1. WELCOME

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

3. 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

5. 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.

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

7. Military Basics Five branches of the U.S. Military ACTIVE RESERVE
Army -Soldier , ,699
Marine Corps -Marine 184, ,473
Navy - Sailor , ,216
Air Force - Airmen , ,549
Coast Guard- Coastie/Guardian 42, ,142
Total ,347, ,683
92% High school 89% BA/BS & Above

8. 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)

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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Identifying Invisible wounds
Possible symptoms:

17. 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 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)

18. DCCCD Military Population

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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)

22. 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.

23. 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

24. Community Resources

25. Thank you ! Questions ?