A Civilian’s Story: Working with Student Veterans Tania Velazquez NASPA Region II Conference Washington D.C. June 7, 2015-June 9, 2015

A Civilian’s Story Statistics and Characteristics What we were doing… Focus Group themes What we have done and where we are going...

Statistics In 2010- about 700,000 service members or Veterans used their educational benefits, 33% were enrolled in community colleges Most students veterans are enrolled in public 2-year (43%) and 4-year institutions (21%) 13% enrolled in private not-for-profit and 12% private for profit (DVA, 2012)

Characteristics 73% of Veterans are Male; 27% are female 62% of student Veterans are first Generation Student Veterans are non-traditional Many student Veterans have families Popular degrees include: business, public service, health, science and engineering With a small percentage of female personnel being women, female student veterans are over represented in postsecondary education Most Veterans are between the ages of 24-40 47% of student Veterans have children 47.3 are married

Where we were… Where we are going Until Fall 2014 Each campus different services One campus had a certifying officer only One campus had one counselor only One Campus had one informal Veteran that would support the Veteran students Spring 2014 Student Veterans become vocal. Need more support Development of Intercampus Veteran Task Force

My Story Spring 2014 Academic advisement Make sure classes are in line with curriculum Make sure the students are taking what they need for their benefits Fall 2014- Chair of the DEVES committee Responsible for professional development of faculty and staff in regards to Veteran students college-wide How does someone who needs professional development supply development?

Useful resources https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage http://www.va.gov/ http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage Developed a Focus Group

Focus Group Services on campus All Vets have different experiences. What is helpful to one may not be helpful to another Disability Services may turn off some Veterans because disability is not “acceptable” Extent of diversity we have among Veterans. New Vet vs. Old Vet, diversity in branches (see attached)

Focus Group Transition to Civilian Life Need a “Shepard for the sheep” Livestock mentality Information overload without a squad leader Some Veterans weren’t ready to come home. May have been asked to leave because military is downsizing Come home and rush to school because they need to stay busy

Focus Group A “thank you” is okay, but don’t make too much of it. Attention drawn to service further creates separation from students Not looking for anything special, not entitled They are entitled to what it said on the piece of paper and nothing else

Focus Group What worked What didn’t work Good questions It was a Friday Served lunch POLITICS No administrators We didn’t go to them

What have we done and where are we going… New Student Orientation specific for Veterans Veterans Freshmen Seminar Passive programming- “Don’t thank me for my service” Veteran Centers on all three campuses Hiring a Director of Veteran Affairs

Final Thoughts Any institution can do this Shift in mindset and thinking outside of box Have not spent any money yet and have a year of programming and services for Veterans

Please contact me if you have any questions or want further information. Tania Velazquez velazqt@sunysuffolk.edu 631-451-4053

References Kelsey, Lisa, S. & Zamani-Gallaher, Eboni, M., (2014). Working with student in community college. Sterling, VA: Stylus Survey responses from fellow colleagues that are Veteran counselors http://www.va.gov/ http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage