Beyond "Thank You for Your Service": A Higher Ed Guide to Supporting Student Veterans this Veterans Day
As Veterans Day approaches, universities and colleges nationwide often reflect on how to honor student veterans on their campuses. Instagram posts may already be scheduled with some version of “Thank You for Your Service” typed across a proudly waiving American flag. While expressions of gratitude are a step in the right direction, going beyond annual platitudes is required to create a meaningful and lasting impact.
How can colleges and universities focus on better supporting student veterans on Veterans Day and throughout the year?
Listen to Their Stories
Understanding the unique experiences of student veterans begins with listening. Many veterans bring life experience, resilience, and leadership skills to the classroom. However, they also face challenges in transitioning from military to academic life.
A 2023 survey by the RAND Corporation found that nearly 60% of veterans feel that civilians do not understand the issues faced by those who have served in the military. Creating opportunities for dialogue can help bridge this gap on campus. Military service holidays provide a natural platform for engaging the campus community in meaningful discussions about military service and its broader implications. Consider these ideas:
Host Listening Sessions: Create spaces for veterans to share their stories with peers, faculty, and administration.
Veteran Mentorship Programs: Pair incoming student veterans with veteran alumni or upper-level students to foster a sense of belonging.
Incorporate Veteran Voices in Curriculum: Encourage faculty to integrate veteran narratives into course discussions where relevant.
Stay Current on Military Issues
Higher education professionals must stay informed about current military issues that impact veterans. These issues range from the nuances of the GI Bill®️ to evolving mental health needs. The GI Bill®️ and other veteran benefits undergo regular updates, which can directly affect student veterans' financial planning. The transition to civilian life, mental health care, and housing insecurity require ongoing attention and adaptation. Implement the following:
Professional Development: Offer faculty and staff workshops and seminars on current military issues.
Resource Hubs: Create an easily accessible online portal with up-to-date information on veteran benefits and resources.
Engage Military Experts: Invite military personnel or veteran advocacy groups to speak on campus about emerging issues affecting veterans.
Support Veteran-Focused Organizations
Supporting organizations focusing on veteran issues is a tangible way for institutions to demonstrate their commitment to veterans. These organizations often provide resources and support that complement the institution's offerings. Veteran-focused organizations can offer specialized services like mental health support, job placement, and legal advice.
Engaging with these organizations helps create a broader support network for student veterans.
Partnerships: Establish formal partnerships with veteran-focused organizations to offer joint programs or services.
Local Area Events: Ensure your campus event marketing includes local military organization events that are open to the public
Volunteer Opportunities: Encourage students, faculty, and staff to volunteer with veteran-focused organizations, enhancing community involvement.
Engage in Veterans Causes
Active engagement in veteran-related causes benefits student veterans and strengthens the institution's commitment to social responsibility. This can range from supporting veteran-focused legislation to participating in community events. Active engagement offers visibility and helps raise awareness about veterans' issues within the campus community.
Ways to engage:
Veterans Day Events: Go beyond symbolic gestures by hosting panel discussions, workshops, or forums on veterans' issues.
Community Service: Organize campus-wide service projects that directly benefit veterans in the local community.
Advocate for Better Policies
Ultimately, higher education institutions play a crucial role in championing improved policies that support veterans. This advocacy can take place at both the institutional and governmental levels. Effective advocacy can significantly change how veterans are supported on and off campus. Institutions that take a stand on veterans' issues can position themselves as leaders in higher education. Here are a few ways how:
Policy Review: Regularly review campus policies to ensure they are veteran-friendly and make adjustments as needed.
Government Relations: Engage with local, state, and federal legislators to advocate for policies that benefit student veterans.
Campus Advocacy Groups: Support student-led advocacy groups focused on veteran issues, providing resources and platforms to amplify their voices.
While saying "Thank you for your service" is a start, in order to be known as truly “veteran-friendly,” colleges and universities must take meaningful actions to support student veterans. These efforts benefit veterans and enrich the entire campus community, contributing to a more inclusive, aware, and engaged academic environment. This Veterans Day, let's commit to going beyond words and taking actions that make a lasting difference.
How VVC Can Help
Virtual Veterans Communities (VVC) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving higher education and employment outcomes for military-connected students. We exist to support institutions serving the students who serve our country. Whether you need a proven approach to on-base marketing, a turnkey online community, one-on-one coaching for military-connected students or team development, VVC stands ready.