VA's VITAL Program Supports Student Veterans and UMBC

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:43:16 -0500

The wait is finally over, VITAL is here!

The Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program is a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and UMBC to help veterans achieve their academic goals. The VITAL program is comprised of VA mental health professionals who can help both student veterans and their universities/colleges by providing and/or assisting with services, resources, and support.

VITAL can assist with:

-Enrollment in VA healthcare.

-VA and non-VA resources.

-Academic accommodations.

-Advocacy for student veterans.

-Clinical services for veteran students dealing with various daily stressors, including attention issues, difficulty concentrating, stress, sleep problems, memory issues, anger/irritability, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and PTSD.

Additionally, VITAL can assist with:

-Trainings for faculty/staff.

-Consultation services for faculty/staff.

Dr. Daniel Koster is our on-campus psychologist for the VITAL program and will be on campus every Monday, beginning March 4, to meet with students, faculty, and staff. To schedule a meeting with Dr. Koster, please email him at Daniel.Koster2@va.gov

For more information about VITAL at UMBC, email Dennis Walker, OCSS assistant director for veterans services and adult learners.