From Boots to Books: Applying Schlossberg's Model to Transitioning American Veterans

Abstract

This introduction to the strengths, needs, and challenges of veterans as they transition from the military to higher education is presented within the framework of Schlossberg's transition model (Schlossberg, Waters, & Goodman, 1995). Academic advisors must understand the way that veteran transitions to college are both similar to and different from those of the general student population so they can explore relevant topics and help connect student-veterans to appropriate supports and services that facilitate their personal and academic success. Advisors are given questions to employ in soliciting information about the ways they and their institutions can better serve student-veterans.

Understanding the Education-Related Needs of Contemporary Male Veterans

“…The transition to a new culture can be especially challenging for veterans who genuinely enjoyed military life and culture. Perceptions of the importance of college can also affect the adjustment of the veteran (Ryan, Carlstrom, Hughey, & Harris, ). It is important for institutions to recognize the struggle that veterans may face as they work to fit into a new culture and embrace a new role or identity.…”

“…These participants articulated the multiple ways in which military injuries can have long‐term consequences. It is sobering that the majority of veterans who enter college never obtain their degree (Ryan et al, ). This finding is concerning and has likely been an impetus for institutions of higher education to take action to reverse this trend.…”

Recruitment Strategies, Matrices, and Techniques Used in Hiring Veterans

“…Hundreds of thousands of Gulf War-era II veterans already unemployed with more United States soldiers expected to leave the military by the end of the 2016 (Ryan, Carlstrom, Hughey, & Harris, 2011). With the challenges of returning to civilian life, Gulf War-era II veterans are facing an uncertain economic future.…”

A Standardized Tool for Measuring Military Friendliness of Colleges and Universities

“…Such obstacles can lead to decreased performance in school, delay graduation, and hinder ability to complete college programs altogether (Ackerman et al, 2009). Although not all challenges can be eliminated, colleges and universities can implement meaningful practices (Ackerman et al, 2009;Callahan & Jarrat, 2014;Ryan et al, 2011) that current and former service members believe are most critical to earning a college degree.…”

“…Some challenges include frequent relocations, lack of social and family support, college integration conflicts, and physical and/or psychological disabilities (Ryan et al, 2011). Unresolved setbacks can threaten academic efficacy and inevitably student and university learning outcomes (Callahan & Jarrat, 2014;O'Herrin, 2011;Vacchi, 2012).…”