Understanding ‘Military’ in an Educational Setting UCA Basic Training Charlotte Strickland University of Central Arkansas Diversity Series

The Military in Higher Education Service Members  Active Duty  Reserves, National Guard  ROTC (Military Science) cadets  Veteran  Military family members

Military Definitions GWOT = Global War on Terrorism  Over 2.6 million personnel have fought in Iraq / Afghan  57% are under age 30 OEF = Operation Enduring Freedom  Response to 9/11, began 7 OCT 2001  Large theatre of operations / Afghanistan OIF = Operation Iraqi Freedom  Began 20 MAR 2003  Multinational operation fought entirely in Iraq

The Military in Higher Education  Many join military with ultimate goal of college  Many in military more worldly/experienced/mature and realize value of furthering their education  College is a buffer between structured military life and civilian world  Two GI Bills make college affordable

Financing Education for Military  GI Bill (1944)  GI Bill (1944) - law that provided a range of benefits for returning World War II veterans who had been on active duty during war years for at least 90 days and had not been dishonorably discharged; combat not required. Benefits included cash payments of tuition/living expenses to attend college. It made college accessible for over 2 million veterans in the 10 years following the end of World War II. In 1985, a bill sponsored by Congressman "Sonny" Montgomery expanded the G.I. Bill. (MGIB).  Post 9/11 GI Bill  Post 9/11 GI Bill – Congress approved 2008, began The bill provides education benefits (tuition/fees, housing allowance) for service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept.10, Partially transferrable to dependents.  Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program  Yellow Ribbon Program

* Approximate Veterans in U.S.: 22 million * Male/Female: 19.7 million males, 2.3 million females * Age Ranges: ( 3 million between 25-35) * Conflicts: WW2-current 2.2 million joined after 9/11 More than 2.6 million U.S. troops veterans of Iraq/Afghanistan * * Approximate Veterans in U.S.: 22 million * Male/Female: 19.7 million males, 2.3 million females * Age Ranges: ( 3 million between 25-35) * Conflicts: WW2-current 2.2 million joined after 9/11 More than 2.6 million U.S. troops veterans of Iraq/Afghanistan * Utilizing GI Bill: 3.5 million Veteran National Data

Service Members Diversity  Age – traditional and non-traditional  Gender  Sexual Orientation  Race  Disabilities, PTSD, TBI  Military branch  Military role: frontline/medic/fuel handler/paperwork, etc.  Attention

Group Discussion  What images or thoughts come to mind when you hear the word military or veteran?  Is there a specific gender you think of?  Race? Ethnicity?  Political affiliation? Age?  Are there any emotions associated with these images/thoughts?  Where do these images and/or thoughts concerning the military or veterans come from?

Transitional Issues ► Mily issu  Disoriented – transition from military to college  Loss of identity and work-related friendships  Feel alienated from rest of the country, isolated  Loss of close colleagues; haunted by memories  Difficulty relating to younger college students  Family issues & responsibilities  Cognitive difficulties and/or fears  Stereotypes  Boredom with everyday life  Academic & Administrative Staff understanding  Prejudice against military  Impatience with disrespect of authority; unruliness

What Service Members may experience in your class/office  Discomfort with unfamiliar people or surroundings  The need to sit away from windows or in the back of the class, and a reluctance to speak in class  Sensitivity to war references and/or discussions or assignments on war; discomfort when put on spot  A need for increased encouragement, guidance, understanding  Physical issues due to injury/chronic pain  Non-visible injuries including but not limited to hearing, head injury, PTSD, which may impact communications  Reluctance to ask for assistance  Urgency to receive VA calls, appear at VA appointments

How can We assist? ► Referrals - UCA Veteran Office, UCA Veteran Resource Center, Counseling Center, Office Disability Resources ► Mindful - Words/assumptions/environment  Identity - Military/Veteran status is only part of a student’s identity Service Members bring a wealth of life & work experience to the classroom/office and contribute to the diverse richness of the University! Sincere Honest Present-Minded

UCA Veteran Services David Williams: Veteran Services Coordinator Bernard Hall, Suite 004-A University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR UCA Student Veterans’ Resource Center Room 206D, Old Main Building Hours M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Phone: Coming soon…..the Student Veteran Association UCA registered student organization

“ I don’t need to be recognized for being in the military. You don’t have to look at me and say, ‘he’s a veteran,’ and I don’t need special preference. But in the same breath, I am appreciative of teachers and staff who say, ’yeah this is a veteran and they are not a traditional student and they require special attention.’ Academically we’re different, financially we’re different, in so many ways, we’re different.” ---- Scott Ury