Mission: College Ready | Veteran Academic Bootcamp

Orientation 2.0: Preparing Veterans for Academic Success

Step into your next mission with confidence. The Veteran Academic Bootcamp — “Mission: College Ready” is a three-day, in-person transition experience that equips veterans with the academic skills, personal resilience, and community connections needed to thrive at Houston Christian University. From mastering digital systems and study strategies to building a new brotherhood of purpose-driven scholars, this program ensures you’re fully mission-ready for life at HCU.

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Program Description

About the Bootcamp

The Veteran Academic Bootcamp, titled “Mission: College Ready,” is a three-day, hands-on orientation that helps you translate your military discipline into college success. Through workshops, labs, and mentorship from fellow veterans, you’ll build academic readiness, confidence, and community before classes begin.

Who Should Attend

All incoming HCU students using VA education benefits (Chapter 33, 31, 1606, or 30).

Who Should Not Attend

Spouses and dependents (Chapter 35): a separate webinar will be provided.

Bootcamp Schedule

Day 1 — Mission Reorientation: From Service to Scholar

Welcome & Overview — Cody Harrington
Guest Session: “Your VA Education Journey: From Application to Graduation” — VA Regional Office Representative
Session 1: Financial Literacy & VA Benefits — Katie Wisdom
Session 2: Transitioning from Military to Academic Mindset — China Jenkins
Session 3: Stress Management & Emotional Resilience — Cole Dawson
Session 4: Canvas & Technology Lab — Danny Muntean
Closing Activity: Peer Connection & Group Mission Statement — HVA President

Day 2 — Academic Readiness: Tools for Success

Morning Workshop: Time Management & Productivity Systems — China Jenkins
Session 1: Writing for College (APA, MLA, Turabian) — Denese Wolff-Hilliard
Session 2: Critical Thinking & Classroom Engagement — Tia Caster
Afternoon Lab: Research & Academic Tools — Dean Riley
Reflection: Overcoming Academic Barriers — VALOR Mentor Team

Day 3 — Mission Planning: Academic Success Blueprint

Session 1: Academic Advising — Building a Course Success Plan — Sydney Murphy
Session 2: Study Skills & Note-Taking Strategies — Samantha Bottoms
Session 3: Goal Setting & Next Mission Planning — Aaron Swartz
Session 4: Tutoring & Supplemental Instruction — Jacqueline Mendez
Closing Ceremony: Certificate Presentation & Networking Luncheon — Cody Harrington

(Exact schedule subject to finalization by Veteran Services.)

Why It Matters

Mission Purpose

At Houston Christian University, we recognize that veterans bring leadership, resilience, and discipline to our campus. This bootcamp ensures that those strengths are translated into academic and personal success from day one.

Mission Outcomes

Participants completing the bootcamp will:
Demonstrate understanding of HCU’s academic culture and expectations
Apply effective study, writing, and time management strategies
Confidently use HCU digital platforms (Canvas, HuskyNet, etc.)
Identify and engage campus academic and wellness resources
Develop a personalized “Academic Mission Plan” for success