1. Serving Those Who Serve
From Soldier to Student
Adam C. Martin

2. Veterans in Higher Education
Over 2 million returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan wars
Post 9/11 GI Bill – 2008 / 2011
military undergrads = 4%
43% attend public two-year schools
Not since WWII has there been this significant of an influx in the number of veterans entering higher education

3. Veterans in Higher Education

4. Military Culture Intense socialization, collective identity
Value honor and integrity
Speak frankly and direct
Commitment to excellence
Fiercely loyal allegiance to the U.S.
On Active Duty – 24 / 7 / 365
Enculturation does not diminish easily

5. Transition From Soldier to Student
2009 ACE Report / Survey
723 Institutions (30% were two-year schools)
65% programs & services specifically for veterans
Advising, Tutoring, Campus Events, Career Planning, Employment Assistance, Transition Assistance, VA benefits counseling, Financial Aid Counseling, Veteran lounge
45% offer training to staff regarding transitional needs of veterans
56% have an office or department exclusively dedicated to serving veterans
84% have policies regarding tuition refunds for activations and deployments

6. Special Needs of Veteran Students
Physical Disabilities
Amputations
Traumatic Brain Injury
Voc Rehab
Emotional / Psychological disorders
Depression, Anxiety
PTSD
nearly 400,000 vets compensated
Expected that 30% of returning vets will meet criteria for serious mental health disorder

7. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Re-experiencing the traumatic event
Avoidance and numbing
Increased anxiety / Emotional arousal
Anger and irritability
Guilt, shame, self-blame
Feelings of mistrust and betrayal
Depression
Substance Abuse

8. Working with a PTSD Student
Be patient and understanding
Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers
Don’t take the symptoms personally
Don’t pressure them into talking about the traumatic event or experience
Listen actively and communicate positively
Promote self-awareness and motivation

9. What can we do to help? Veteran population at least 3%
Qualifies as a High Veteran Enrollment
Establish specific points of contact
Provide veteran specific training
Give our veterans a voice
32% had veteran club or student organization
“They expressed high regard for opportunities to interact with fellow student veterans and have access to campus staff who are trained and sensitized to the unique issues veterans face.”

10. More Ways to Help Take a community-based approach
Be familiar with local veteran services
Mobile Vet Centers
Build a strong web presence
Welcome page with college resources and points of contact
Publish concise information on transfer credit for military experience
Provide Training for faculty and staff

11. Serving Those Who Serve
Moral and ethical obligation to veterans
Provide reasonable and necessary accommodations to ease transition
Promote academic success and retention among veterans
Improve their quality of life
Give back

12. References American Council on Education
Serving Those Who Serve: Making Your Institution Veteran Friendly
From Soldier to Student: Easing the Transition of Service Members on Campus
Military Service Members and Veterans in Higher Education
Veterans in Higher Education: What Every Advisor May Want to Know
The Mentor, April 29, 2009, by Penn State's Division of Undergraduate Studies
Veteran PTSD and Higher Education: Accommodations and Awareness
Derek Neuts, January 12, 2011

13. Contact Information
Adam C. Martin, MBA South Florida Community College (863)