Along with receiving a new coordinator of Veteran Affairs, Nicholls has also acquired a new veteran’s lounge to adhere to the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s Nicholls’ veteran students.
Gilberto Burbante, coordinator of veteran affairs, has used his new position to provide veteran students with a new lounge located in Shaver Gym in room 137.
“Coming back from deployment is not an easy thing,” Burbante said. “I noticed some of these guys having some of the same issues I had. I recommended counselors for them.”
There are couches and a television that can be used simply for lounging, but there also tables and chairs that can be used as a study area. A computer completes the look of the lounge. While the lounge provides comfort, Burbante provides information from his office, which is located right off the lounge. Veteran students have easy access to Burbante when they need help or have questions.
Over the years, students who are interested in attending Nicholls are outfitted with the necessary information to get the most of their education. This includes helping with processing needs such as correspondence, requirements, documentation and the certification process.
On the Nicholls website, the Veteran Affairs home page provides information about housing allowances, applying for the GI Bill, and several numbers where Nicholls’ Veteran Affairs Counselors can be contacted. Advising about the variety of state and federal benefits available to Louisiana veterans is administered by the veteran affairs counselors.
 “The only thing I have in mind is the best for my veterans, and I want them to succeed. A lot of times they just need that push,” said Burbante.
The new veteran’s lounge can be added to the list of benefits Nicholls provides year after year to its veteran students. Burbante, a Nicholls alumni, said he uses his past experience after getting out of the Marine Corps as his basis for running Veteran Affairs. He said he has adapted to the previous way of running things to fit the veterans that have recently been deployed.
There are about 195 veterans on Nicholls campus, but Burbante expects an increase in the next year with the withdrawal of soldiers from Afghanistan. Burbante said information is not the only thing veteran affairs provides students. He said that coming back from deployment is difficult, and sometimes veterans just need someone to talk to.
Burbante makes it a point to keep professors aware of the troubles soldiers might be going through to make their school experience an easier transition. Burbante works with enrollment to make sure every veteran is fitted with the schedule and classes that are necessary.
He stated socializing is another issue soldiers have a problem with, and the new lounge provides them with a chance to talk to others in similar situations.
“School is the best thing for them, and we are here to facilitate any needs they have,” Burbante said. “Whether it be mental, social, or financial, we’ll take care of it.”