Each year, approximately 250,000 service members separate from the military (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2022). To effectively facilitate this transition, the Department of Veteran Affairs requires all existing service members to participate in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This program, a cornerstone in the transition process, equips service members with the necessary tools and resources to prepare them successfully for civilian life. It's a crucial step that starts a year before separation, educating service members on education and healthcare benefits, family support resources, and disability compensation. However, service members are taught little about transitioning from the military to a college campus. Transitioning from the military to a higher education campus can be one of the veterans' most challenging experiences.

Understanding the difference between an exceptionally structured, team-based environment of the military and a less structured college campus is vital for understanding how to address the unique needs of veteran student learners. The transition from military to campus forces veterans to familiarize themselves with an environment opposite to what they have grown accustomed to from their time in service. Research on veterans' motivation and adjustments to higher education has underscored the drastic differences between the military and the college campus, specifically the changes in the learning environment and student roles. Research also suggests that student veterans must relearn how to learn. In contrast to a college campus's learning environment, the military's learning environment is fast paced, with training sessions conducted over shorter periods. This contrast alone creates increased challenges for student veteran learners. So, how can institutions support transitioning service members most effectively? Consider the following action items to help effectively support transitioning service members on your campus. These considerations should be applied to traditional on-campus services and virtual online services so that students of all learning modalities are supported.

1. Higher education institutions should prioritize creating a specialized strategy for recruiting and providing financial aid to student veterans. This strategy should involve collaboration between the financial aid and admissions offices to ensure informed decision-making regarding the recruitment and enrollment of student veterans.
2. Higher education institutions should actively promote collaboration between student veteran organizations and other student clubs. This collaboration provides a platform for student veterans to share their unique experiences, expertise, and interests with the broader student body, fostering understanding and empathy. It also helps student veterans feel more integrated into the campus community, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging. Ultimately, this collaboration can significantly contribute to creating a more supportive and inclusive campus community.
3. Institutions should prioritize providing tailored, culturally competent academic advising, career services, and campus counseling to student veterans. It's crucial that this support is offered without perpetuating stigmas or stereotypes, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all students. This approach respects and addresses the unique needs and experiences of student veterans, contributing to a more supportive and inclusive campus environment.
4. Work with your institution's career services center(s) to create student veteran-specific programs and advising sessions to enable them to succeed in job fairs, interviews, and long-term employability.
5. Alumni Relations and Career Services offices should collaborate to stay connected with student veteran alums. This ongoing connection, which is crucial for continuity and community, encourages them to bring their firms and organizations to campus for recruiting events, informational interviews, and networking opportunities. It ensures student veterans feel supported even after graduation, fostering a sense of continuity and community.

Supporting transitioning service members on college campuses requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including admissions, financial aid offices, and alumni relations. This effort should prioritize creating a specialized strategy for recruiting and providing financial aid tailored to the needs of transitioning service members. Collaboration between student veteran organizations and other student clubs and organizations on campus is essential to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment. Providing culturally competent academic advising, career services, and campus counseling tailored to the unique experiences of service members is crucial for graduation and retention. Developing student veteran-specific programs and advising sessions can further enhance the support available to transitioning service members enrolled at in-person college campuses and online campuses.

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Workplace Inclusion

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