Engaging military student veterans and military-affiliated students (spouses and children) can be challenging for higher education professionals. Many campuses plan events, resource fairs, or activities, and attendance is low, or no one shows up. This is discouraging when a school tries to build its military and veteran program. Though having the "military-friendly school" title is excellent, schools also want to back it up with events and programs that do more for their student veteran population. Veteran service organizations also see a similar lack of engagement from post-9/11 veterans. So, what is the answer for higher education professionals who want to encourage their veteran population to attend events and engage in activities? Unfortunately, there isn't a straightforward solution that will address every situation or event. However, with some targeted ideas and suggestions plus time, your organization can positively engage veterans for the most impact.

When developing a plan to engage veterans, consider your organization's demographics. Branch of service, women veterans, and the number of dependents using education benefits are categories that can help develop a focused event. Age group is also a consideration since many student veterans do not fall into the 18-20-year-old category of students. In addition, many student veterans attend classes online. Their priorities are active-duty work, family, and school, leaving little time for extra events. They will attend events that are direct and focused on a subject that is important to them. Dan Avegalio -- a HigherEdMilitary Advisory Council member and the Military Strategic Partnerships Manager, Midwest Region for Western Governors University -- also suggests involving student veterans who are part of a VA work-study. Dan has the student veteran plan and organize at least three veteran-centered events for the college or university as part of their work-study duties and tasks. The veteran's perspective shifts from the attendee to the organizer, providing a better understanding of the organizer's experience when no one shows up.

Organizing events by major is also a great way to engage student veterans. Most students within specific majors are already engaging in dialogues and projects. While I worked on my doctorate at Regent University, I connected with veterans in my classes because of the shared military experience. It helped bring camaraderie that extended beyond the virtual classroom. I think that's what student veterans need from an event, which gives them a reason to attend and return. Resource fairs, job fairs, and informative events have their place. Outside organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce, specific industries, or corporations, can be resources that encourage veterans to show up, especially those interested in hiring veterans. Government organizations like the Veterans Administration and state and local governments can provide specific information on careers, internships, and networking opportunities that encourage attendance. But the events that resonate with distinct purposes are the ones that will be the most successful.

Incorporating family members is also an important consideration when planning events. My daughter did not join the military but grew up in a military family. Her experiences interacting with service members and veterans shaped her perspective on college and career. She valued the time connecting with veterans in her college classes, so for her attending a student veteran event was something she enjoyed. Veterans appreciate family-friendly events that include children of all ages and acknowledge that veterans may not be the average 18-22-year-old.

Another vital demographic to consider is retired military veterans working on a second career. When I approached retirement, I was about a year from finishing my doctorate. I was looking for events with meaning and purpose that matched the search for my second career. I attended one or two workshops on de-militarizing my resume, job fairs, and military-friendly industries. The events that captured my attention were leadership, mentorship, and how to reintegrate into civilian life after the military. Those events were important to me at a specific time because they met a need. The degree path and career point can also provide focused events for student veterans that meet their needs and encourage attendance.

Time is also a reason many student veterans do not participate in events. Active duty service members work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any time not on duty is spent with family or preparing for the next mission or training event. When they fit classes into their already busy schedule, there isn't much time left for outside events, which is unfortunate. One option that was quite successful in the year before I retired from active duty was Lunch and Learn, much like the HigherEdMilitary Careers and Coffee. Lunch and Learns were virtual events that included presentations on best practices, problem-solving, upcoming events, and networking. They lasted one hour once a month and helped our logisticians get to know and learn from each other. The HigherEdMilitary Careers and Coffee brings together higher ed professionals who work with veterans to improve interaction and engagement in colleges and universities. Careers and Coffee meetings have been an excellent way for me to get to know and learn from higher education professionals.

The key point to remember is to use the demographics to your advantage. Know your veteran population. Ask them what interests them; include their family and consider their career point and degree path. In my new position as Director of Veterans Affairs for Washington County (Pennsylvania), I plan outreach events in my community to provide veterans with the best resources. More often than not, I learn what veterans need with a simple conversation. If one veteran asks for information, another is probably looking for the same information. I become a trusted resource when I provide information, answer questions, and develop a rapport with veterans. HigherEdMilitary and Veteran Programs can be trusted resources for student veterans through events and connections that meet their needs and encourage them to engage with other student veterans.

Article Topics

Military Focused Events Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd

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