5 Ways to Help Student Veterans Feel Comfortable
Only 15% of of student veterans are within the traditional college student age range of 18-23.
College students usually fall into one of two categories -- fresh out of high school and everyone else. That over 25 crowd generally get grouped into one category and given access to programs that help them balance college and life.
Veterans can span both of these categories, and often bring more differences to the table. Only 15% of student veterans are between the ages of 18-23 -- most of them are between the ages of 24 and 40, according to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute (PNPI). This means that almost half of them are married and/or parents. They also have family responsibilities and 46% of them are working full or part-time while in school, which they may share with older students who are not veterans.
The biggest thing that separates veterans from college students is that 51% of student veterans have a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These disabilities -- which may not be physical -- cause additional stress for student veterans.
But awareness of the stressors and obstacles that student veterans face can help institutions and organizations prepare programs and services that help them specifically, which make veterans feel welcome and comfortable in classes. Here are some of those things.
Create a Support System on Campus
Transitioning veterans can struggle with their sense of identity as they go from the military to the civilian world. They may have a hard time fitting into the student body, which often leads them to look for other veterans or students they have something in common with. Creating a space, group or support structure for veterans to find each other is very helpful for them.
Encourage your student veterans to join an organization or club -- even if it's not a veteran-based one. Finding a group of people with a shared interest will go a long way for their comfort level and retention.
Embrace Flexibility
Some of your veteran students are still serving in the military, which means things are likely to change quickly for them. Understanding this at every level, from financial to administrative to instructors and professors is crucial. A firm but understanding policy on course disruptions goes a long way, as well as being flexible with due dates and testing dates if possible. Student veterans may also be serving in the National Guard or Reserve and be training on weekends or activated last minute. Open communication is key to making them feel comfortable.
Make it Easy
Transfer students and student veterans will thank you for making your credit transfer process easy to understand. They don't want to spend hours figuring out what can be transferred from another institution or from their military experience, they want to hit the ground running and start on their classes.
By having advisors and admissions personnel familiar with the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams and using military experience to earn college credits, student veterans will feel welcome and comfortable, instead of a burden.
Offer a Variety of Learning Environments
We know not all students learn the same way, and offering a variety of options for learning is key to keeping students engaged and happy. Hands-on learning is one way that veteran students learned their craft in the military and one they tend to prefer. Experiential learning is one of the best ways to learn, and it’s important to have these options for student veterans.
Encourage Networking
Veterans trust word-of-mouth when it comes to almost everything -- including where they are pursuing their education. If you do a good job of making the student veterans you currently have enrolled feel welcome and comfortable, word will get out and you'll have more veterans interested in your program.
Encourage your student veterans to start networking with alumni, both veterans and non-veterans, and not wait until they are looking for employment post-graduation. Help them by creating events and environments where this can occur naturally. Then, when current students graduate, they can reach back and mentor and advise the next generation.
