Observed on Nov. 11, WSU Vancouver’s celebration of Veterans Day might include seeing signs of appreciation up around campus or walking to class on lawns accompanied by small American flags. While honoring Veterans Day may prove to look a little different this year, the overall student veteran experience on campus encompasses more drastic changes.
During the transition to online instruction, student veterans were faced with challenges due to the lack of accessibility for on-campus resources. With over 200 veterans on campus, WSU Vancouver has a designated office for Veterans Affairs and is currently working remotely to help students get the resources they need to succeed in all aspects of life and education.
Biljana Jovanovska works for the campus registrar but is currently in the position of veterans coordinator. Jovanovska’s position supports veterans by answering email inquiries or reviewing waivers, tuition assistance, military residence assistance and educational benefits. Rather than addressing these questions on campus, Jovanovska has turned to using technology and online communication.
“It is definitely a very vibrant, multifaceted position, but it is specialized to serve this specific population. … Something I really pay attention to is to be available, to be resourceful and to be very timely, very responsive. I think when you are in a virtual environment, and having that customer service piece, you have to make it a number one priority. Although students cannot see you, they can definitely feel your presence by providing resources and information,” Jovanovska said.
Although students cannot see you, they can definitely feel your presence by providing resources and information,” -Biljana Jovanovska.
In addition to the Veterans Affairs staff, there are peer mentors ready and available to help students online or over the phone with any questions or concerns. Matthew Clark, U.S. Army veteran and senior majoring in psychology, has also adjusted to the online changes within the department. Clark’s job is to maintain weekly wellness check-ins, where student veterans can join his Zoom call to ask questions about benefits offered by WSU Vancouver or talk about their concerns in a safe space. However, Clark as a student has not entirely enjoyed the transition to an online environment.
“I suffer from attention deficit disorder, so having the physical presence in my classes really helps kind of manage that because all of the techniques that I have taught myself are for being in person. Doing everything online, it has been easy for me to skip. But, I do think the school has done a good job at structuring everything, for the most part, it is just more personal factors that tend to get in my way,” Clark said.
Clark explained it is very important for student veterans to address mental health issues while dealing with the current circumstances brought on by COVID-19. This includes utilizing resources such as the Veterans Crisis Line and WSU Vancouver’s wellness check-ins if they need to express any concerns.
Student veterans can find out more information on educational benefits, the Veterans Club and other resources here. Additionally, VanCougs can celebrate the holiday by thanking friends, family, or fellow service members for their service and wishing them a happy Veterans Day.
Olivia is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.