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Shannon O'Neill, Director of Veterans Services
We are proud at this institution to serve all students who come to us, but as the College Director of Veterans Services, I am especially proud of the ways that we serve more than 600 military-connected students each year and hope the following information can help faculty better understand who these students are and how you and the college can support this student population. Who are our military-connected students? The Office of Veteran Services serves all military-connected students, including veterans, active duty, Guard and reservists and their dependents using benefits. These students enrich our classrooms with leadership, discipline and diverse life experiences, although their transition from military to academic life can present unique challenges. Each student’s background is different: Some have deployed overseas while others have served stateside; some completed a single enlistment, while others built long military careers. What unites them all is their shared commitment to service and sacrifice for our country and we encourage you to get to know and support them. College resources for military-connected students SCCC’s commitment to serving those who served can be seen both in and out of the classroom. The Office of Veteran Resources is housed at Ammerman but we have locations on all three campuses:
To support military-connected student success, SCCC offers Veterans Resource Centers (VRC) on the Ammerman and Grant Campuses, with assistance available collegewide. Students can contact the VRC by email (veterans@sunysuffolk.edu) or by phone (631-451-4456). These centers connect students with faculty and administrators who are experts in federal and state benefits, provide tailored resources and foster peer connections. The college also hosts the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, which helps students apply for federal disability benefits, as well as a VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselor from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. SCCC is one of only 104 institutions nationwide to hold this VSOC designation. The college offers a dedicated college seminar course for veterans; awards academic credit based on American Council for Education recommendations; and distributes a biweekly newsletter highlighting campus events, community resources and benefit updates for our veterans. The college also has a Student Veterans of America student chapter, which helps connect students with other service members and veterans who support them as well as a chapter of the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society for military and veterans. Useful information for faculty In addition to knowing and sharing the various resources the institution offers to our military-connected students, faculty should also be aware that these students may also face activations or deployments while enrolled in your classes. For example, in spring 2024, 27 students were activated mid-semester in response to the NYS correction officer strike—an unusually large activation not seen in several years. Many received only a day or two notice before reporting to duty at correctional facilities. While some students returned to class quickly, others needed accommodations or withdrew. The VRC collaborates closely with faculty and deans to review orders and develop appropriate solutions that balance student support with academic integrity. Faculty should know that accommodations are required for activations but not for training. If a student requests military-related accommodation, contact the VRC to confirm eligibility. Your support and understanding in the classroom are vital to the success of our military-connected students. By recognizing their unique experiences and challenges, you help create an inclusive learning environment where we honor and serve those who have served our country. In the current semester, we have 475 students who greatly appreciate the ways in which they are made to feel like they belong here. Thank you for your dedication to fostering their academic growth and success. |
