Fall 2015, Issue 1
UNCW MILITARY RESOURCE LOUNGE:
UNCW celebrated the grand opening of its new Military Resource Lounge on Wednesday, August 19 th , at 4:30 pm. The event was a huge success and the lounge has been greatly utilized since it opened. There will be several VA work-study students staffing the lounge throughout the week to assist military-affiliated students with any questions or concerns they may have. The lounge is open during regular Warwick Center hours. This lounge will function as a place to come if you have questions, want to host meetings, hang out between classes, need a place to study, and much more. There are a few upcoming events scheduled to be held in this space, which include:
Tuesday, September 15, 9-11 am
Career Center Express Hours
Wednesday, September 16, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Research Boot Camp : Come to the lounge and learn how to use library resources to amplify your papers and research topics (Point of
Contact: Tammy Ivins, Transfer Librarian). Tammy will also be in the lounge on September 23 rd and 30 th from 9 – 11 am to answer individual questions
Thursday, September 17, 9 – 11 am
Bike Registration & Healthy Smoothies : Sponsored by Parking Services, Health Promotions, and the PERCH
Friday, September 18, 3 – 7 pm
Kayaking w/ Seahawk Adventures (sponsored by the PERCH). The PERCH will sponsor the first 10 students who complete the paperwork. The paperwork can be found in the lounge and if you have any questions please contact Assistant Dean Ganser: gansers@uncw.edu
.
Monday, October 26, 3 – 4 pm
Using your GI Bill to Study Abroad : sponsored by the Office of International Programs, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and the PERCH.

Military-Affiliated Newsletter
The PERCH will be hosting offcampus coffee breaks on
Wednesdays & Thursdays from
10:30 – 11:30 am in Fisher Student
Center across from the Bookstore entrance. Below are the next few sponsors!
Wednesday, September 9 th o Office of Student
Leadership and
Engagement
Thursday, September 10 th o Career Center
Wednesday, September 16 th o The Lofts at Randall
Check us out on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/453947521411351
The mission of University of
North Carolina Wilmington’s
Veterans Education and Transition
Support Organization, also known as V.E.T.S is to assist militaryaffiliated students and their families successfully transition into civilian and academic life.
UNCW V.E.T.S had their monthly meeting on Wednesday, August
26 th , at 4:30 p.m. The following topics and information were discussed:
The V.E.T.S organization officers are:
Paul Schweizer: President
pds6588@uncw.edu
Kyle Lamb: Vice President
kjl5773@uncw.edu
Events that V.E.T.S will participate in this semester
What events would students like for V.E.T.S to participate in
Activities that will be included in Veteran’s
Week
Questions and concerns from members
Kristen Robinson: Communication and Membership
kvr6197@uncw.edu
Eric Reynolds: Treasurer
ezr8774@uncw.edu
If you would like the detailed notes from the meeting please email Kristen Robinson at kvr6197@uncw.edu
.

3
Mondays: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
*If you have questions you can contact:
Shannon Miles- miless@uncw.edu
Alton Johnson- Johnson@uncw.edu
Email: gansers@uncw.edu
Occupation: Assistant Dean of
Students, Oversees the MRL with VA Work Study supervision and programming for the space
Military affiliation: I am a dependent in a long line of military men in my family. We have all branches represented
Tips for success: Ask for help, get connected to campus in cocurricular activities, and don’t sweat the small stuff
Favorite food: New York
Pizza
Random fact: I really do not like nocturnal animals
When you get out of the military and decide to pursue other interests in life it is important to find someone who inspires you to be the best version of yourself because they display that drive as well. Although I got out of the military in February 2012 it took a while for me to find inspiration again. I have found inspiration in a few places but one of the greatest places was in one of UNCW’s
Assistant Deans. Stephanie Ganser has shown all of us just how much she cares about everyone at our school and people in general. She is a dedicated individual who has an unwavering desire to help others. She is a role model not only for our military community but also to all students, faculty, staff and anyone who is lucky enough to know her. One of the most important things that Ms. Ganser has taught me is how to inspire myself. It is important to all of us to express just how appreciative we are of her hard work and dedication to UNCW’s military-affiliated students. Thank you Ms. Ganser for everything you do and have done for us!
Written by Kristen Robinson

Military-Affiliated Newsletter
Major Confusion
Monday, September 28, from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm in Azalea A, Fisher
University Union
Feeling stuck in your current major? Not sure how to change your major?
Come meet with representatives from the Career Center, University College, and the Registrar’s Office to find out how the total process works.
Academic Major and Minors Fair:
Tuesday, September 29, from 11 am – 2 pm in Burney Center
Come talk to faculty and students who represent the 50+ majors and 60+ minors at UNCW. This is a great opportunity to explore majors and network with faculty.
Making your MAJOR Decision-Exploring Majors & Careers
Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, in Cape Fear Room, Fisher
University Union
Evaluate myths associated with choosing a major: assess your interests and explore their connection to academic majors and careers. Co-sponsored with
University College.
Fall 2015, Issue 1
PERCH services, provided by the Office of the Dean of Students, contribute to the successful transition and university engagement of off-campus, non-traditional, graduate, and military-affiliated students by:
Providing P ersonal support
Delivering E ducational opportunities
Connecting students to UNCW and Wilmington R esources
Arranging opportunities for C ommunity development
Assisting with your off-campus H ousing search
Like Seahawks, when our students utilize PERCH services, they graduate and soar to new heights!
* Check out PERCH at http://www.uncw.edu/PERCH , on Instagram at @seahawkperch , on Twitter at twitter.com/ThePERCH_UNCW , or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThePERCHUNCW .
* Contact the PERCH by calling 910.962.3119, emailing seahawkperch@uncw.edu
, or stopping by the Office of the Dean of Students in Fisher University Union, Room 2013.

Ryan Dickerson
Major: Criminology
Military affiliation: Dependent
Tips for success: Go to class
Favorite food: Pasta
Random fact: I am going into racing after I graduate
Kristen Robinson
Major: Graduate student (Conflict Management and
Resolution)
Military affiliation: United States Marine Corps Veteran
Tips for success: Keep an open mind and stay positive about your future and your goals.
Favorite food: Mexican food
Random fact: I would love to be a comedian
Jaramie Black
Major: Criminology/Sociology
Military affiliation: United States Marine Corps Veteran
Tips for success: Use the resources that UNCW provides for you
Favorite food: Steak/burgers
Random fact: I compete in bodybuilding
Alena Rodriguez
Major: International Studies
Military affiliation: Dependent
Tips for success: Be open-minded to new to new experiences
Favorite food: Pretzels
Random fact: I am a big fan of hockey (Chicago
Blackhawks fan)
Christina Taylor
Major: Pre-nursing
Military affiliation: United States Navy Veteran
Tips for success: Be organized and prepared before classes start and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Favorite food: Pasta
Random fact: I know how to sail
Patty Martinez
Major: Exercise Science
Military affiliation: United States Marine Corps
Veteran
Tips for success: Reach out to your instructors. They are ready and willing to help you if you are willing to put in the effort.
Favorite food: Seafood and steak
Random fact: Traveled to Hawaii this summer
Tracy Kirkland
Major: Theatre
Military affiliation: United States Marine Corps
Veteran