The Vet Success on Campus (VSOC) program is a Department of Veterans Affairs initiative that places an experienced veteran counselor right on university campuses with large military and veteran student populations. UWM is the only university in the state with this program.
The purpose of the VSOC program is to help military and veteran students and their qualified dependents make a smooth transition to college life, complete their educational programs, and prepare to enter the labor market in viable careers. The VSOC counselor provides guidance and support in areas that include understanding federal and state veteran’s education benefits, accessing VA medical care or readjusting counseling, filing a disability compensation claim, selecting a suitable major and career field, obtaining a VA work-study placement to gain both income and career experience, and developing a resume, interview skills, and a usajobs.gov account for federal employment opportunities. The VSOC counselor works closely with other UWM military and veteran service providers to ensure that students are aware of and able to connect with the UWM, VA, and community services they need to succeed.
VSOC Contact:
Patrick Grube, MS, CRC,
Navy Veteran
VetSuccess on Campus Counselor (VSOC)
UW-Milwaukee
Student Union Rm EG-40D
2200 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53201
PH: 414-229-6488
VA Cell: 414-469-3842
Email: Patrick.grube@va.gov
VA Regional Office
5400 W National, Milwaukee, WI 53214
414-902-1089 or 414-902-5725
Fax: 414-902-9413
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Student Veteran Testimonials
I have had the honor of working with the VSOC office for veterans returning to school and I feel that the veteran student population can benefit greatly from working with the staff on hand. Not only do they assist you in helping you reach your goals, but they give you a sense of hope and confidence that you can be successful despite the trials that you have faced. Speaking from my experience I have been able to work with staff that sincerely cares about your success in not only your personal life but helping you to walk across the stage. The staff through the VSOC program has also provided me with resources and different outlets throughout campus and outside of campus that helps to assist with my current needs. There is no need to be embarrassed, when you get a chance stop in and talk to the staff and I promise you will not regret it. -Sheretta Drinkwater
Here are the benefits of having such support: helped integrate into a college environment to ensure my success as a student; provided ongoing support when I felt unsure of answers or direction I needed to take; gave guidance on how to sustain college life and family living; helped obtain work-study employment to support financial need that continued my success as a student. -Bret Frazier
While being a student can be difficult, being a veteran student presents its own set of challenges. One very difficult challenge can be how to properly use the financial aid you earned while in the service. Being a transfer student from a different college and major, I had used much of my entitlement already and felt I would not be able to complete my new degree at UWM within my educational award’s allotted time limit. UWM and the VSOC helped make it possible for me to transfer my education benefits to a different program which allowed me the additional time to complete my degree. The VSOC office was also extremely instrumental in providing seminars on how to prepare myself professionally for life after college which helped me in achieving an excellent job directly after graduation. -Eric Rommelfaenger
Using every available resource is important for everyone, but for veterans who placed their civilian lives on hold in order to serve this great country and are now transitioning from their military service, it is of the utmost importance. Navigating the endless maze of paperwork and processes necessary to acquire well-deserved benefits and services that are available to veterans can be extremely frustrating. Having a Vet Success On Campus (VSOC) office within the UWM facility not only provides ease of access, but also provides the knowledge and connections to services that many veterans need. The VSOC counselor assigned to UWM took the time to get to know me, and the particulars of my situation. She was able to provide me with guidance, opportunities, and information so that I could make an informed decision. I am thankful for the support provided to me by the VSOC counselor and feel privileged to call her my adviser and friend. -Christopher Horsley