Veterans Success Center
What We Do
The mission of the St. John’s University Veterans Success Center (VSC) is to support student veterans at St. John’s University in their pursuit of higher education. The VSC assists student veterans with successfully transitioning from military service to university life through networking opportunities, resources, community service, and advocacy.
The VSC aims to foster an environment honoring military service and improving the quality of their university experience. We host weekly events and monthly luncheons to bring student veterans together and to connect them with other resources on campus.
Office Contact
Karen Simons
Director, Veterans Success Center
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers (What's this?)
718-990-5783
[email protected]
"Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause.”
— Abraham Lincoln
One Goal, One Mission
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Welcome Center
718-990-2000
[email protected]
Enter through Gate 1 and Public Safety will direct you to the Welcome Center.
Office of Graduate Admission
Welcome Center
718-990-1601
[email protected]
Office of the Registrar
Newman Hall, Room 102
718-990-2000
[email protected]
Main Library
St. Augustin Hall, Floors 2 and 2
718-990-6201
Schools and Colleges
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Joseph V. Etzel, Pharm.D.
Associate Clinical Professor
Clinical Pharmacy Practice St. Albert Hall, Room 181
718-990-6362
[email protected]
The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies
Randolph D.J. Ortiz
Assistant Dean
St. Augustine Hall, Second Floor
718-990-2521
[email protected]
St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Andres Laurito
Assistant Dean
St. John Hall, Room 145
718-990-2094
[email protected]
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
Adrian P. Fitzsimons
Professor, Department of Accountancy
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, Room 308
718-990-7306
[email protected]
The School of Education
Rosaria Cimino
Administrative Assistant
Sullivan Hall, Fifth Floor
718-990-2503
[email protected]
St. John’s Tuition and Financial Aid Office
Queens Campus
Bent Hall, (Entrance across from Carnesecca Arena)
718-990-2000
[email protected]
Karen Morizio
VA Certifying Official
Newman Hall 138A
718-990-1910
[email protected]
Amy Park
VA Certifying Official
Newman Hall
718-990-3980
[email protected]
Lyn Johnson
VA Outreach Specialist
212-686-7500 ext. 4218
[email protected]
Yvette Branson
VITAL (Veterans Intergration to Academic Leadership) Initiative Coordinator
646-772-6087
[email protected]
As a Veteran transitioning to civilian life, accessing education and training opportunities can open doors to new career paths. The following resources highlight various VA education benefits available to assist you:
Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33):This program helps eligible Veterans cover the costs of college, graduate school, and training programs. The VA’s website will provide you with detailed information on how to file for eligibility and make the most of this valuable educational support.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31):This program aims to assist Veterans with service-connected disabilities in exploring employment options and addressing their education or training needs. This resource will guide you through the application process and provide you with valuable information about the program.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA - Chapter 35): Provides educational assistance to eligible dependents and survivors of Veterans, helping them pursue their educational and vocational goals.
Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30): This is an additional program that provides educational benefits to eligible military service members and Veterans, helping them cover the costs of education and training programs.
Yellow Ribbon Program: Veterans who qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level may also be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program provides additional financial support for schools with tuition and fees that exceed the coverage offered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship: This scholarship offers additional benefits to eligible Veterans utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill or dependents using the Fry Scholarship. It provides up to 9 months (or $30,000) of training benefits specifically tailored for high-demand fields.
Veterans Tuition Awards: VTA are grants available to eligible Veterans pursuing full- or part-time studies in approved undergraduate or graduate degree programs or vocational training programs within New York State.
Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP): This is a New York State program designed to recruit and retain members for the State Military Forces (Army and Air National Guard, and Naval Militia). This competitive program will pay the cost of tuition up to SUNY tuition rates per semester.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606, MGIB-SR): This bill provides educational assistance in the form of monthly payments to qualified Service Members enrolled in VA-approved education and training.
St. John’s University Housing
Office of Residence Life
Dr. Jason Bartlett
Director of Residence Life
Donovan Hall, Room C-16
718-990-2417
[email protected]
Non-University Housing:
- Jump Off Campus: helps students find apartments in the area from landlords who are specifically seeking St. John’s students.
- NYC Housing Connect: This valuable platform provides listings and lotteries for affordable rentals and homeownership opportunities.
- Apartments.com: Consider using this popular apartment search website, which provides comprehensive listings and search filters to simplify your apartment search process.
University Information System (UIS)
Provides access to class schedule by day and time, detailed schedule, address information, e-mail, holds, academic record, overall status of financial aid, cost of attendance, and student requirements.
University Career Services
Chiang Ching Kuo (CCK) Hall
718-990-6375
[email protected]
University Learning Commons
Provides free tutoring services to all SJU students in a variety of classes and subjects.
St. Augustine Hall, Room 103
[email protected]
University Writing Center
Make an appointment online at stj.mywconline.com.
St. Augustine Hall
718-990-2171
[email protected]
Office of Distance Education
718-990-2786
[email protected]
Information Technology Service Center
Newman Hall
718-990-5000
St. John's University Resources
After-Hours Mental Health Helpline
Available after 4:30 p.m., weekends, and when the University is closed.
718-990-6352
Counseling and Psychological Services
Free in-person or online support to assist students with personal or emotional troubles.
Marillac Hall, Room 130
718-990-6384
Student Health Services
Free and confidential urgent care offered regardless of insurance status.
DaSilva Hall
718-990-6360
Non-University Resources
Vet Centers: Vet Centers are located throughout the surrounding communities and provide free mental health assistance in a non-medical setting. Call (718) 367-3500 to reach the Bronx Vet Center, (914) 682-6250 for the Westchester Vet Center and (718)296-2871 for Queens Vet Center.
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center: This center offers free, compassionate care for Veterans and military families who are dealing with the long-term effects of military service and other life stresses. They provide support for relationship difficulties, school problems, unemployment, relocation issues, and more. To schedule an appointment, please call (855) 698-4677 or email [email protected].
Veterans Crisis Line:Available 24/7, the Veterans Crisis Line offers free and confidential support. Simply dial 988 and press 1 to connect with trained professionals who can assist you during times of crisis.
NY Presbyterian Military Family Wellness Center: This center specializes in providing care and support for military families and Veterans. Call (212) 821-0783 to make an appointment.
St. John's Student Accessibility Services
Maria Pantoja
Director of Student Accessibility Services
Marillac Hall, Room 134
718-990-6819
Non-University Accessibility Services
New York State Department of Veterans' Services: This department offers support in filing a claim for disability compensation. Book an appointment by calling (888) 838-7697 or click here. They can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the benefits you're entitled to.
DAV (Disabled American Veterans):DAV provides a range of services and support for disabled Veterans. They assist with benefits claims, transportation to medical appointments, employment resources, and more.
VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars): VFW offers a variety of programs and services for Veterans, including assistance with disability claims and access to resources tailored to disabled Veterans.
American Legion: The American Legion offers support and guidance in filing for disability benefits, connecting with VA healthcare, and accessing other resources.
Veteran Benefits Administration: The VBA is responsible for administering disability compensation programs. They provide comprehensive information and resources related to disability benefits.
NYC Office of Disability Services: The NYC Office of Disability Services provides support and resources for disabled individuals, including Veterans. Explore their website to access information on disability rights, benefits, and services available in the NYC area.
Wounded Warrior Project: WWP offers a wide range of programs and services to support Veterans with disabilities. They provide assistance with benefits claims, mental health support, physical rehabilitation, and more.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: IAVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. They provide assistance with VA benefits claims, mental health resources, employment support, and advocacy.
St. John’s University Career Services
Chiang Ching Kuo (CCK) Hall
718-990-6375
[email protected]
Non-University Career Services
VetConnectPro: Utilize this valuable tool hosted by the NYC Department of Veterans' Services to create a compelling resume and explore job opportunities. VetConnectPro offers a user-friendly platform that streamlines your job search.
FourBlock: Their career readiness program is designed to equip Veterans with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful transition to professional careers. Benefit from comprehensive career development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events to enhance your career readiness.
American Corporate Partners: Through their mentoring program, you will gain access to a network of professional mentors who provide guidance and support as you prepare for and transition into the workforce. This program offers insights and connections to prepare you to navigate the job market with confidence.
Viscardi Center: The center offers a range of employment services and programs tailored specifically to individuals with disabilities, including Veterans. Explore their resources, career counseling, and job placement assistance to help you find meaningful employment.
America Works: Their comprehensive services include job placement, vocational training, and ongoing support to help you achieve your career goals.
Other Career-Related Web Sites:
As an St. John's student and a member of the United States Armed Forces, you deserve recognition for your academic achievements and contributions.
The purpose of SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society is to provide an association for and recognition of academically outstanding student veterans and military in continuing higher education.
If you are interested in applying for SALUTE, please download the SALUTE application.
For more information, please visit the SALUTE website or the SALUTE Facebook page.
Join us in building our veteran community by filling out the spotlight form to be featured on our Instagram, monthly newsletters and in our Center.