MEETING MINUTES Western Veterans Academic Alliance 3/16/17 -- 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

ATTENDEES (18)

LAST NAME FIRST NAME TITLE ACADEMIC INSTITUTION

Accamando Don Director, Office of Military and Veteran Students Duquesne

Andros Megan Program Officer, Community and Economic The Heinz Endowments Development Program

Bateman Deb Director of Transfer, Articulation & Veterans Services

Beckel Connie Veterans Affairs Liaison & Associate Registrar

Dennis Edward Director of Military & Veterans Service Community College of Allegheny County

Fisk Mary Coordinator, Veterans Outreach Penn State University

Fleisher Lynne Director, Clarion Online Clarion University

Garbeglio Renee Assistant Director, Financial Aid Office

Hernandez Edwin Director, Office of Veterans Services University of

Jericho Heather Certifying Official University

Matich Gabby Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

McCarthy Jerry Director of Veterans Affairs

McDowell George Recruitment and Retention Strategist, Veterans Slippery Rock University Services Coordinator, SCO

Prah Robert Director, Office of Veterans Affairs California University of Pennsylvania

Rota Dan Director, Veterans Education and Training Services Robert Morris University

Scheer Kathleen School Certifying Official

Sorensen Cheryl Assistant Registrar & Transfer Coordinator (SCO)

Wagner Lee Veterans to BSN Academic Coach, School of Nursing Duquesne University

Participants Introductions 2:00 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.  All attendees introduced themselves (list above)

First Meeting Host Institution Welcoming Remarks 2:05 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.  Don Accamando said welcoming remarks as a representative of Duquesne University

Western PA Veterans Academic Alliance Purpose & Objectives 2:10 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  The purpose of the group was shared as a partnership of academic institutions across the region. We are committed to enriching the military affiliated student experience, as they work towards achieving their educational goals. We will use our collective experience of providing academic support for the benefit of our military-related students, community, and civic partners. This group will innovate together, learn from each other, and support every member to continue the growth of student success within their institution.  The following were designated as the Alliance objectives: o Champion our strengths . Create an impactful message that reflects the strengths of our alliance, and each institution’s own uniqueness o Shape student success . Work together to establish a robust engagement strategy that will strengthen the veteran and military connected students of Western PA o Collaborate . Facilitate and share events that showcase our strengths and focus on our collective and individual efforts

Topics of Discussion 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Emphasis of each Meeting o It was agreed that all future meetings will focus on specific topics. The group would like to cover the following topics: 1. Importance of Affinity Groups on Campus (building student, alumni, faculty, and staff advocacy groups) 2. Regional Partnerships (collaborative programs with local schools and non-profits) 3. School Certifying Official Topics (best practices and current policies) 4. Impact of Institutional Advancement (scholarships and fundraising initiatives) 5. Best Practices that Address Student Issues (including disabilities, family life, etc.) 6. Tracking Data and Retention of Veteran Students (what data is worth tracking, and gathering student retention data) 7. Building Mentorship Programs (alumni and faculty/staff based) 8. Western PA Veterans Education Summit (discussion regarding collaborating on building an event to showcase all educational institutions) 9. Marketing Ideas (ideas for marketing programs, engaging students, and other associated communication)

Page 2  Additional questions were asked and will be revisited during a later meeting: o Cheryl from Carlow - How is everyone updating the Army U website? o Deb from Point Park - How are schools working with courses that don’t have a GPA? o Heather from RMU - What other ancillary services beyond on campus tutoring, counseling, etc. are offered to military affiliated students on campus?

Western PA VAA Participant Feedback 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.  Frequency of our Meetings o It was agreed that VAA meetings will occur 4 times a year . March/June/September/December o All members agreed that meetings will last 2 hours in order to maximize attendance  What would you like to see from this group? o The group would like to also create the following: . A region-wide Veterans Educational Summit where all academic institutions would come together to showcase their programs and resources. . Social gatherings where all VAA members can interact in an informal setting. (A December holiday get together was proposed.) . Build activities that would promote collaboration across the region.

News & Updates 2:45 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.  National Conferences NAVPA’s 42nd Annual Training & Conference Oct 23- Oct 26, 2017: Caesar’s Atlantic City, NJ  Regional News Region SCO Training Apr 25, 2017: , Main Campus, Erie, PA Apr 26, 2017: CCAC Boyce Campus, Monroeville, PA Apr 27, 2017: Pittsburgh Technical College, Oakdale, PA  University Events PITT VETS Stars & Strikes Bowling Mar 25, 2017, 12pm-3pm: Arsenal Bowl, 212 44th St., Pittsburgh, PA

WVU Vet Club Golf Tournament Apr 15, 2017: Lakeview Resort, WV  Other Events PITTSBURGH VETERANS JOB FAIR Mar 23, 2017, 11am-3pm: Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Closing Remarks & Follow-up 2:55 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Next Meeting o June 2017 meeting will be hosted at the o A “doodle” poll will be sent to determine best date and time.

Networking Social 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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