Resources for Veterans and Military Students

Many veterans pursue higher education following or during their military service. WVU is currently home to nearly 1,000 student veterans pursuing undergraduate and advanced degrees in a variety of fields.

At the Carruth Center, we hope to assist military students in enhancing their college experience.   We want to help students with a range of services to support their personal and professional endeavors with the goal of promoting well-being in all aspects of their life.   

Below you will find information about common experiences for student veterans and suggestions for success in college. You can also learn about available resources on campus and in the community that may help you reach your personal and academic goals. 

Military to Civilian Transition

Military personnel experience unique challenges during the transition from military to civilian life. Among these challenges is navigating new identities in a new environment (e.g., soldier to civilian, combat zone to classroom, camaraderie to solitude). For many veterans, this transition takes considerable time and is associated with a variety of mental health concerns. You or someone you know may be struggling with:

• Traumatic stress reactions (distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks)
• Moral injury (guilt, shame, or anger at oneself)
• Avoidance of people, things, or places associated with military experiences
• Role or identity conflict (developing a primary role or identity other than a service member)
• Depression (low mood and energy, loss of interest in activities, feeling worthless or hopeless, suicidal thoughts)
• Anxiety (hypervigilance, worry, panic)
• Anger (frequent irritability, feelings of rage, increased agitation)
• Substance use (often used to cope with difficulty)
• Disrupted sleep patterns (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much)
• Emotional distance from others (feeling detached, cold, or not wanting to connect)

If you experience these or other issues, you are not alone. Nearly 1 in 3 veterans experiences psychological distress following their military service.

Veteran and Military Services at Carruth:

We offer a variety of  services to help the above areas of concern. We encourage you to reach out to  make an initial appointment to discuss with a counselor what areas you may be struggling with and what we can do to help assist you.  Also check out our Group Counseling which can bring individuals a sense of community on campus.   

---

Resources on this Page

• Campus Resources
• Off-campus Resources
• Local VAs
• Career Resources
• Additional Resources

---

Veteran and Military Student Campus Resources

WVU Veteran, Military, and Family Support Headquarters

The Veteran, Military, and Family Support Headquarters is a gathering space and support center for student military service members and veterans. The center offers a variety of programs and services related to academic and personal success. There are study and lounge areas supplied with video games, coffee, and snacks.

The center is located in the Mountainlair (Room 214) and operates Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

For more information, visit the  Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs or call 304-293-8825.

WVU Online

Designated as a military friendly institution, WVU Online offers four undergraduate and 30+ graduate degree programs. Additionally, over 600 courses are available online, which gives individuals the opportunity to earn a degree when they can’t come to campus. WVU currently serves more than 1,000 veterans, military personnel and/or their dependents that are furthering their education.  

Collegiate Recovery Program

The Collegiate Recovery Program provides support for students in recovery from substance use disorders, eating disorders, and other behavioral health conditions.

MindFit Academic and Cognitive Enhancement

MindFit is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program that facilitates academic & cognitive improvements for WVU students.  MindFit offers cutting edge tools for students to strengthen their academic skills, content knowledge, memory, attention span, and cognitive function.

LGBTQ Center

The LGBTQ Center serves as a resource center and gathering space for members of the LGBTQ community and allies at WVU.

Office of Student Success

The Office of Student Success provides services and programs focused on enhancing students’ academic success in college. Services include success coaching, tutoring, and academic support to help you reach your academic goals. 

Office of Student Accommodations

The Office of Student Accommodations is dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for students with temporary or permanent disabilities at WVU. Specialists work individually with students to help them achieve academic success.

Career Services Center

The Career Services Center may be able to help you with the following:

• Exploring career options
• Choosing a major
• Building your resume
• Writing a cover letter
• Preparing for an interview
• Evaluating a job offer

---

Veteran and Military Off Campus Resources

Veterans Health Administration mental health services, including how family members can assist a Veteran in crisis

Veterans Crisis Line: Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 press 1 or text 838255;

Finding local mental health services and resources:  Resources | Videos & Info for Military Veterans | Make the Connection

Vet Center resources  are also available and include counseling; there is also a toll-free number: 877-WAR-VETS.

---

Local VAs

Morgantown

Clarksburg

Huntington