8 Ways Higher Educational Institutions Can Foster Culture and Community Among Student Veterans
Transitioning from military service to academic life can be daunting, but institutions can help create a thriving culture and community for these brave individuals with the proper support. Below are eight actionable ways your organization can make a meaningful impact in the lives of student veterans.
1. Dedicated Veteran Resource Centers
Establish a dedicated Veteran Resource Center: Create a physical space on campus that serves as a hub for veterans to connect, seek assistance, and build a sense of belonging.
Staff with experienced veterans: Employ veterans or individuals with military backgrounds who can provide guidance and support tailored to the unique needs of student veterans.
Offer workshops and seminars: Organize regular workshops on resume building, career planning, and understanding educational benefits to address veterans' specific challenges.
2. Veteran Mentorship Programs
Develop a mentorship program: Pair student veterans with experienced veterans who can offer guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
Encourage peer mentorship: Promote a sense of camaraderie among veterans by encouraging existing student veterans to mentor incoming students.
Host mentorship events: Organize networking events and mentorship mixers to facilitate connections between mentors and mentees.
3. Veteran-Friendly Policies:
Streamline the admissions process: Simplify and expedite the application process for veterans, considering their unique circumstances.
Flexible course scheduling: Offer flexible scheduling options, including evening and online classes, to accommodate student commitments outside academics.
Military leave policies: Establish guidelines for accommodating deployments, training, and other military-related absences.
4. Student Veteran Organizations:
Support veteran student organizations: Encourage forming student veteran groups that can plan events, advocate for veterans' needs, and provide a sense of community.
Allocate funding: Provide financial support for veteran organizations to host events, conferences, and initiatives that benefit the veteran community.
Collaborate with other student groups: Foster collaboration between veteran organizations and other student groups to ensure they're integrated – not isolated.
5. Mental Health and Wellness Services:
Offer specialized counseling: Employ counselors trained in addressing the unique mental health challenges veterans may face, such as transition-related stress.
Peer support groups: Facilitate peer support groups where military-connected students can share their experiences and seek advice from others who have faced similar challenges.
Outreach and awareness: Launch awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and encourage veterans to seek help when needed.
6. Financial Assistance:
Scholarships and grants: Establish scholarships or grants specifically for veteran students to ease the financial burden of education.
Assistance with benefits: Provide resources and support for students navigating their military benefits, including the GI Bill®️, Yellow Ribbon Program, and tuition assistance.
7. Cultural Awareness
Faculty and staff training: Conduct regular training sessions for faculty and staff to increase their awareness of veteran issues and create a more inclusive environment.
Elevate Student Veteran Opportunities: Where or how on campus might veterans share their expertise or experiences with the broader student body?
Celebrate military holidays: Recognize and celebrate military-related holidays and events on campus to show appreciation for veterans' service.
8. Alumni Engagement:
Connect with veteran alums: Engage veteran alums as mentors, guest speakers, and career advisors to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Alum events: Host events specifically targeting veteran graduates, fostering a strong sense of continuity and community among veterans.
Success stories: Highlight the achievements of veteran alums to inspire and motivate current student veterans.
Creating a culture and community that supports student veterans is a strategic investment for higher educational institutions. Connect with VVC to empower student veterans to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Together, we can honor their service by ensuring they receive the support and community they deserve in pursuing higher education.