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K-State Today

August 31, 2017

K-State to host Military-Connected Resource Fair Sept. 5

Submitted by Katelin Christianer-Donkers

More than two dozen organizations are joining forces to create a networking event to better support military-connected students at K-State. The Military-Connected Resource Fair will be from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, in the K-State Student Union Ballroom. Light refreshments will be served. 

The fair, sponsored by the K-State College of Education's Military Initiative Committee, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and the Veteran Student Organization, is open to the public. Faculty are especially encouraged to attend to familiarize themselves with the scope of resources available in the community and at K-State.

Military-connected students include retired military, veterans, National Guard, reservists, active duty military and their spouses and families.

"We value the many contributions of our military-connected students and their families and want them to feel welcome on our campuses," said Kansas State University President Richard Myers. "This is a great opportunity for military-connected students to explore all of the resources available and help them get the most value and benefit out of their educational experience at K-State."

Jane Fishback, associate professor of educational leadership and co-chair of the Military Initiatives Committee, says military-connected students often have career demands to balance and are likely experiencing a different culture than traditional students. These situations can be challenging, but there are many resources that offer support.

"Kansas State University cares about its military-connected students and their educational experience," Fishback said. "Faculty are encouraged to attend so they become more aware of resources and assistance available to their military-connected students."

Participants attending the resource fair include the Manhattan Vet Center, Pawnee Mental Health Services, the Family Center, Non-Traditional and Veteran Student Services, Student Access Center, and many more.

Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, said she is proud to sponsor the event.

"K-State has deep roots with the military," Mercer said. "Not only has the university been designated as a military friendly campus but our college has a significant number of military-connected students, so any time there is an opportunity to serve those who serve us, the college will be the first in line."

Jana R. Fallin, professor and director of the Teaching and Learning Center, said the resource fair is an efficient way for K-Staters to discover the scope of services offered by both campus and community-based organizations.

"Our military-connected students are an incredible addition to the K-State student body, and they are also extremely varied as a group," Fallin said. "We want to help our military-connected students succeed, and one important key is having the faculty, as well as the students themselves, be aware of the variety of resources available in Manhattan."