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Vet to Vet Sponsorship


Vet to Vet Sponsorship Program

The purpose of the VET-2-VET Peer Sponsorship program is to provide assistance to incoming student veterans who are transitioning from military service to college life. Returning student veterans can be great sponsors because they have "walked the walk" recently.

To request a sponsor sign up using the application below. After we receive your application we will work to match you with another student veteran. Sponsors should initiate first contact as soon as possible, preferably before the student arrives on campus. Here are some general expectations of both parties.

Sponsored Veteran

Before you hear from your sponsor, make a list of questions you would like to ask. Ask the mentor who to contact if you have questions they cannot answer. Arrange a time when you and your mentor can meet face-to-face on campus.

  • Take a campus tour with your sponsor. Key places to know are: Potter Hall, VA Office, Military Student Services Office, Veterans Upward Bound, Library, Wellness Centers, MMTH, and where to find your adviser. If possible, go off campus and explore Bowling Green with your mentor.
  • Take advantage of your mentor's knowledge of WKU and the "ins and outs" of higher education. Ask questions about other VA benefits they might be using, best instructors, etc.
  • Stay in contact; meet for coffee, park and walk to class together, call to ask questions or report on your progress.
  • Get involved on campus through a student organization such as WKU SVA or any of the clubs, intramural sports teams, etc
  • Be patient! Sponsors are students too and may not have experienced the same situation you are facing. If they do not know, contact the VA office for advice

Sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor then email student.veterans@wku.edu and we will send you an online application.

  • Initiate first contact by calling the incoming student veteran. If you get a voice mail, ask them to call back at a specific time when you know you will be available. If you do not hear back, continue to make contact by all available means.
  • Arrange for a face-to-face meeting on campus.Take the incoming student veteran on a tour of the campus (give them a campus map) and if possible show them around Bowling Green.
  • Share your knowledge of what's where, where to go for assistance, places to shop, eat, live, etc. Offer assistance as appropriate.
  • Maintain regular contact with your peer mentor, preferably face-to-face at least once a week.
  • If there is a problem, refer the student veteran to the appropriate resource. Always ask about academic progress and offer encouragement or suggestions for finding help if needed.
  • Participate together in WKU SVA activities or recreational programming opportunities.
  • Care! Be available and reliable. If you want to know more about ask one of the WKU SVA leaders.

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 Last Modified 10/18/18