10 Ways Higher Education Institutions Can Ensure Military Student Success
Transitioning from the military to the classroom can be a daunting experience, but with the right support, these students can achieve academic success, smoothly transition into civilian careers, and thrive personally. Below are ten effective ways that your institution can ensure the success of student veterans in various aspects of their lives.
Tailored Academic Support
Recognize that military students often have diverse backgrounds and experiences. To accommodate their unique needs, offer customized academic support programs, including tutoring, study skills workshops, and flexible scheduling. Providing a military-friendly academic environment can significantly enhance their chances of academic success. For example, some veterans might be hesitant to seek out existing services, but tailoring them specifically to military students may be more inviting.
Veteran Resource Centers
Establish dedicated veteran resource centers on campus. These centers can serve as hubs for veterans to connect, seek assistance, and access valuable resources such as academic counseling, career guidance, and mental health services. Creating a sense of community is vital for their success.
Academic Advising
Assign academic advisors with an understanding of military education benefits and veterans' unique challenges in translating military training into academic credits. Ensure advisors can efficiently guide them through course selection and degree planning in alignment with the benefits they're eligible for.
Credit for Military Experience
Offer credit for military experience. Many military students and veterans possess valuable skills and knowledge gained during their service. Recognizing and translating these experiences into academic credit can expedite their degree completion and boost their career transition success.
Flexible Class Scheduling
Military students often juggle multiple responsibilities, including family and work obligations. Provide flexible class scheduling options, including online courses and evening classes, to accommodate their busy lives while promoting academic success.
Financial Support
Assist military students navigating financial aid options and benefits like the GI Bill®. Ensure they know available scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts designed for veterans. Reducing financial stress contributes to overall success.
Veteran-Focused Career Services
Set up specialized career services for veterans. These services should include resume workshops, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. Preparing military students for successful career transitions is crucial for their long-term success.
Veteran Alumni Networks
Leverage the power of veteran alumni networks to create mentorship opportunities. Pairing military students with alumni who have successfully transitioned into civilian careers can provide invaluable guidance and support.
Mental Health Support
Recognize the unique mental health challenges that veterans may face, but be careful not to generalize and stigmatize with labels. Offer confidential counseling services tailored to their needs and raise awareness about mental health resources available on and off campus.
Inclusivity and Sensitivity Training
Train faculty and staff to be culturally competent and sensitive to the unique experiences of military students and veterans. Foster a campus culture that respects their service and welcomes their perspectives. An inclusive environment contributes to their personal success.
Ensuring the success of military-connected students requires a comprehensive approach that addresses academic success, career transition success, personal success, and more. By implementing these strategies, higher education institutions can provide the support and resources necessary to help student veterans achieve their goals and thrive in their academic and civilian lives. It's not just about getting them through the classroom door; it's about equipping them to succeed beyond it.