By Capt. Steven Borden
Higher education faces many challenges in the coming years, including capacity, cost and accountability. In this environment, military veterans have an important role to play. According to White House predictions, more than one million service members will be discharged or retire from the military by 2016. The rebounding economy has opened the door to employment for military veterans. However, many jobs require specialized training, certifications and college degrees. It’s imperative that institutions of higher education are prepared to handle the influx of military enrollees by adapting to effectively meet the needs of this growing demographic.
Education offers veterans a new mission with a new purpose. Unfortunately, many universities don’t recognize the unique challenges faced by military veterans as they embark on a college degree. In fact, few schools are making investments in veteran success and integration, and most don’t meet the criteria to be considered “military friendly.”
The transition from military to academics can be challenging — it’s a cultural change almost as dramatic as moving from one country to another. Time is handled differently, dress and language are different, and many veterans get lost and aren’t sure why because they are finally back home. It’s no surprise that returning veterans have a lower graduation rate than younger, non-veteran students. Universities need to make veterans a higher priority by providing them with the tools needed to navigate a new environment and ensure their college success.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs communicates with veterans about their benefits and offers general ideas about how to get tuition and fees paid, but they don’t provide a personal touch. Colleges can fill this gap by offering a connection point with other military veterans who provide guidance on how to navigate the enrollment process efficiently and effectively. For example, at Arizona State University, the Pat Tillman Veterans Center provides a quality resource where veterans can gather, find assistance and receive the support necessary to ensure their success within the ASU community.
Military veterans often need to be connected with very specific locations — whether it’s near family, a military base or a particular VA hospital — as they transition out of the military. In this case, online programs are a good fit allowing students the accessibility and flexibility to complete degrees on their own schedule — particularly for those students who are working and raising a family at the same time. Given the structure and self-discipline required to succeed in online education, many veterans are well-suited for online degrees.
Many military friendly colleges are employing dedicated military enrollment counselors, who work with students to provide information about degree programs, admission requirements and the application process. Also beneficial to military students is a military advocate on staff who helps students understand their rights and offers a military perspective on issues such as transfer credits or professor concerns. In addition, some universities are offering veterans access to a program coordinator to assist with GI Bill and dependent issues.
Also critical to military veteran success is a campus counselor from Veterans Affairs who is part of the Vet Success program that has been expanded to 32 schools. More schools should seek to become part of this program, which helps veterans with services such as vocational testing, career counseling and readjustment counseling to promote successful completion of their educational and employment goals. A VA presence benefits students because they can examine issues from both a VA and university perspective, offering a more balanced and efficient resolution.
Veterans in college face challenges that require unique services and solutions to meet their educational needs. Colleges that are dedicated to assisting veterans with their transition offer the best chance for academic success.
Retired Navy Capt. Steven Borden is the director of Pat Tillman Veterans Center, located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, where he oversees the development and evaluation of veterans programs at ASU.
