With tens of thousands of troops set to return from Iraq next summer, the University's Departments of Sociology and Veteran Services aim to help faculty and staff better understand the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder at a workshop Thursday, Sept. 27, from noon to 1 p.m.

"I hope this event will appeal to people who are wishing they could do something to help with the problems that have arose in recent years as a result of U.S. Military engagement in the Middle East," said Marta Elliott, associate professor of sociology.

Titled, "PTSD in UNR Veterans," the workshop will be held in the Alumni Room of the Jot Travis Student Union. The goal of the workshop is to train University community members to recognize the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and options for helping when the symptoms are spotted.

The event will include a panel of three experts on post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans, focusing on college students. The speakers include, counselors Scott Drew and David Baird, and John Newman, director of outreach for the Department of Veteran's Affairs in Reno.

 "With the ever-growing number of veterans, there needs to be something to help them re-adjust to their life before active military duty," Elliott said.

"Veterans who have experienced the emotional effects of being at war need some extra attention. This workshop is to provide faculty and staff with an idea of how to give that extra attention."