In the United States, when encountering someone who is serving in the military or has served, one phrase immediately comes to mind: "Thank you for your service." This sentiment is often extended to veterans who choose to pursue higher education when they arrive at an institution. However, after the pleasantries are exchanged, many veterans face a harsh reality-most institutions are not adequately prepared to support their unique needs. There is, however, a way for higher education institutions to truly demonstrate their gratitude and commitment: by becoming Purple Star institutions.

Colleges attaining Purple Star designation play a vital role in addressing the unique challenges faced by military service members, their families, and veterans. Military members constitute one of the largest workforces in the United States, with approximately 1.3 million active-duty service members and 818,000 individuals serving in the National Guard and Reserves. These individuals often navigate frequent relocations, transitional hurdles from military to civilian life, and responsibilities tied to their service. Institutions that provide tailored support services, such as dedicated counseling, academic advising, and career placement, ensure these students have access to resources that meet their specific needs. Such initiatives not only enhance the educational experience of military-affiliated individuals but facilitate integration into the campus community, fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Creating a sense of belonging and recognition is essential for the academic success and well-being of military-affiliated students. Research conducted by Cook & Kim (2009) has shown that military-friendly policies, access to financial aid resources such as the GI Bill®, and community-building initiatives positively influence student outcomes by reducing barriers to success. These measures affirm the sacrifices made by military service members and their families, while also enriching the academic environment with the diversity and leadership skills that these individuals bring to campus. By prioritizing such efforts, colleges strengthen the cultural fabric of their institutions while addressing the mental health and social support needs of this population.

Becoming a Purple Star institution also enhances partnerships between colleges and military organizations, creating opportunities for mutual growth and innovation. Collaboration with local installations and veteran organizations can lead to enhanced funding, workforce development programs, and community engagement efforts. These partnerships position colleges as leaders in supporting military-affiliated populations, attracting students who value inclusivity and tailored support. Furthermore, such initiatives align with national efforts to empower service members and their families, contributing to broader societal goals of honoring their service while ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive academically and professionally.

How Colleges and Universities Can Become Purple Star Institutions

So how can college and universities become a purple star institution? Each state participating in Purple Star designations has differing requirements, check with your state level department of higher education or system office to learn more. Ohio, Florida, Indiana, and Texas to name a few have dedicated submission timelines and awards. To achieve Purple Star designation, colleges and universities must establish comprehensive support systems tailored to military-affiliated students. One foundational step is creating dedicated spaces such as veterans' resource centers, which offer critical services like academic advising, mental health support, and career development. These centers act as safe and inclusive environments where military service members, veterans, and their families can access specialized resources and build a sense of community. Additionally, employing staff with military expertise or training ensures that these centers are equipped to address the specific challenges of military-affiliated students, fostering a supportive campus culture.

Implementing military-friendly policies is another key component in becoming a Purple Star institution. Flexibility in academic scheduling, such as hybrid or online courses, is vital for students managing deployments or other service obligations. Moreover, institutions must streamline credit transfer processes to recognize prior military training and education, thereby reducing time to degree completion. Faculty and staff training in understanding the experiences of military students, including the impact of military culture and transition stressors, further enhances institutional support. These measures ensure military-affiliated students feel understood and valued within their academic environment, contributing to improved retention and graduation rates.

Collaboration with external stakeholders is equally critical in achieving Purple Star recognition. Establishing partnerships with military bases, community organizations, and veteran advocacy groups expands the network of resources available to students. For example, partnerships with veteran-friendly employers can create pathways to internships and job placements for graduating students. Furthermore, institutions can optimize federal programs like the GI Bill® by providing comprehensive support in navigating financial aid and ensuring students maximize their benefits. These collaborations position institutions as leaders in addressing the educational and career needs of military-affiliated populations while fostering community engagement.

Lastly, becoming a Purple Star institution requires a commitment to continuous improvement. Institutions should regularly collect data on the academic performance and satisfaction of military-affiliated students to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs. Conducting focus groups or surveys ensures that student voices are central to decision-making and program development. By continuously refining services and policies, colleges can ensure they remain responsive to the evolving needs of military students and their families, solidifying their role as leaders in inclusive education.

Collaborating with State Legislatures to Support Purple Star Initiatives

Becoming a Purple Star institution is challenging in and of itself, requiring colleges and universities to make significant investments in both resources and infrastructure to support military-affiliated students. However, the process can be more effective if state governments actively participate in these efforts. State-level legislative support is essential in creating and sustaining policies that benefit military service members, veterans, and their families. Colleges and universities can collaborate with state legislators to pass laws that grant in-state tuition rates for veterans and their dependents, which would significantly reduce financial barriers. By working together, institutions can ensure that policies are not only implemented but also communicated effectively to military-affiliated students, making it easier for them to navigate the higher education system.

Moreover, state governments can play a pivotal role in securing funding to support veteran-specific programs on campuses. Many institutions struggle with the financial burden of offering services tailored to the unique needs of military-affiliated students, including academic advising, mental health support, and career services. By collaborating with state legislators, universities can secure dedicated state funds or grants to support these efforts. For example, some states have introduced grant programs to assist colleges in developing veteran-specific support services or providing scholarships for military families. These initiatives allow institutions to offer more comprehensive support systems and ensure that military-affiliated students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

In addition to funding, state governments can also implement policies that directly impact the experiences of military-affiliated students. For instance, states can support the creation of specialized housing options for student veterans or offer childcare subsidies for military families, addressing the practical challenges that often accompany military life. Furthermore, through state-level legislation, governments can make it easier for institutions to recognize military training and experience as academic credit, ensuring that students receive appropriate recognition for their service and can progress more quickly toward earning their degree. The support of state legislators in implementing and funding these policies makes it easier for institutions to attract and retain military students, ultimately promoting their academic success.

State governments can also partner with colleges and universities to sponsor faculty and staff training initiatives designed to improve the campus climate for military-affiliated students. Programs such as the Green Zone initiative, which trains faculty and staff on the needs of military students, can be expanded through state-level involvement. By securing state funds to provide this training, institutions can create a more empathetic and supportive campus culture, ensuring that faculty and staff are equipped to address the unique challenges faced by military students, including PTSD and reintegration into civilian life. This collaboration ensures that military-affiliated students are not only supported through specialized services but also feel welcomed and understood within the broader academic community.

Ultimately, state governments must be considered a critical partner in the effort to become a Purple Star institution. By advocating for legislative policies that support military students, securing funding for essential services, and sponsoring faculty and staff training, state governments help create an environment where colleges and universities can effectively serve military service members, veterans, and their families. Through these combined efforts, institutions can improve educational outcomes for military-affiliated students and foster a culture of inclusion and support across the higher education landscape.

Article Topics

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

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