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University of Central Florida Opens Veterans Academic Resource Center

November 22, 2010 - With more veterans going to college than ever before under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the need to help veterans on college campuses has never been greater. The University of Central Florida (UCF) intends to do just that and has opened the Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) on UCF's campus.

The VARC will offer various support services to veteran-students. It will serve more than just veterans, though. The VARC will serve as a "one-stop shop" for both veteran-students and any eligible dependents. Covering 3,400 square feet, the resource center includes a lounge area, as well as study areas and offices. Some of the offered services  at VARC will include:

• Enrollment;
• Advising;
• Counseling;
• Career advising services;
• Tutoring;
• Help with disability accommodations; and
• VA certification.

There are almost 1,000 veterans attending classes at UCF every semester. The VARC is a collaborative effort between multiple UCF departments determined to help veterans shift from a military lifestyle to a civilian, college-oriented lifestyle. 

Keeping with the mindset of helping as many veterans as possible, UCF will create a virtual version of the VARC for those veterans attending UCF satellite campuses. This undertaking will be funded by a $367,000 grant from the Department of Education. The UCF was the only public university in Florida to be given such a grant.

UCF has been recognized multiple times for its support of veterans in both recruiting and offering support services. G.I. Jobs has recognized The UCF as a "military friendly" school for the last 2 years because they make helping veterans a main concern.