Veterans Support Services Improvements

As part of its long-standing commitment to support student veterans and the local veteran community, Minneapolis College has combined its Veteran Welcome Center with the on-campus office of recently hired Veteran School Certifying Official (VSCO) Jeff Snyder .

The VSCO office is now located in T.3406 along with the Veteran Welcome Center and the veteran program coordinator’s office to better accommodate students and community members who are veterans and their family members. Combining these offices creates a one-stop shop for veterans in need of information and support.

Everyone is invited to attend a meet-and-greet with students and staff to welcome VSCO Jeff Snyder on:

• Wednesday | April 5 | 9– 11:30 a.m. | Veterans Welcome Center (Helland Center, T.3406).

In his role as VSCO, Jeff Snyder is the liaison between student veterans and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), reporting student veterans’ enrollment information and advocating for student veterans in school-related matters. He is available to assist students applying for VA education benefits and to make sure those benefits are properly disbursed.

Snyder brings a 12-year career in the Army to the position, along with his own experience using the GI Bill to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“I’m very familiar with working with veterans and with navigating the VA system,” said Snyder.

Other responsibilities of the VSCO include: 

• Answering general questions about federal VA Education Benefits.
• Providing hard copies of VA forms.
• Assisting student veterans with completing VA Forms.
• Contacting the VA on behalf of student veterans with specific benefit-related issues.

Veteran Welcome Center Offers Resources and Relaxation

The Minneapolis College Veteran Welcome Center (VWC) is a space for veterans who are current and prior students and their family members, as well as Minneapolis postsecondary enrollment options (PSEO) students and others considering military service . The VWC houses a computer lab and can be used for homework, socializing, and access to resources and staff regarding military service and benefits.

Managing the VWC is Veteran Program Coordinator Alan Ramos, who served 31 years in the Army before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2014. Ramos fields questions about veterans’ benefits and gives guidance on tutoring, coaching, accommodations, food, housing and mental health support. Ramos understands that VA paperwork can be daunting and strives to make the process easier.

A College Committed to Veterans

Minneapolis College is part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) statewide initiative providing Minnesota’s military community a wide range of support, including deployment readiness, family assistance and resources, youth programs, educational and career opportunities, and more.

Minneapolis College is honored that student veterans are part of our campus community and our faculty appreciate the diverse experiences and insights that student veterans bring to classrooms.

For more information visit the Veterans webpage.