µÛÍõ»áËù

UC 1500: Veterans Transition Seminar

Make Your Transition a Success!

Are you a Veteran or currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves? Been out of school for several years and concerned about adapting to college life? The Veterans Transition Seminar is designed to guide you through the transition to academic and personal success at µÛÍõ»áËù. Whether you are new to campus or transferring in, this course will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and support to navigate university life and maximize your benefits.

Course Description

The Veterans Transition Seminar helps students successfully transition to their academic programs at µÛÍõ»áËù. Participants will gain knowledge and skills to navigate the university system, use GI Bill and VA medical benefits, and access both internal and external resources tailored for Veterans. The course fosters a sense of belonging and promotes active engagement in academic and co-curricular activities to ensure a well-rounded student experience.

What You Can Expect

This course is designed to help you:

  1. Learn about and utilize available campus resources.
  2. Assess the viability of your academic and career path for long-term success.
  3. Navigate µÛÍõ»áËù’s services and resources, including those offered by the Veterans Center.
  4. Understand VA education and medical benefits and know how to access them.

Course Highlights

  • Hands-on Workshops: Topics include personality type & career assessments, writing assistance, financial aid, campus technology, etc.
  • Engagement Opportunities: Participate in events sponsored by the Veterans Center and/or Student Veterans of America (SVA).
  • Expert Guidance: Hear from university representatives, external resources, and experienced Veterans on navigating the university and Athens community.
  • Self-Reflection Exercises: Explore your military experiences, academic journey, and goals through thoughtful writing.

Sample Topics & Guests

  • College writing review and assistance
  • Athens County VA Clinic and Veterans Service Office
  • Financial Aid and Office of the Bursar
    • FAFSA and Scholarships
    • How to pay your bill after benefits are applied
  • Understanding your DARS for:
    • Priority registration
    • Development of your graduation plan
  • Insights into the VA disability claims process.

Get Involved Beyond the Classroom

  • Volunteer for or participate in SVA and Veterans Center sponsored events and activities.
  • Network with other student veterans and university faculty to build lasting connections.

Testimonials

"Overall, I would certainly recommend this class to other veteran students. If nothing else, it is a great way to meet other veterans on campus and find familiar faces hanging out in the veterans’ lounge. The class felt like a place where I could express myself and be heard and understood. It wasn’t a major time commitment or a stress point during the semester, and the information about college life and the resources available to students is invaluable. Many students might never know about them without a class like this. I think Ray and Terry did a great job instructing the class, and I would encourage any incoming veteran students to enroll."

"This course was an incredibly helpful resource for transitioning to college life. The biggest takeaway for me was learning about financial aid options—specifically, how using VR&E before the GI Bill can be a smarter choice. That wasn’t something I’d ever considered before, and the class connected me to the right people to figure it out. The opportunity to meet other military students and share experiences also made a big difference, giving me a sense of community right from the start. The structure of the class was straightforward, and the assignments weren’t overwhelming, which was a nice change compared to the essay-heavy work in other courses. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this course. The information you’ll get—whether it’s understanding your DARS, learning about financial aid, or just navigating the transition to college—will set you up for success at OU. Plus, you’ll build a network of peers who understand your journey, which is something you can’t put a price on."

"If you are joining college undecided, with little information on how scholarships work, how to be financially successful while going to school, or even would like to know about resources to help you with class work. The UC1500 course is perfect for finding what you’re looking for and more. The best part of the class is that it isn’t tied down to a strict curriculum built for education purposes. The class is specifically tailored to veterans starting their degree journey. That means that if something you want to know more about isn’t a part of the material planned, it can easily be changed, or that information can be brought to you through the instructor's connections."

Join Us and Thrive! The Veterans Transition Seminar is more than a course – it’s a community that supports your transition to academic success and personal growth. Let’s navigate this journey together.

For more information, contact Ray Dixson, Assistant Director of Veterans and Military Student Services, at rdixson@ohio.edu.