Austin Community College is committed to helping veterans get to college. At the Veterans Appreciation and Open House, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at ACC’s Riverside Campus, 1020 Grove Blvd., veterans can receive information about the services and aid offered at ACC.

The open house will feature breakout sessions from ACC departments, information booths for community organizations, and a line-up of guest speakers.

“Many military veterans are unclear about their educational benefits,” says Mervin Jones, a counselor at the ACC Riverside Campus who works closely with ACC’s Veterans Affairs office and veteran students. “We are that resource they can rely on for help and to answer questions.”

The Veterans Affairs office provides assistance with benefits, degree planning, and counseling. It’s the starting point for veterans seeking admission to ACC.

“We’re here to help them reach their goals and make sure they have the greatest chances to succeed,” says Mark Harden, ACC’s Veteran Affairs manager.

ACC expects to see a rise in veteran enrollment when changes to the GI Bill take effect August 1. To better serve this growing student base, ACC has streamlined many processes and extended outreach.

“Veterans are a unique subset of our student population that should not be overlooked,” says Jones. “It’s important that we recognize the distinctive challenges they face as students at this stage in their lives.”

From acclimating to civilian life to possibly dealing with post traumatic stress disorder, the challenges for veteran students are great and varied. Some juggle family responsibilities with pressures from school and work, while others simply find it hard to connect in a new environment.

Former ACC student and veteran Rakhsha Ihami with ACC's Veteran Affairs manager Mark Harden

“You almost feel like you don’t belong, or that other students can’t relate to you,” says former ACC student and veteran Rakhsha Ihami of her transition into ACC after serving two tours of duty in Iraq. “Meeting other veterans and the attention and support from counselors really helped me get through.”

The newly formed ACC Veteran Committee is looking at ways to address issues veterans face as well as connect them to other local agencies that offer services.

“What remains most important is the opportunity for veterans to pursue their academic and career aspirations,” Harden says.

Ihami, now a pre-pharmacy student at the University of Texas at Austin, urges her fellow veterans to create a balanced approach to college, and to take advantage of other ACC services such as free tutoring to aid their educational pursuits.

“I was able to build a strong foundation here,” says Ihami. “ACC ended up being the best place for me.”

During the open house students can receive help with VA paperwork, application materials, financial assistance, degree and transfer planning, and more. Food, entertainment, and children’s activities will also be provided.

For more information please contact Mervin Jones at (512) 223.6017 or [email protected], or visit www.austincc.edu/veterans.