EXCEL offers counseling for veteran students

• March 14, 2013 5:00am

Veterans returning to college don’t have to make the transition on their own at Cal State East Bay, says Teresa Golebiewska, EXCEL Program Director.

“There are over 200 veteran students on (the Cal State East Bay) campus,” said Golebiewska, adding that staff members of the EXCEL program offer veteran students in need one-on-one counseling. 

Jerel McGiffert, a Cal State East Bay veteran counselor, has several veteran family members and has previously worked as an educational counselor in the Navy College Program. 

As a Cal State East Bay alumnus, McGiffert said he understands it is easy to get lost in the shuffle as a student. He adds that veterans have the opportunity through counseling, “To ease the transition into the university lifestyle.”

McGiffert said he encourages veteran students to take advantage of free services available through the EXCEL Program, including assistance with education plans, prioritizing, finding a job and balancing family life with academics. 

“It’s okay to ask for support,” McGiffert said.

For more information on the EXCEL Program or veteran counseling, contact Teresa Golebiewska at teresa.golebiewska@csueastbay.edu or Jerel McGiffert at jerel.mcgiffert@csueastbay.edu. 

AM