Texas A&M University Libraries Provide an Oasis for Aggie Veterans
By Ivy Mestrovic, Communications Specialist
A study room provides a great study space for Sean Kelly ’23 and other Aggie student veterans.
Texas A&M University Libraries and the Don and Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource and Support Center (VRSC) have partnered to create the Student Veteran Study Room in the Sterling C. Evans Library Annex 252C, a space available to all Aggie student veterans.
For maximum convenience, the study room is located at the heart of campus with hours that match the Evans Annex. The Student Veteran Study Room is exclusively accessible to veterans by swipe card and requires no reservations.
The Libraries and VRSC partner frequently to co-sponsor events, share expertise and support student veterans like Sean Kelly '23. "I use this room all the time," Kelly said. "This is my primary study location. There's always space for me to sit."
Designed with input form student veterans, the room is a space for study, collaboration and community building. It features comfortable seating, computers, a whiteboard wall, a wireless presentation monitor and natural lighting.
"It's really nice because this is one of the few rooms where there's a minimal amount of people." Kelly said. "I also like the whiteboard wall. It's massive, and I'm able to walk around and use it. Overall, it's nice and quiet, and the people here are really cool. It's good to meet friends here too."
Generously funded by The Hamill Foundation, the Student Veteran Study Room is a flexible space that facilitates several modes of study.
Commitment to Student Veterans
Supporting student veterans is a key priority for the Libraries, as veterans are an underrepresented population across the whole of higher education, according to a report by Ithaka S+R. The report found that only one in 10 veterans using GI Bill benefits enroll in institutions with graduation rates above 70%; Texas A&M has a graduation rate of 83% and currently has approximately 1,130 veterans enrolled.
"Student veterans aren't necessarily any different than other students," said Sean Buckner, retired sergeant first class in the Army National Guard and current head of the Libraries' preservation unit. "They have the same needs. Veterans are very capable and have a lot of skills gained from their military service."
Buckner said the Libraries try to provide a supportive environment for veterans. For example, the Libraries' front desk service AskUs makes a concerted effort to keep a veteran on staff to ensure there is a community touch-point available for student veterans if they have questions, need extra support or want a sympathetic ear.
"We try to be aware of the little things, as we acknowledge their service and provide a little extra support for our nontraditional students," Buckner said. "The most valuable component of helping student veterans attain student success is being partnered with the VRSC."
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About Texas A&M University Libraries
Comprising five unique libraries, the Texas A&M University Libraries are a hub of resources, spaces and professionals supporting the success of research, learning and teaching. The Libraries’ advance student success and partner in innovative research, while providing a physical and digital home to all students, staff, faculty and researchers. To learn more visit library.tamu.edu
