The last thing anyone in the military-affiliated community wants to hear is another buzz phrase about how a university or college is ranked well for military support. Simply put, we pay attention to the results.

So how exactly are schools meeting military/veteran students where they are? Kenneth Marfilius, assistant dean of the Falk College Office of Online and Distance Education, said, "Aside from being non-traditional students, which brings additional stresses to their academic studies, student-veterans also have unique needs that most colleges and universities are not prepared to handle. There's a clear need to provide military-connected students with assistance beyond just information on where they may find resources." Many schools are increasingly prioritizing this with specialized staff roles to assist with academic and financial support, and some are extending their support to encompass overall veteran well-being. Thematically, the ones that are setting the bar tend to excel in these three things: commitment, good standing, and results.

Visible Commitment

The military community is loyal and unified, and as such, military culture meshes well with ideals of integrity and commitment. One key consideration of a supportive military school is to look at the behaviors and examples that show tangible action. Insert your go-to idiom: walk the walk, practice what you preach, or put your money where your mouth is! Purdue Global, a gold-ranked institution, is a great example of commitment, with its flagship Purdue University, Purdue Military Research Institute, the Military Family Research Institute, and the Veterans Success Center. Additionally, Purdue Global inaugurated its extension office at Vandenburg Space Force Base to expand access, alongside University of Maryland Global Campus, National University, and Allan Hancock College. According to the Journal & Courier, Diana Hancock said, "Once we are established at Vandenberg, our vision is to expand our reach to more military installations and serve more military-affiliated students through this on-base presence model."

Real people are feeling the impact. In one example, Purdue's Reaching Rural Veterans program served more than 1,000 veterans through food and health security that address basic needs for low-income or homeless veterans in rural areas. Veterans get more than just groceries; they get connection.

From Good Standing to Great

It goes without saying that certain criteria should be met by universities and colleges that label themselves as advocates of military-affiliated students. The Military Friendly guide breaks down what it means to actually be "military friendly" from various data sources and findings. These show key considerations when determining if they earned the recognition and honor to serve those who served. Operationally speaking, being good financial stewards of military/veteran funding is expected, but some schools are in higher standing through their initiatives and programs that demonstrate additional effort. Just check out Fordham University, a Yellow Ribbon Program designated school voluntarily helping by bridging the financial gap. While there is no clear data on how many schools participate, this VA search tool can help locate one.

Holistic support involves removing the bureaucratic processes and establishing a connection with each student. Schools that are truly military-friendly are not AWOL when it matters most. It also means having consistency and operational excellence. Higher education institutions that go from good to great standing have the evidence to prove they aim higher than the standard.

Meaningful Results

At a high level, quality factors like military/veteran student retention, graduation, and career placement can quickly show how a higher education institution is performing. If your institution is not gathering or monitoring these data points, it is important that military-affiliated stakeholders on campus become aware of them and utilize the data to further meaningful results. Schools that "get it" are not only deeply committed to the academic success of their military-affiliated students, but they are invested financially, socially, and emotionally. It is embedded in their policies, systems, and vision.

Moreover, schools that do not live up to expectations lack clear data and resources that show how they are making a difference for the military-affiliated population. They additionally often fail to provide targeted support services, lack staff training in military culture, and operate without intentional policies or programs that address the unique challenges faced by these students. As a result, their efforts come across as performative rather than purposeful, and military-affiliated students are left navigating a system that doesn't fully understand or support their needs.

Universities and colleges who show their commitment with action, elevate their standings by what they choose to do, beyond minimum expectations, have real impact in our communities. They serve military-affiliated students by empowering them to thrive and succeed long after their time has ended with the school.

For those working in this space, please consider answering the following:

What are your visible commitments to the military-affiliated community?

What can make your military-affiliated programming and services go from good to great?

What are the meaningful results you are creating on your campus and for your students?

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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