Insights and Best Practices for Veteran Student Onboarding

Whether seeking to improve student experience and outcomes, improve retention, or boost enrollment, look no further than veteran onboarding coaching. 

Military Veterans Are a Valuable Asset to Higher Education

Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families' Research Highlights Report shares that 92% of student veterans agreed or strongly agreed that higher education is crucial in navigating the post-service transition from military to civilian life. Veterans in institutional settings have higher program completion rates, graduation rates, and GPAs than non-veterans. 

However, nearly 62% of student veterans attend school as first-generation students and often need existing support networks for advice or to know what resources they should use or wholly trust. 

With this information in mind, Miles Dodge, a Virtual Veterans Communities Military Student Onboarding Coach, has shared some of his recent insights and best practices from his work supporting student veterans. 

Understand VA Education Benefits

A key takeaway from Miles' experience is that potential students may need to understand the scope of their available educational resources. Many are only aware of the Post 9/11 GI Bill®️ but have little familiarity with programs like the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps offset or cover tuition and fees not covered by the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. Many are also eligible for the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program that provides services to help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development and job-seeking skills coaching. Knowing what benefits prospective students are planning to use and what else they might want to look into goes a long way in helping ensure they're set up for success and using all of the available resources.

Staff These Roles with Military-Connected Representatives Whenever Possible  

A bond of trust instantly forms when a potential student connects with an institution's support staff and shares a common experience, such as military service. Whether it is someone who has shared the same branch of service, been stationed at a familiar duty assignment or has worked in a field that the potential student is considering for study, student veterans almost always share a sense of allyship and camaraderie. There is an understood sense of mutual respect for the sacrifice and hardship that duty provides. An onboarding coach often takes an initial lead role in the student's support network. 

Ensure Their Benefits Are Processed Accurately and Efficiently

Another anecdotal finding of Miles' involvement in the student-veteran space is the high correlation between students' choice of institution or program and the monthly housing allowance (MHA) some are eligible for based on their zip code. Many students rely on their MHA to help cover monthly bills and expenses. The purpose of this benefit is to allow them to do just that – be a full-time student. As you might imagine, any disruption to this benefit causes undue stress and hardship. They must receive all their educational benefits promptly to reduce the financial burden of day-to-day life. 

Prioritize Quick and Personal Responses

Finally, regarding some of the insights Miles has gained personally and professionally, he admits that he sometimes has only an approximate answer to every question he's presented with from student veterans. However, he has continued to earn the trust of those he serves by quickly connecting them with someone who can help. He aims for up to one business day to get a response for a student who requires information. 

Every student wants to feel their needs are being heard and met, and veterans are no different. Miles knows student veterans will add to their institutions as campus leaders who produce excellent work, support institutional initiatives, and add value to the campus community. This type of impact inspires Miles to help students. 

Miles Dodge serves as a Captain in the Oregon Air National Guard, where he first enlisted in 2012. Utilizing his Honors Bachelor of Science in Management from Oregon State University and his MBA from Portland State University, Miles has enjoyed a variety of careers that have taken him around the world working for small startups to Fortune 100 companies, including his current role as a Human Resources Director for an EdTech company. Miles is passionate about student development and supporting students to reach their goals.