4 Ways to Support Student Veterans on Campus
Students who feel supported by their academic institutions aren't going to spend time looking for another place to go. They're going to stay put, which means spending time and money on student support programs is well spent.
Student veterans are different from their non-military-connected classmates. The ways they are different range from age to family status to how they learn to accommodations due to traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress. Student veterans may also struggle with people asking ignorant questions about their military service and with discovering their new identity as a veteran.
There are many ways your institution can support student veterans, here are some.
Help Navigating the VA
Student veterans need to know they have the support of the administration and faculty when it comes to their dealings with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This means they want you to understand the terms they are using and be familiar with them. When someone in the finance office shows they are up-to-date with the new changes to the 48 Month Rule, for example, veterans see that they are valued and that they have an ally.
Veteran Orientation
Since most veterans are older than traditional students, presenting orientation information to them in a different way is appropriate. This may mean holding orientation sessions online or in the evenings, as student veterans are often working or staying home with children during the day. It also means giving them the information in a straightforward manner, highlighting the resources and support systems in place for them.
Student Veteran Networking Group
It's not fair to assume that all veterans want to be identified as such or pushed into a group with other veterans. But it is a good idea to have a networking and support group for veterans available. Veterans' resumes will look different when it comes to their next career search, they will have different questions about things and they may have different concerns. Giving them a space to discuss these things and seek answers from peers will help in their transition from the military to college.
Veteran Peer Mentoring
Students love to hear from other students when considering a college, course of study or even a professor for a specific class. Student veterans would benefit from having a veteran peer mentoring system where they could connect with each other and ask these questions.
There are other ways universities can help support student veterans, including offering some affordable housing options and childcare resources for veterans with families. The best way to know what student veterans need to feel supported at your academic institution is to ask them.
Want to provide an exceptional educational experience at your institution? Learn what military-connected students need to succeed with VVC.
