G.V. “SONNY” MONTGOMERY CENTER FOR AMERICA’S VETERANS

1. G.V. “SONNY” MONTGOMERY CENTER FOR AMERICA’S VETERANS MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

2. OVERVIEW • Outreach Program (David Blair) • Mission • Goals • Initiatives • Retention/Transition Program (Ronnie White) • Mission • Goals • Initiatives

3. Outreach Program • Mission • To enhance growth by seeking out all VSDS students in order to provide them the opportunity to enhance their lives by obtaining a degree at MSU. • Goals • Implement initiatives that promote increased enrollment of VSDS students. • Increase awareness of the Center throughout the military and civilian community • Develop marketing materials and strategies to promote the Center.

4. Outreach Program • Initiatives • Contact National Guard RSP programs. • Contact National Guard and Reserve Units. • Contact Community College Sophomores • Contact Military Education Centers. • Contact Military Personnel Centers. • Contact Transition Assistance Centers (TAP Briefs) • Build a COI/VIP list. • Hold Veterans Education and Training events. • Hold outreach events on campus. • Market the Center. (PSA’s, Facebook, Twitter) • Mail-out campaign.

5. WEBSITES • http://www.msstate.edu • http://www.veterans.msstate.edu • http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-State-University-Center-for-Americas-Veterans/230524224007?ref=search&sid=26503411.3195871305..1 • http://twitter.com/msuveterans

6. RETENTION/TRANSITION PROGRAM • Mission • To retain current students and assist them in the transition from military life to student life. Mentor, counsel, and support the student from their initial entrance interview to their final exit interview. • Goals • Implement initiatives to retain quality VSDS students by providing support through mentoring and counseling. • Maintain a comprehensive Transition Program. • Maintain a workforce database to assist students.

7. Retention/Transition Program • Retention Initiatives • Conduct initial interview with all VSDS students. • Provide quality support through mentoring and counseling (financial, family, physical, and mental needs) • Ensure students receive benefits in a timely manner. • Handle concerns and problems immediately. • Maintain an open door policy and promote a family friendly environment . • Maintain a database of support personnel and services.

8. Retention/Transition Program • Transition Initiatives • Provide a network of personnel and services to ease transition from soldier to student. • Provide yearly counseling sessions. (stay on track) • Assist with counseling through the career center. • Conduct an exit interview with all departing students. • Maintain a relationship with career center personnel and employers to aid in transition from student to the workforce.

9. Fall 2010 New Initiatives • VTAC (Veterans Transition to Academic Classes • Priority Housing • Early Registration

10. Contact Information Points of Contact David Blair, Veterans Outreach Coordinator, 662-325-6650, dblair@saffairs.msstate.edu Ronnie White, Veterans Transition Coordinator, 662-325-6825 rwhite@saffairs.msstate.edu G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans 126 Magruder Street P.O. Drawer 6283 Mississippi State University 662-325-6719 Web Site: www.veterans.msstate.edu