Veterans, Military Affiliated, Emeriti and Academics
Goals/Purpose: Support students, faculty and emeriti re: issues related to Veterans and Military affiliated members of the UBC community. A related goal/purpose is to undertake research, program and policy development, and curriculum development to enhance the support provided.
Contributions to College & UBC Community: Assist in establishing research agendas, curriculum development, mentor and support students, service providers, faculty, clinical faculty, and practitioners.
In their past and current practice co-convenors are engaged with colleagues across a wide range of disciplines and fields of practice related to the topic presented.
Anecdotally, co-convenors are aware of members of the UBC community with a broad range of background and experience with Canada’s Armed Forces. For some experience is of relatively short duration; others had careers of longer duration. Each have considerable experience which is an untapped resource for mentoring UBC veteran students - assisting / navigating the veterans student’s journey in his/her program as needed.
In the current geo-political bringing challenges locally and internationally the role of Canada’s military is rapidly changing; from assisting civilian authorities with fire fighting, floods and snowstorms to meeting long-term commitments to NATO and UN peacekeeping. It can be anticipated that the demands will increase and the need for support will increase for those entering military and their families and for veterans who have completed service. The proposed SIG will enhance the ability to assist and support veterans now studying at UBC; and the faculty and emeriti with whom they engage.
It will also enhance preparation of graduates to address faced in future careers.
The support services are also relevant to the situation of the increasing number of migrants and refugees coming to Canada.
Co-Convenors: Dr. Marv Westwood Emeritus Counselling Psychology; Dr. Richard Vedan, Emeritus Social Work; Dr. Judith Hall, Emerita Medicine
Meetings
You can find all upcoming meetings by visiting the Upcoming Events page and searching for the category "SIG: Veterans".