Given the limited understanding of women student veterans and their experiences on college and university campuses, it's crucial to consider the role of veteran-friendliness in the success of this student population. Reflecting on an article I recently published on grit in women student veterans, it's clear that this student population possesses a deep level of grit and self-efficacy regarding their success in higher education. Research has shown that predictions of self-efficacy are related to academic success, self-esteem, and a commitment to and value of education. Therefore, it's of utmost importance to comprehend how veteran-friendly campuses contribute to this student population's success. The urgency and significance of creating such campuses cannot be overstated.

Women Student Veterans in Higher Education

Women student veterans bring a unique set of strengths to college campuses. Their strong drive to succeed, as evidenced by their higher completion rates of four-year degrees compared to non-veteran counterparts, is truly inspiring. In addition to their academic abilities, these students possess a broader perspective and a strong sense of community and discipline, setting them apart from traditional students. The question that arises is how can colleges and universities better support these remarkable learners? The key lies in acknowledging and embracing student veterans' distinct skill sets and experiences in higher education. These individuals require institutions that recognize and encourage them to share their experiences in leadership roles and promote cultural competency and awareness about the uniqueness of women student veterans. Additionally, universities should strive to eliminate obstacles and facilitate a smooth shift from military to college life. This involves offering comprehensive details about accessible benefits and services and developing proactive support initiatives personalized to meet the specific requirements of student veterans (Vacchi, 2021). In simpler terms, it's about crafting a campus environment that is supportive and accommodating to women student veterans.

What Does Veteran-Friendly Look Like?

Research suggests that student veterans' success is influenced by the amount and type of support the institution provides, including transitional support from the military to a college campus. However, Vacchi and Berger suggest that veteran self-efficacy trumps any event or program provided by the institution when aiding the success of this student population, thus making veteran-friendliness an even greater priority for higher education professionals. Researchers have highlighted the importance of higher education professionals providing a veteran-friendly campus that promotes a welcoming environment for student veterans. However, literature must provide a universal definition of veteran-friendliness. Vacchi's definition of the term includes promoting an inclusive campus environment that identifies and removes barriers to success for student veterans. By extension, Vacchi's definition encourages institutions and professionals to take on a number of strategies:

1. Implementing strategies to ensure a smooth transition from the military to a college campus is crucial. Understanding the culture shift from the military to a college campus and implementing strategies to make that transition smoother for the student veteran is key to supporting this unique student population. This understanding is not just important; it's essential.

2. Provide information about the services offered. This includes ensuring that the resources and services offered, such as academic advising, mental health support, financial aid, and career counseling, are disseminated appropriately across the organization so that student veterans can easily access services. The more places you can highlight this information, the better. Post and highlight the services you offer in email communications, your learning management system, on your website, on posters around campus, and any other places you think a veteran may see or need to see your services.

3. Promote awareness of the student veteran population. This means engaging in professional development opportunities focusing on student veteran cultures, such as workshops on understanding military culture, training to support students with PTSD, and seminars on creating a welcoming environment for student veterans, specifically creating cultural competence across the organization.

4. Creating support programs based on the individual needs of the student veteran is essential. This means actively seeking out student veterans on campus, inquiring about their particular needs, and adjusting or implementing programs based on those needs. It's a commitment to meeting the unique needs of each student veteran, ensuring they feel supported and valued in their academic journey. The women student veterans on your campus may even be interested in creating their own support programs, help them realize this goal.

The following concepts are highlighted by Vacchi and emphasized as key strategies for creating a campus that is supportive of student veterans. The concepts include prioritizing spaces, services, and relationships. This approach aligns well with other research on the support of female student veterans within higher education institutions. I would urge professionals to delve deeper into the meaning of a "veteran-friendly" campus and to implement changes and enhancements based on empirical research that pertains to this distinct student demographic.

Article Topics

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

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