Dear Veterans and Military-Connected Students

August 30, 2021
August 30, 2021 Dear Veterans and Military-Connected Students: Our hearts are with those families of service members killed in the Kabul bombing. At a time like this, we need to acknowledge the men and women who have and continue to serve our country, despite the chance of serious injury or death. Their sacrifice cannot be fully measured, and therefore we applaud their courage and commitment to keep us safe. It is not unusual for persons to experience a range of emotions related to military conflict and the concomitant loss of life. If you desire help with processing the tragedies that we are witnessing in Afghanistan, there are numerous support services on campus available to you. We encourage you to utilize the following resources as needed: Chez Veterans Center (CVC), (217) 300-3515; https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/ The Chez Veterans Center offers military-connected students support for growth and success during their educational experience. The Behavioral Health Programs at the CVC utilize evidence-based practices to help with issues such as stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and anger. Professional counselors, social workers, and psychologists at the CVC provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy to support the mental health and general well- being of our military-connected students. Student Assistance Center: (217) 333-0050; helpdean@illinois.edu The Student Assistance Center serves as the first point of contact for students who call or walk into the Office of the Dean of Students. Our assistant deans help students understand university policies and procedures, educate them about and connect them to campus resources, and support students in crisis. Students visit us regarding a broad range of issues which may be impacting their academic performance including those related to health/mental health, course attendance issues, questions about where to go on campus to seek different services, options for withdrawing from the university, or because they need help and just aren’t sure where to go. We help students find their way. Counseling Center: (217) 333-3704; http://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/ The Counseling Center is committed to providing a range of services intended to help students develop improved coping skills in order to address emotional, interpersonal, and academic concerns. The Counseling Center provides individual, couples, and group counseling. All services are paid for through the health services fee. The Counseling Center offers primarily short-term counseling, but also provides referrals to the community when students could benefit
from longer term services. Call to schedule an appointment, or schedule online at http://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/counseling/counseling-center-services/your-first-appointment/online-appointment-scheduling-form. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, walk into the Counseling Center and inform the staff that you are experiencing a crisis. They will help to get you connected to support as soon as possible. McKinley Health Center: (217) 333-2700; https://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/ The Mental Health Clinic at McKinley provides evaluations, consultations, and recommendations for subsequent treatment for a variety of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Short-term individual psychotherapy and medication treatments are provided when indicated. McKinley’s staff of mental health professionals includes licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, a clinical nurse specialist and clinical social workers. Call to schedule an appointment. If you have questions about any of the aforementioned services, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Ingrid Wheeler (Assistant Director, Behavioral Health and Wellness) at the Chez Veterans Center. She can be reached at ithorso2@illinois.edu or 217-300-5186. Sincerely, Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, Ph.D. Dean and Professor Reginald J. Alston, Ph.D. Associate Dean and Professor Interim Director of the Chez Veterans Center