VA VITAL

VA VITAL (Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership)

 

The Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiative. Through a partnership between the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and Michigan State University, VITAL places VA clinicians on campus to connect student Veterans with VA health care, mental health support, and university resources that promote academic success.

Note: VITAL is operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and is hosted in collaboration with MSU.

Contact VITAL Coordinator

Mission and Purpose

 

The Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs initiative designed to support Veterans as they transition from military to academic life. Through a partnership between the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and Michigan State University, VITAL places VA mental health professionals directly on campus to connect student Veterans with VA care, resources, and support.

The program’s mission is to enhance academic retention and success by:

  • Providing on-campus clinical care and coordination delivered by VA professionals
  • Educating the campus community to improve understanding of Veterans’ strengths and challenges
  • Collaborating with the VA Medical Center, Veterans Benefits Administration, MSU faculty/staff, and community partners

Ways VITAL Can Help

 

VA Health Care Access

Connects student Veterans directly with VA health care services, including primary care, specialty care, and mental health. The VITAL Coordinator assists with enrollment, eligibility questions, and navigating the VA system so Veterans can easily access the care they’ve earned while pursuing their education.

Mental Health & Wellness

Offers on-campus access to VA mental health professionals who understand the challenges of transitioning from military to academic life. Whether through counseling, brief interventions, or referrals, VITAL helps Veterans find balance, build resilience, and improve overall well-being.

Academic Success

Collaborates with Michigan State University faculty and staff to address barriers that may affect academic performance or persistence. The VITAL program works with both VA and campus resources to promote student Veteran success, improve classroom inclusion, and enhance retention.

Transition Support

Supports Veterans as they navigate the shift from military to civilian and university life. Through outreach, peer connection, and resource coordination, VITAL helps build a sense of belonging and ensures Veterans have the tools to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Eligibility

 

VA VITAL services are available to Veterans and eligible military-connected students attending Michigan State University, including members of the National Guard or Reserves and those currently serving on active duty. Some services, such as VA health care and clinical counseling, may require VA eligibility or enrollment. If you’re unsure, contact the VA VITAL Coordinator for guidance.

Meet the VA VITAL Coordinator

 

Rebecca [Last Name], VA VITAL Coordinator (through the Battle Creek VA Medical Center)

Rebecca is a VA clinician assigned to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and serves as the on-campus point of contact for the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program. She provides confidential counseling, advocacy, and support to student Veterans and military-connected students using VA benefits. While she maintains satellite hours within the Center for Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students, Rebecca operates as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, collaborating with MSU resources when appropriate to help Veterans access the full range of VA care, mental health services, and academic support available to them.

Email Rebecca Call the VITAL Office

Or contact CVMAS for help connecting with VITAL: Veterans@msu.edu • (517) 884-5973

Confidentiality and Limits

 

Information shared with the VA VITAL Coordinator is treated as confidential and protected by federal privacy laws. However, there are certain situations where information may need to be shared, such as:

  • When there is an immediate threat of harm to self or others
  • When required by law (for example, suspected abuse or neglect)
  • When coordination of care with other VA or MSU resources is necessary and you provide written consent

The goal of the VITAL program is to support student Veterans in a safe, respectful, and private manner while ensuring timely access to appropriate care and resources.