Serving Those Who ServeFrom Soldier to Student

Adam C. Martin

Veterans in Higher Education

• Over 2 million returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan wars

• Post 9/11 GI Bill – 2008 / 2011• 2007-08 military undergrads = 4%• 43% attend public two-year schools• Not since WWII has there been this

significant of an influx in the number of veterans entering higher education

Veterans in Higher Education

Military Culture

• Intense socialization, collective identity• Value honor and integrity• Speak frankly and direct• Commitment to excellence• Fiercely loyal allegiance to the U.S.• On Active Duty – 24 / 7 / 365• Enculturation does not diminish easily

Transition From Soldier to Student

• 2009 ACE Report / Survey• 723 Institutions (30% were two-year schools)• 65% programs & services specifically for veterans

• Advising, Tutoring, Campus Events, Career Planning, Employment Assistance, Transition Assistance, VA benefits counseling, Financial Aid Counseling, Veteran lounge

• 45% offer training to staff regarding transitional needs of veterans

• 56% have an office or department exclusively dedicated to serving veterans

• 84% have policies regarding tuition refunds for activations and deployments

Special Needs of Veteran Students

• Physical Disabilities • Amputations• Traumatic Brain Injury• Voc Rehab

• Emotional / Psychological disorders• Depression, Anxiety• PTSD

• nearly 400,000 vets compensated• Expected that 30% of returning vets will meet

criteria for serious mental health disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Re-experiencing the traumatic event• Avoidance and numbing• Increased anxiety / Emotional arousal• Anger and irritability• Guilt, shame, self-blame• Feelings of mistrust and betrayal• Depression• Substance Abuse

Working with a PTSD Student

• Be patient and understanding• Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD

triggers• Don’t take the symptoms personally• Don’t pressure them into talking about

the traumatic event or experience• Listen actively and communicate

positively• Promote self-awareness and motivation

What can we do to help?

• Veteran population at least 3%• Qualifies as a High Veteran Enrollment

• Establish specific points of contact• Provide veteran specific training

• Give our veterans a voice• 32% had veteran club or student organization• “They expressed high regard for opportunities to

interact with fellow student veterans and have access to campus staff who are trained and sensitized to the unique issues veterans face.”

More Ways to Help

• Take a community-based approach• Be familiar with local veteran services• Mobile Vet Centers

• Build a strong web presence• Welcome page with college resources and

points of contact• Publish concise information on transfer

credit for military experience• Provide Training for faculty and staff

Serving Those Who Serve

• Moral and ethical obligation to veterans

• Provide reasonable and necessary accommodations to ease transition

• Promote academic success and retention among veterans

• Improve their quality of life• Give back

References

• American Council on Education• Serving Those Who Serve: Making Your Institution Veteran Friendly• From Soldier to Student: Easing the Transition of Service Members

on Campus• Military Service Members and Veterans in Higher Education

• Veterans in Higher Education: What Every Advisor May Want to Know • The Mentor, April 29, 2009, by Penn State's Division of

Undergraduate Studies

• Veteran PTSD and Higher Education: Accommodations and Awareness• Derek Neuts, January 12, 2011

Contact Information

• Adam C. Martin, MBASouth Florida Community College(863) 784-7282adam.martin@southflorida.edu