ROGUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Green Zone Recognized by veterans as a safe place
What is the Green Zone? The Green Zone provides resources and knowledge to help understand and appreciate the unique challenges and strengths of student veterans. RCC Veteran Services is providing Green Zone training for faculty and staff. Green Zone training was pioneered at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2010 and is now offered at more than 100 universities and organizations nationwide, according to VCU s website. It is named for the secure international zone in Baghdad, Iraq, which is a place familiar to many Post-9/11 service members.
AN INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT STUDENT VETERANS AND EDUCATE THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY Presented by: RCC Veteran Services: Rene McKenzie, Will Riddle, Nikki Johnson RCC Disability Services RCC Counseling Department *Adapted from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Virginia Commonwealth University Green Zone Programs*
Empower student veterans Provide a safe space for veterans & active service members Understand potential issues facing student veterans and active service members as they transition from base to campus Learn about resources available to student veterans and active service members on campus and off campus Understand the expectations of a Green Zone Volunteer
WHO IS A GREEN ZONE Staff, faculty, and students who identify themselves as someone who knows something about the issues and concerns faced by student veterans/active military students as someone who is available to assist the student veteran a sympathetic ear As someone who can help the student veterans find the appropriate resources *They are NOT expected to be experts who can solve the problems.
Military Experience Why do people join the military? Education Money Medical Coverage A Career Travel Camaraderie Direction Real World Skills Honor Maintain a family legacy * O Brien, M. (2011).
EMOTIONAL CYCLE OF DEPLOYMENT
Veterans transitioning out of the military onto college campuses bring a unique perspective Military training Life experience Established Identity A more worldly view Skills taught in the military help students to be successful Leadership Motivation Time Management Work Ethic Stress Management TRANSITION STRENGTHS
TRANSITION DIFFICULTIES Issues that may arise during the transition process can become barriers to success translating their military skills into a new profession switching gears with a new focus that is unrelated to military experience Military skills & training may not translate into college credits Universities may have difficulty deciphering transfer credits for those who have started and stopped higher education at multiple institutions Difficulty using the GI Bill Late fees due to late payment of VA Benefits Late payment can prevent them from registering for classes, applying for graduation, and receiving transcripts
Green Zone Training Outcomes: 1. Describe the demographics and diversity of RCC student veterans. 2. The military experience, including the emotional cycle of deployment, and the challenges of transition to civilian and campus life. 3. Summarize the unique strengths of student veterans. 4. Explain how PTSD and TBI can affect the student veteran s experience and suggest services for support. 5. Understand what to say and what not to say to student veterans to be supportive. 6. Identify the support student veterans want from staff and faculty. 7. Identify and explain Veterans Resource Center (VRC) services for student veterans. 8. Identify the types of military educational benefits. 9. Understand how academic changes for student veterans may incur student debt. 10. Practice what to do in difficult scenarios when working with student veterans.
STRUCTURE OF CG100V One day week 1 hour and 50 minutes Free Book, Notebook, flash drive, & backpack IP Video, route campuses each week Guest Speakers Assignments Chapter Notes Journaling Campus Scavenger hunt Resume & Cover Letter Industrial Tours