For many veterans beginning college, understanding educational benefits can be just as challenging as adjusting to life in the classroom. OCCC’s VetStart informational series was designed to make that transition easier by connecting student veterans with the resources available to help them succeed.
Hosted by OCCC’s Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success in collaboration with Student Accessibility and Support, VetStart introduces student veterans to educational benefits, campus services and support systems before the start of the fall semester.
According to Troy Williams, director of the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success, the program was first developed last year as part of the college’s effort to ease the transition into higher education.
“The overall goal is to create opportunities throughout the academic year to connect students with benefits information, campus resources and expectations before classes begin,” Williams said.
The series is held during the summer to prepare students entering the fall semester, though Williams said its timing and structure may continue to evolve based on student participation and the needs of the program.
The need for those resources is significant. Each semester, Williams said, OCCC typically serves between 275 and 300 student veterans who are actively using educational benefits. That number does not include veterans or active-duty service members who are enrolled but are not using educational benefits through the college.
One of the primary goals of VetStart is to help students understand the educational benefits for which they may qualify. Williams emphasized that there is no single “best” benefit because eligibility depends on each student’s military service and individual circumstances.
Some students qualify for benefits through programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, while others may receive transferred benefits from a family member or qualify for dependent or survivor educational assistance. Because each program has different eligibility requirements, Williams said students are encouraged to meet with staff who can help determine which benefits are available to them.
Although some veterans choose to save their education benefits until they transfer to a four-year institution, Williams said the most important step for students is simply asking questions.
“Starting the conversation is often the hardest part, but students do not have to navigate it alone,” Williams said. “Our role is to help walk students through the process, explain educational benefits, connect them with campus resources and help build a plan for success.”
VetStart also introduces students to support services beyond financial assistance. Student Accessibility and Support participates in the program to ensure veterans are aware of accommodations, counseling services and other resources available throughout their academic journey.
Ashley Valentas, director of Student Accessibility and Support, said the transition from military service to civilian and academic life can be overwhelming, making collaboration between campus departments especially important.
“Having offices that have training and specialize in supporting veteran students can make this transition a little smoother,” Valentas said.
Student Accessibility and Support provides disability accommodation services as well as free, confidential mental health counseling. Valentas also highlighted TimelyCare, a virtual health platform available to OCCC students at no cost, which offers medical and mental health care without insurance or co-pays.
Beyond individual services, Valentas said one of the greatest challenges is simply making students aware of what is available.
“I think sometimes students don’t know of all the services and support we have on campus and miss out on great resources,” she said.
She encourages students to spend time exploring campus, reviewing the college website and attending campus activities and workshops to become familiar with the many opportunities available outside the classroom.
The partnership between Student Accessibility and Support and the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success extends beyond VetStart. The two departments regularly coordinate to connect students with appropriate resources while minimizing unnecessary barriers.
“Our offices coordinate to best support our veteran students to help make the higher education process smoother for students,” Valentas said. “Whenever possible, we want to remove barriers and extra steps for students.”
In addition to VetStart, the departments also collaborate on “Lunch & Learn” programs that address mental health topics and skills relevant to the student veteran experience.
Williams said the collaborative approach reflects the mission of the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success, which was established in 2025 after the former Veteran Services Office expanded its role. While the office continues to manage educational benefit certifications, its mission now places greater emphasis on student engagement, campus connections and long-term success.
For students who may be unsure whether they qualify for assistance, both directors shared the same message: Reach out.
“Asking for help can be hard, but we are here to help,” Valentas said. “If we happen to not be the best fit for a student and another office might support them better, we will help get them connected to that office.”
Whether students need help understanding military education benefits, disability accommodations or mental health resources, VetStart serves as an introduction to the network of support available at OCCC. By bringing multiple departments together before classes begin, the program aims to ensure that student veterans start the semester informed, connected and prepared for success.
