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Serving Those Who Serve. From 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
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Serving Those Who Serve From 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
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