diane Wilson
Have you heard of the VSOC program? It stands for the Department of Veteran's Affairs VetSuccess on Campus program—and UMGC is a location spot! Through the VSOC program, VA places experienced vocational rehabilitation counselors on college campuses to assist the growing number of servicemembers, veterans, and dependents attending school under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and other VA educational programs.
These VSOC counselors are trained to provide academic and vocational guidance to veterans and help connect them to other VA benefits, including healthcare and mental health services. The VSOC counselors maintain close relationships with local VA Vet Centers and VA medical facilities, referring servicemembers, veterans and dependents as needed and providing assistance applying for VA medical and nonmedical benefits. A UMGC VSOC counselor can be found at the Dorsey Station location and can be reached by phone at 240-684-2555.
VetSuccess on Campus services are available to servicemembers and veterans eligible for any of VA's educational programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, as well as VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. VSOC counselors can also assist dependents of veterans who are receiving VA education benefits, including eligible spouses attending school through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and eligible children.
In addition, VA's Education and Career Counseling Program offers a great opportunity for transitioning servicemembers and veterans to get personalized counseling and support to guide their career paths, ensure most effective use of their VA benefits, and help them achieve their goals. Visit UMGC's VSOC counselor on campus to learn more about this program.
VA's GI Bill website offers tools to help veterans transition from military service to student success. For career assistance, including connecting to employers looking to hire servicemembers, veterans and dependents, the new Veterans Employment Center on eBenefits is a one-stop-shop offering online tools and resources.
More Information
Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website to read more about VetSuccess on Campus. For more information, please contact Diane Wilson at 240-684-2555 or diane.wilson2@va.gov.