VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)

VetSuccess on Campus (VSoC) Overview

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of New Mexico (UNM). Beginning in 2009 as a pilot program at the University of South Florida, the VSOC program has expanded to over 100 schools nationwide. The overarching goal of VSOC is to assist veterans, service members, and qualified Dependents so they can succeed academically and prepare for a viable career upon graduation. The VSOC program is coordinated on each campus by a VSOC Counselor, who is a trained VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. In essence, the VSOC Counselor serves as the “face of the VA” on campus.

VSOC at UNM

VetSuccess on Campus arrived at UNM in 2012, when a VA VocRehab Counselor was assigned to UNM’s Veterans Resource Center as a full-time VSOC Counselor. As a result, veterans, service members, and dependents at UNM now have easy access to a VA employee via walk-in or scheduled appointments. Currently, out of the 100+ VSOC programs throughout the nation, VetSuccess on Campus at UNM is the only one in New Mexico.

VSOC Services:

  • Educating students on their VA education benefits (e.g. Post 9/11 GI Bill® (CH33); Montgomery GI Bill® (CH30); Montgomery GI Bill® – Selective Reserve (CH1606); Dependents Education Assistance (DEA or CH35), Transfer of Entitlement (ToE), and the Fry Scholarship)
  • As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, the VSOC Counselor is uniquely qualified to provide a comprehensive explanation of the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (CH31) program to veterans with service-connected disabilities and can assist with the application process
  • Providing Career & Educational Counseling (CH36) services to qualified veterans, service members, and dependents (see separate section below for details on CH36)
  • Coordinating the Peer-Mentoring Program (see Vet2Vet page) at the Veterans Resource Center
  • Reaching out to new student veterans and dependents, and those on academic probation or suspension, to try to resolve problems that interfere with completion of education programs and entrance into employment
  • Providing veterans with a detailed explanation of eligibility criteria for VA Health Care and assisting with the application process
  • Conducting outreach at UNM and through the community (e.g. Community Veterans Court, Stand Down, Job Fairs, etc.) to ensure that no veteran “falls through the cracks”
  • Providing referrals to:
    • Veterans Service Organizations (e.g. American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc.) that can assist veterans with service-connected disabilities in applying for disability compensation
    • VA Employment Workshops so veterans can develop resume writing, job interviewing, and networking skills; the VSOC Counselor can also assist with the above employment-related activities on a one-on-one basis
    • Veterans Integration Center (VIC) for veterans who are homeless or experiencing housing difficulties that may lead to homelessness
    • Free Civil Legal Advice for VA-enrolled Veterans
    • On-campus resources: UNM Dental Services at Novitski Hall, Career Services, Center for Academic Program Support, Accessibility Resource Center, Student Health & Counseling, Manzanita Counseling Center, etc.
    • New Mexico Workforce Connections DVOP (Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist), LVER (Local Veterans Employment Representative) and ISC (Intensive Services Coordinator) 
    • VHA medical centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers for more intensive health services, including mental health treatment

Educational and Career Counseling (VA Chapter 36)

Do you know what you want to do with your life? Are you unsure of your career goals? Are you in the right major? 

Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), or VA Chapter 36, offers free educational and career guidance, planning, and resources to Veterans and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education benefit.  

The VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program, through the Veterans Benefits Administration, places an experienced Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor directly on campus to provide guidance and support to veteran students and their eligible family members on VA educational benefits, vocational exploration, disability compensation claim, employment information, and community and VA resources. This counselor will serve as a “one-stop liaison” for veterans on campus. 

Eligibility for CH 36 counseling/services: 

  • Any veteran/service member currently eligible for a VA education benefit (e.g. CH33, CH 30)
  • Transitioning service members within six months prior to discharge from active duty
  • Veterans within one year following discharge from active duty       
  • All current VA education beneficiaries (e.g. dependents using CH35, CH 33 TOE)

Additional information, as well as instructions on how to apply online or in print, may be found at https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/

UNM's VSOC Counselor

Irvine Mia Pasquier is embedded in the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), and she can be reached primarily via email at Irvine.pasquier@va.gov and by phone at (505) 498-7892.

To apply for CH 36 services, please email me directly for additional information as well as instructions.