How WE Serve YOU!
The VRSC collaborates with campus and community partners to offer uniquely structured programs and resources to serve you from acceptance through graduation and beyond. These programs are facilitated by staff and peer Aggie Veteran leaders who are dedicated to your individual success and our mission to "Serve Well Those Who Have Served".
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The VRSC Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Aggie Veterans and spouses of Aggie Veterans with the greatest need. VRSC scholarships will be offered to qualified applicants who are full time students that have completed at least one semester at Texas A&M University. All Aggie Veterans are encouraged to apply for these scholarships each year. To qualify for the VRSC Scholarships, students need to fill out the UWIDE Continuing Student Scholarship Application. You must be a full-time student, undergraduate or graduate (minimum of 12 hours per semester for undergraduate and 9 hours per semester for graduate) who has completed at least one semester at Texas A&M University, College Station.
Our Aggie Rings for Veterans program offers Aggie Veterans a special opportunity for Aggie Veterans to connect with a passionate donor who funds, in part or full, their Aggie Ring. Visit our Aggie Rings for Veterans webpage for full guidelines, process details, and to download an application. In addition, Texas A&M offers Aggie Ring Scholarships through the UWIDE Continuing Student Scholarship Application (be sure to check the box indicating you are interested in a ring scholarship!). If you are unable to receive a VRSC Ring Scholarship, connect with the Association of Former Students for other resources.
The Student Aggie Veteran Enhancement - Special Provision (SAVE-SP) Fund is a financial support program designed to enhance the success of parenting Aggie Veterans by easing the stress funding the cost of childcare can create. Eligible Aggie Veterans can receive financial assistance towards their childcare costs and connections to vetted childcare facilities and resources within the community. For application and additional details on the process, complete the application request form.
We get it - life happens and it isn't always easy or financially friendly. Our Student Aggie Veteran Enhancement Fund (SAVE) is there to help. When life throws you that curveball that threatens your ability to remain academically successful or enrolled, complete an application and let us evaluate how we can provide support. Visit the SAVE webpage for a downloadable application.
Located within the VRSC is a textbook lending library run by student organization, Aggie Shields. Commonly referred to as "Shields" the library offers fee-free loaner textbooks for Aggie Veterans and military-connected students at Texas A&M & Blinn. Applications for textbooks open prior to each semester and priority is given to Aggie Veterans and Gold Star family members. Textbooks are generally issued during the first week of class for veterans & Gold Star families, and the second week of class for all other military-connected students. Contact Aggie Shields for questions on application timelines and volume availability.
Just because your wallet or bank account may be empty doesn't mean your stomach has to be. We have solutions to ensure your stomach remains as well fed as your brain! The VRSC partners with Meals for Vets to provide eligible Aggie Veterans a free meal plan that includes one meal per day at a campus dining hall. Visit the Meals for Vets webpage for full eligibility requirements and to apply. If you have questions about the program at Texas A&M, please contact Monteigne Long, mlong@tamu.edu. The VRSC is also home to a "Pocket Pantry", offering temporary relief to Aggie Veterans needing immediate access to non-perishable foods and personal hygiene items. Located inside the Aggie Shields library, the pocket pantry can be accessed discreetly anytime during regular business hours. If your needs go beyond what is available in the pantry, ask to speak to a full-time staff member to see about additional assistance.
In addition to the financial resources available through the VRSC, Aggie Veterans can find emergency assistance and support from community VSOs. The following entities have been known to provide outstanding support:
- American Legion Post 159 in Bryan
- VFW Posts - Post 12221 in College Station and Post 4692 in Bryan
- Brazos Valley Cares - Emergency Hotline: 979-361-7815
- Brazos County Veteran Services Office
- Catholic Charities of Central Texas
- Combined Arms
The Veterans Evaluation of Talent + Matching Assistance Program (VET+MAP) starts with getting to the core of who you are and what drives you - your life purpose. This one-of-a-kind program identifies and helps you dive into your innate talents and strengths, define your personal values, and connects them altogether to identify your life purpose and ensure you are on the path to fulfillment. If you haven't started your journey in VET+MAP take the first step TODAY!
Connecting with our Career Center veteran liaison is key to preparing yourself for internships and post-graduation opportunities. You don't have to wait until you complete the VET+MAP program - these two steps compliment each other and should be done simultaneously! Our Career Center veteran liaison is dedicated to your success and holds weekly office hours in the convenience of the VRSC. Schedule your appt today!
There are always events going on, so make sure to seize opportunities that promote your successful professional development. Professional development opportunities exclusively for veterans are held throughout the year, in addition to the opportunities available to the general student population, and we encourage you to take advantage of each opportunity you are able. Career fairs, expos, lunches with top employers, and veteran professional development conferences are just a few of the opportunities that will come your way, all FREE to you.
The Office of Military Admissions is located within the VRSC and is your key to successfully planning your academic path. With over 25 years of combined experience, the Military Admissions team is ready to assist you with activations and/or re-entry to Texas A&M, determining if credit for military service is available, evaluating if your current degree plan is right for you, and everything in-between. Don't let the term "admissions" fool you - they are here with support for every step of your academic journey.
The Academic Success Center (ASC) understands that Aggie Veterans have different needs and employs dedicated Success Coaches to support you. These individuals can help you transition from structured military life to academic autonomy with Time Management coaching. They also offer sessions for forming effective study habits, can connect you supplemental instruction opportunities, and individual or group tutoring sessions. Appointments are available at the ASC and limited availability in the convenience of VRSC! Set up your appointment today! Individual course support is available through their Study Hub.
The Academic Success Center's Study Hub connects you to course resources through its searchable database. You can identify and locate resources by:
Subject Area – search for a specific subject to see what academic support is available. If you are a current student, you can login to see if support is offered for the courses you are taking this semester.
Type of Support – search by type of support, such as tutoring, help desk, or academic coaching.
Location – search by location to see hours, url, and contact information.
In addition, you will find resources and links to the Math Learning and Writing Centers, Helpful Study and Learning Handouts, and more!
Located within the VRSC is a textbook lending library run by student organization, Aggie Shields. Commonly referred to as "Shields" the library offers fee-free loaner textbooks for Aggie Veterans and military-connected students at Texas A&M & Blinn. Applications for textbooks open prior to each semester and priority is given to Aggie Veterans and Gold Star family members. Textbooks are generally issued during the first week of class for veterans & Gold Star families, and the second week of class for all other military-connected students. Contact Aggie Shields for questions on application timelines and volume availability.
Texas A&M offers two dedicated Aggie Veteran study space locations. In addition to the study spaces available in the VRSC, the TAMU Libraries' Student Veteran Study Room offers a secluded and comfortable space for Aggie Veterans to collaboratively or individually study. It is located in the Evans' Library Annex 252C and is available whenever the Annex is open. Access is permitted via Aggie Card ID swipe. To ensure your access, contact Donald Freeman, donaldf@vpsa.tamu.edu with your UIN. For general questions about the space and library hours contact AskUs (https://askus.library.tamu.edu) for more information.
The Aggie Veteran Network globally connects you with current and former fellow Aggie Veterans, verified professional networking connections, and resources. This private LinkedIn group was developed to be your go-to for virtual professional networking, opportunities, and discussion. Be sure to create your free LinkedIn account (if you haven't already) and join today!
Each semester the VRSC publicly recognizes a deserving Aggie Veteran with "The Colonel David Braswell '41 Student Veteran Recognition Award". This award acknowledges our Aggie Veterans who are going above and beyond to enhance the Aggie experience for those around them. Visit the webpage to learn more and nominate a fellow Aggie Veteran today!
Student Veterans of America at Texas A&M (TAMU SVA) is the official student organization for Aggie Veterans. Following the national SVA model, their mission is to enhance the Aggie Veteran and family experience through engagement, personal/professional development, and leadership opportunities. Make sure you are staying connected with them and experiencing the camaraderie!
The Aggie Women Veterans hosts various opportunities throughout the year to promote the personal growth, professional development, and engagement of women veterans.
Through the Tickets for Aggie Veterans program, Aggie Veterans can receive free tickets to various sporting events (including Aggie football!) and other campus events such as MSC OPAS.
Check out these additional Military-Affiliated Campus organizations for even more opportunities to engage and connect on campus!
Connecting with the greater Aggieland community is equally important as engaging on campus. Aggieland is an amazing place for veterans to live, work, and attend school, and there is no shortage of organizations or groups to get involved with. The VRSC has a relationship with the following organizations to help you get started:
Vet Success on Campus (VSOC) is a U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs program that supports veterans, service members, and their qualified dependents in their transition from military to college life. Our VSOC and VR&E Counselor, Jimmie Rogers, ensures that veterans receive the support and assistance needed to pursue their educational and employment goals by providing coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling, outreach, and assistance with disability and accessibility accommodations. Jimmie holds office hours M-F, 8am-5pm. For walk-in hours and availability or to schedule an appointment, please contact Jimmie.
Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is a U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs initiative designed to enhance academic retention and success by addressing the struggles of transitioning into college and university life through dedicated mental, physical, and supportive services both on campus and in the surrounding community. Our VITAL Coordinator, Dr. Fred Washington, PhD, is a fellow veteran and licensed counselor who assists with academic accommodations, stress or time management, clinical mental health conditions, coordination of physical or mental health care through campus or VA resources, or simply enrolling in VA health benefits. He offers both in-person and virtual sessions for all student veterans of Texas A&M University. For walk-in hours and availability or to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Washington.
Regalia Closet - The VRSC Regalia Closet offers graduating Aggie Veterans the opportunity to borrow a graduation gown and Master's hood (if applicable) at no cost, and provides a graduation cap and tassel to keep. Gowns and hoods must be returned to the VRSC within one week of graduation. To request regalia complete the Regalia Closet Request form. Please note the form typically opens on the first of the month prior to graduation (April for Spring, July for Summer, and November for Fall).
In recognition of your selfless service to our nation and your amazing accomplishment of completing your degree, each graduating Aggie Veteran is presented with a red, white, and blue military regalia cord and is given a "Thank You" challenge coin to present to a faculty/staff member of your choosing who had the greatest influence/impact on your success at TAMU. Those who end up unable to attend the celebration to receive their military cords and challenge coin can pick them up in the VRSC after the celebration date. Aggie Veterans who are at campuses outside of the Bryan/College Station area are invited to attend the celebrations and can request their cords and coins at any time through the Military Cord Request form. Please note the form typically opens on the first of the month prior to graduation (April for Spring, July for Summer, and November for Fall).
Each long semester (Spring and Fall) we recognize our upcoming graduates at the Graduating Aggie Veteran Celebration. Graduating Aggie Veterans are invited to bring their family, friends, and/or mentors to this celebration, where they are presented with their military cords to be worn at graduation, recognizing their selfless military service. Information about each semester's celebration is announced through the Aggie Veteran Community in Canvas and on our webpage and social media.
Did You Know?
Information on all these programs and more is available at your fingertips in the Aggie Veteran Community in Canvas and the Aggie Veteran Network on LinkedIn. If you don't see the community in your Canvas profile, be sure to email our office to verify your veteran status!