Have you ever been in a conversation with a military-affiliated student, staff, or faculty member and heard them say, "I'm a Blue Star Mother" or "We are a Gold Star Family."

For those outside of the military-affiliated community, this may sound like military speak and not translate. At the risk of sounding arrogant or out of touch, the person unfamiliar with what these 'star' terms mean may offer a courteous but non-emotional nod, and the conversation may then turn to another topic.

On the contrary, if a veteran in higher ed learns that one of their students is a part of a Gold Star Family, they may drop everything to stop and serve that student.

When someone identifies with one of the 'stars,' it is an important glimpse into how you can best support that student, staff member, or faculty member.

Everyone on campus should know their 'stars' and what it means when someone identifies with one of them.

Blue Star
Blue Star Mothers and Families are those with children or family members who are currently serving in the military, guard, or reserves or who are veterans. Both have designated organizations and aim to help mothers and families adjust to military life and community.

If you have a Blue Star Mother or family member in your classroom or in your advising allotment, make sure they are supported academically, communally, and emotionally. In some cases, there may be signs of food insecurity. Knowing the resources for those experiencing food insecurity on your campus is critical.

Gold Star
Gold Star Families are families who have lost a loved one during active duty service in any of the military branches and during any conflict.

If you have a Gold Star Family or family member in your classroom or in your advising allotment, again, make sure they are supported academically and are welcomed into the military-affiliated community on campus. Some Gold Star members may not feel that the veterans center on campus is a space for them, so be sure to connect them with those on campus who can provide them with the resources and community they deserve.

Green/White Star
A Green Star Family or a White Star Family is a family who has experienced a military loss through suicide from any branch of service. A White Star Family also includes first responders and medical frontline workers.

If you have a Green or White Star Family or family member in your classroom or advising allotment, monitor signs of distress and be sure to know who to connect with on campus for mental health concerns and counseling services. Again, support academically may look different for these students and various accommodations may be necessary.

Silver Star
Silver Star Families are those who have a family member who is a wounded, ill, and/or injured veteran from any branch of the armed forces.

If you have a Silver Star Family or family member in your classroom or advising allotment, familiarize yourself with all the disability services on campus and the rights of these students. If you have a military caregiver in your classroom or advising allotment, be sure to connect them to the campus community and understand that their academic journey may look very different than other students.

Knowing Your Stars
There is a reason that these families are honored and can identify with these 'star' terms. In some way, shape, or form, they have sacrificed a part of their lives for military service. Understanding the meaning of the various stars sheds light on the potential circumstances and background of these students. In addition, it prepares you to guide the academic journey of these students, leading them toward the correct aid and services they need that they may not even know are available to them on campus.

How have you served various star families on your campus? Are there stars not included here that need to be better served in higher education?

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Women Veterans Workplace Inclusion

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