The Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) has fostered a successful support system for military veterans and members of military families attending the school.
NUSU and the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) celebrate their first year of partnership this week. This partnership gives additional assistance to military families and former personnel on the university campus.
NUSU VP Communications Xander Winter said, “With North Bay being a military town it is important to us to ensure our students, whether they are veterans or members of military families, feel comfortable and supported on campus.”
NUSU is the first student union in Canada to partner with MFRC.
“The MFRC is proud to celebrate a full year of partnership with NUSU,” said Tessa Clermont, MFRC Executive Director. “We look forward to growing and enhancing our work together to support military and veteran families in the post-secondary environment”
Staff from the student union have received training in the Mental Health First Aid Veteran Community course and have also attended meetings with the Veterans Ombudsman.
“The partnership between the MFRC’s Veteran Family Program and NUSU is an important part of easing the transition from active service to post-service life for releasing members and Veterans in our community,” said Tina Thomason, Veteran Family Program Coordinator. “Veterans and their families can access support and guidance from the students and staff at NUSU that is informed by training in military and veteran culture”.
NUSU plans to bring this partnership to other student unions across the province.
NUSU Director of Communications Sarah McGowan said, “We have been able to help dozens of our students who have identified as a veteran or military family member this past year. We know that this number will expand as awareness grows both on and off campus.”
