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Military and Veteran Resources

Through our partnership with the Military and Veterans Resource Center (MVRC), Counseling and Psychological Services is working to help our military-affiliated students fulfill their goals while at UWF. Military-affiliated students include those from all five branches of the military on active duty, reserve or veteran status. The services at CAPS are offered to help students break down barriers that may be interfering with their success.


Adjusting

All service members, whether or not they have seen combat, face major transitions when they return from military duty. Transitioning to life as a civilian and a university student can produce a unique set of challenges and stresses for veteran and military students. Some of the challenges to adjusting to life as a student include:

  • Developing an identity other than their military identity.
  • Feeling alienated from many of the students on campus.
  • Excessive boredom and/or difficulty concentrating.
  • Finding campus life and concerns trivial compared to those encountered in the military.
  • Navigating the structure and procedures of the college environment.
  • Developing a sense of safety on campus.
  • Time management and study skills.
  • High level of stress or anxiety.

Combat Experience

It is anticipated that over the next several years, UWF will see a continual increase in veteran students returning from combat services in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions. Some estimates show as many as 18% of returning service members will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or major depression. The associated symptoms are common responses to very abnormal experiences. With the passage of time and a return to a civilian environment, these symptoms typically diminish. Please consider seeking counseling if the following symptoms are affecting your daily functioning:

  • Recurring and intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks of traumatic events.
  • Avoidance of certain things associated with war-zone experiences.
  • Diminished interest in participating in important or previously enjoyable activities.
  • Feeling emotionally detached or numb.
  • Thoughts of suicide or death.
  • Difficulty managing anger appropriately.
  • Hyper-vigilance or being startled easily.
  • Persistent guilt.
  • Excessive or problematic alcohol or drug use.
  • Significant disturbances in sleep or diet/appetite.
  • Academic difficulties.
  • Excessive interpersonal conflict.
  • Social isolation or conflict.
  • Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.

Students who are interested in scheduling an appointment can call Counseling and Psychological Services at 850.474.2420 and select option 1, or visit the Center, located in Building 960, Suite 200A, during our hours of operation.


Resources

Transitioning from the military to life as a civilian and a student can present a range of challenges. The following are various resources that can be utilized by military and veteran students to aide in a successful transition.

On-Campus

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
    850.474.2420
    Counseling and Psychological Services offers free and confidential therapeutic services that include therapy, psychiatric, biofeedback and outreach services. 
  • Military and Veterans Resource Center (MVRC)
    850.474.2550
    The MVRC is a leading campus advocate that works to ensure the needs of UWF military and veteran students are met. This center provides assistance in coordinating academic advising, tutoring, counseling, disability accommodations, GI Bill® education benefits, and referrals to state and federal resources and services.
  • Student Accessibility Resources (SAR)
    850.474.2387
    SAR helps to ensure that students with disabilities are provided the same access to higher education programs that other students have. SAR works with students and faculty to help make UWF an accessible learning environment for students with documented disabilities that include learning disabilities, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, mobility limitations, ADHD, psychiatric disorders and medical disabilities.
  • Career Development and Community Engagement
    850.474.2254 
    Career Development is dedicated to helping students and alumni find majors and careers that fit with their values, interests, personality, and skills. Career Development offers experiential learning opportunities through workshops, volunteer/internship opportunities, job search preparation and self-assessment.
  • Center for Academic Success
    850.474.3176 
    The Center for Academic Success provides free face-to-face and online tutorial assistance and academic support services to students enrolled at UWF. They provide individual and group tutoring, paper editing and standardized test preparation.

In The Community

  • Pensacola Vet Center 
    4504 Twin Oaks Dr., Pensacola, FL 32506
    850.456.5886
    The Vet Center offers a wide range of services to help veterans make a successful transition from military to civilian life. These services are available at no cost to veterans or their families and include, but are not limited to, individual and group counseling, couples/family therapy, bereavement counseling, medical and benefits referrals, and employment services.

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