1. How Military Affiliation Affects the College Experience: A Comparative Study Chelsea Tanous Robert Jolley, Faculty Advisor Department of Social Work, University of New Hampshire Introduction Top university for military affiliated persons report having between 3 and 54,000 military affiliated students enrolled 1 Primary research question: Does military affiliation affect the college experience? Current Literature focuses on: Programs available to Veterans The transition from Military life to student life Military Training programs Military persons report serving was a significant developmental experience and has had a great effect on their life 2 College students typically invest significant time, energy and money in their college education 3 Methods Findings Data analyzed using SPSS IRB Approved Paper survey Administered to 151 students through 5 UNH professors classes Survey consisted of 32 multiple-choice questions and 44 Likert-type questions Demographics Implications for Social Work Findings Limitations Limited sample pool Data taken from UNH may not be representative of outside the school Survey had no qualitative questions Further qualitative research needs to be done to understand more of the “why?” of this exploratory study. Although the differences were minor, military affiliation adds a layer to a person and needs to be taken into account when working with clients. 1, Top military-friendly colleges and universities. (2010). [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.kmimediagroup.com/files/4th%20Annual%20Guide%20to %20Top%20Military-Friendly%20Colleges%20&%20Universities%202010-2011.pdf 2, Gade, P. (1991). Military service and the life-source perspective: A turning point for military personnel research. Military Psychology,3, 187-199. 3, Astin, A. W. (1993). What Matters in College? Four Critical Years Revisited, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco. Hours of Participation Military Involvement No Military Involvement ncolumn%n Socializing* 0-5 6-10 11+ 18 14 29 29.5 23.0 47.5 9 23 56 10.2 26.1 63.6 Involvement in Student Groups 0-5 6-10 11+ 43 13 6 69.4 21.0 9.7 63 13 12 71.6 14.8 13.6 Sports Activities 0-5 6-10 11+ 32 25 5 51.6 40.3 8.1 51 19 18 28.0 21.6 20.5 Hamel Rec Center or the Field House* 0 1-5 5-10 11+ 12 11 29 10 19.4 17.7 46.8 16.1 22 28 32 6 25.0 31.8 36.4 6.8 Service Work* 0 1-5 6+ 34 20 8 54.8 32.3 12.9 67 17 4 76.1 19.3 4.5 Studying 0-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21+ 10 16 18 11 7 16.1 25.8 29.8 29.0 17.7 6 31 21 15 6.8 35.2 23.9 17.0 * p <.05 (Chi-Square Analyses) Campus Environment Military Involvement No Military Involvement MeanSDMeanSD There is diversity and racial harmony at UNH* 1.58.714 1.74.719 Programs of study are flexible.1.73.5181.80.609 I am accomplishing my educational goals.2.13.5862.24.587 I am independent from my parents.*1.97.8861.59.825 I feel prepared for life after college.2.10.7621.94.764 There is much to do before I am ready for life after college.* 1.47.8241.76.758 I must attend graduate school to succeed in my field. 1.42.6782.051.049 My academic advisor is concerned about my success as an individual. 1.81.7861.68.878 I would recommend UNH to others. *2.15.5972.24.606 Courses are academically demanding.*1.94.6742.32.537 The content of the courses within my major is valuable.* 1.87.4612.16.477 There is good rapport between faculty and students. * 1.85.4742.07.621 UNH is warm, friendly, and supportive of all students.* 1.85.4742.07.621 Students receive adequate recognition for their accomplishments. 1.76.6191.81.676 Campus is generally a safe place.2.02.5582.09.618 Advisors are available when needed. *1.74.7232.06.667 NOTE: Question response format - 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = agree, 4 = strongly agree * p <.05 (Independent Samples t-tests) Curricular Activities Military Involvement No Military Involvement MeanSDMeanSD How often do you miss class?*.69.531.41.600 How often do you turn in late assignments?.22.415.11.440 How often have professors provided you with an opportunity to discuss coursework outside of class? 1.89.8701.88.920 How often have professors provided you with encouragement to pursue graduate/profession school?*.95.8701.42.827 How often have professors provided you with negative or positive feedback about your ability and skills? 1.13.8961.36.790 NOTE: Question response format - 1 = never, 2 = sometimes, 3 =often, 4 = always * p <.05 (Independent Samples t-tests) Campus Environment Satisfaction Military Involvement No Military Involvement MeanSDMeanSD Courses in my major field* 1.92.795 2.14.529 Interaction with other students1.95.7772.14.714 Contact with faculty in your major* 1.79.7712.19.725 Overall college experience*2.18.6152.35.712 I am an active participant in my learning. 2.11.7492.33.656 NOTE: Question response format - 1 = not satisfied, 2 =somewhat satisfied, 3 = satisfied, 4 = very satisfied * p <.05 (Independent Samples t-tests)