About 30 people attended a townhall and panel discussion of student veteran services last night, which was sponsored by Ohio University's Student Senate and OU's Veteran's Office.
The panel included Jeanne Wilson, senior Appalachian Regional Representative; Jim Forester, Deputy Director for Operations in the Ohio department of veterans affairs; Daniel Eakins, program coordinator in the Ohio department of veterans affairs; and James Kaster, veterans liaison for the attorney general's office.
Discussion ensued about what was to do be done at OU and the surrounding colleges to raise awareness about veterans who are enrolled in college and their circumstances.
The town hall featured addresses from Amber Wozniak, a senior studying biology; Manny Arocho, a freshman studying political science; and Tony Burnette, president of the Rio Grande Veterans Office.
A primary discussion topic was unfair accreditation for military training for veterans.
I have over 300 credit hours...I should be studying for a doctorate
said Sarah Limb, a senior post baccalaureate non-degree seeking major. I am treated like a freshman ... and I wanted to get into medical school. I have been through true combat trauma so I don't need to take First Aid 101. I should be able to pick and choose the things I need to precede to getting where I want to be.
Discussion heavily revolved around the lack of credit hours veterans are given for their service in the military.
I should not be taking Psych 101 Limb said. But I am taking Psych 101. I am trying to do the right thing... my point is
I have to do all this stuff in order to advance... well why can't I get credit for things I've already taken so I can take that extra class? I think that if I had someone to help me with that
so I can reach my goal as a doctor ... I'm 31
I don't have time.
Another issue brought up was the lack of understanding from college professors about the schedules and circumstances of being a veteran.
The most prevalent issue I have had is directly related to the faculty
specifically the professors
some of who have been extremely accommodating
Wozniak said. There has been other
however
who have who are less than accountable. One specifically accused me of lying to get out for drill
