WELCOME

DCCCD VETERANS SERVICES Welcome - Dr. Shirley Higgs Introduction of Campus VA Coordinators Facilitator - Dr. Horace Ragler Jr.

Learning Objectives To enhance your understanding of veterans Gain and/or increase confidence in teaching/working with veterans Increase knowledge of available resources Military Connected Students include: Veterans Family members Active duty, Reserve and National Guard

Who is a Veteran? A person who served in the Armed Forces. Regardless of time served or discharge status Active service members are not “veterans” but may have similar or additional benefits. Benefits are based on character and length of service. Veteran family members includes spouses, children and any other person that is a legal dependent of the veteran. Family members may be eligible for VA Benefits.

Overview Military Basics Challenges for Veterans Classroom Considerations Campus and Community Resources

Military Basics Five branches of the U.S. Military ACTIVE RESERVE Army -Soldier 471,513 190,699 Marine Corps -Marine 184,427 38,473 Navy - Sailor 325,802 68,216 Air Force - Airmen 323,222 106,549 Coast Guard- Coastie/Guardian 42,042 6,142 Total 1,347,106 470,683 92% High school 89% BA/BS & Above

Military Culture Clearly defined structure Constant participation and supervision Group versus individual (teams) Strong sense of MISSION Core values Response to authority Strong sense of responsibility (Roost and Roost, 2014)

Challenges for some veterans Transition to Civilian Life Transition to College Physical Challenges Invisible Challenges

Transition to Civilian Life Location – Cost of living Financial transition Health Care Social transitions Adjusting to how civilians treat them Combat and Disabled Veterans Military provides transition assistance (Herrmann, Hopkins, Wilson, Allen, 2011)

Transition to College A Culture Shift Military: Rigid, structure, formal, uniformity, conformity Chain-of-Command is posted and memorized Campus: Loose, Independent, self-directed freedom

Transition to College Transferring/receiving credits for military experience/training Absenteeism due to external obligations Feeling isolated Financial burdens Confusion over educational, medical government benefits

Physical Challenges Service-connected injuries Could require assistance from family members Veterans may have physical disabilities that require special access to classrooms Disability Services Offices provides accommodations for physical, mental, and sensory disabilities

Invisible Challenges Post Traumatic Stress (PTS/PTSD) - Psychological, emotional disorder resulting from traumatic or life-threatening events One of the most common injuries in OIF and OEF theaters due to high incidence of blast injuries PTS affects everyone differently – RESILIENCY

Identifying Invisible wounds Possible symptoms:

Education Benefits VA will not pay for classes outside of degree plan. FEDERAL BENEFITS Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill – Monthly stipend Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 – Service after 09/10/2001 Chapter 35 - Survivors and Dependents Ed. Assistance Chapter 1606 – 1607 Selected Reserve GI Bill Tuition Assistance – For active duty (AD) members Fry Scholarship – Children of AD that died in LOD VA will not pay for classes outside of degree plan. Veterans may receive a monthly stipend Veteran may have to pay for dropped or failed classes STATE BENEFIT Hazlewood Exemption Act (Exemption of 150 credit hours)

DCCCD Military Population

Classroom Considerations How do I know if a student is a veteran? Vets may not disclose their status Unique population with different experiences and educational backgrounds

Classroom Considerations Selective about campus life/academic activity Prepared for class - will interact with faculty May be less interested in: Campus activities Relaxing and socializing with other students Traditional “high impact” activities such as internships, community service, and study abroad

Classroom Considerations Veterans may: Want to sit in the back of classroom Stand to avoid falling asleep Benefit from accommodations Triggers may include: Loud noises. bright, flashing lights Traumatic/graphic Images Crowds or close spaces (may heightened anxiety)

Classroom Considerations Possible interferences to academic performance Disparaging comments about military Discourteous behavior Insensitive speech Remember - veteran do not speak for the military Combat can be a painful subject, do not ask a veteran if they have killed anyone.

DCCCD Veteran Services Veteran Services Offices: A single point of contact to eliminate the "human ping-pong ball," some veterans experience. Process education benefits Advocates for military connected students District-wide council Counseling Tutoring (TRIO Grant) Standard district processes Faculty/Staff Veteran Training VET Orientation Programs DESIGNATIONS: Military Friendly, Best for Vets

Community Resources

Thank you ! Questions ?