"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle

Consistency can be a challenge in today's higher education environment. Staff and faculty change more than ever, policies change, leadership changes. Despite constant changes happening at your institution, consider the following: How has your campus created consistency for your student veterans? What have your faculty and staff learned from times of great consistency, or inconsistency, in programming?

Understanding the Importance of Consistency for Military Learners

In the military, consistency is synonymous with success. Service members rely on established protocols, clear communication, and predictable outcomes to navigate complex situations. This foundational structure provides safety, enabling service members to focus on their objectives with confidence. When veterans enter a college setting, they often encounter a landscape full of ambiguity: varying schedules, fluctuating guidelines, and differing faculty expectations. The absence of a structured framework can lead to feelings of confusion and disengagement, undermining their potential for success.

Leaders in both military and academic settings understand that consistency fosters trust. A consistent approach in communicating policies and expectations nurtures a sense of belonging and security, which is especially crucial for adult learners, including veterans, who may feel out of place. By developing an environment characterized by reliability and predictability, educational institutions can mitigate the anxiety that often accompanies the transition to academic life.

Strategies for Academic Administration and Faculty

To support military learners in their academic journeys, college administration and faculty must take active steps to cultivate consistency. Here are several strategies worth trying:

1. Clear and Consistent Communication: Establishing clear channels for communication is essential for veterans who are accustomed to following well-defined orders. Faculty should provide comprehensive syllabi detailing expectations, assignments, and assessment criteria at the beginning of each term. Regular updates, in class and via virtual channels, regarding changes in due dates, policies, or procedures can also help. Faculty and staff should also identify their preferred methods of communication and time of day (email, office visit, text messaging, messaging via the schools learning management system, Zoom etc.).
2. Structured Orientation Programs: Transition programs, offered more than once, tailored for veterans can help bridge the gap between military and civilian life. Implementing a consistent orientation experience, complete with workshops focused on academic resources, mentorship, and social integration, empowers veterans to navigate the academic landscape with confidence.
3. Consistent Application of Policies: Administrators must ensure that academic policies, ranging from attendance rules to grading criteria, are applied uniformly but also explain when circumstances may allow for changes in policy. This consistency not only reinforces the integrity of the institution but also instills a sense of fairness among students, enabling veterans to focus on their studies rather than questioning discrepancies.
4. Continuous Academic Support: Providing a consistent framework for academic support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and career guidance, ensures that veterans are never left to fend for themselves. Establishing dedicated support personnel who understand the challenges veterans face can create an environment where they feel empowered to seek assistance without hesitation.
5. Fostering Community Connections: Creating a community for veterans on campus can provide a sense of belonging. Consistent opportunities for veterans to connect through clubs, networks, or peer mentorship programs will not only help them acclimate to the college environment but will also create lasting relationships that can enhance their academic journey.
6. Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing a consistent method for soliciting and implementing feedback from veterans allows institutions to address concerns proactively. Regular surveys or forums where students can express their thoughts on academic policies and support services, and the overall campus experience can be instrumental in creating an adaptive and responsive academic environment.

Measuring Success Through Consistency

Success for military veterans in college is not merely about academic achievements; it is also about personal development and successful reintegration into civilian life. By prioritizing consistency in policies, communication channels, and support mechanisms, institutions can significantly enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes for veterans.

Success can be quantitatively measured through academic performance, retention rates, and graduation rates. However, qualitative measures, such as student satisfaction surveys and personal testimonies, provide deeper insights into how consistency affects their overall experience.

Create a Battle-Rhythm

Consistency is a vital component in the success of military veterans as they navigate the transition to college life. By prioritizing clear communication, fair policy application, and robust support systems, academic institutions can create an environment that mirrors the clarity and structure found in the military. In turn, this fosters trust, instills confidence, and empowers veterans to pursue their academic goals with the same tenacity they displayed in service to their country. Ultimately, consistency in academia not only honors the unique challenges faced by veterans but also facilitates their journey toward success, enriching both their lives and the greater academic community.

Article Topics

Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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