Veterans and Veteran Families in General Education

Abstract

There is little discussion as to the involvement of military students in higher education and their benefit to the classroom in the form of civic development and learning outcomes. The study suggests that all students benefit from these engagements but special considerations should be undertaken by creating positive learning environments.

Best practices in serving college student Veterans: A scoping review

“…20 The majority of institutions with services for military students aim to reduce cultural gaps that prevent Veterans from accessing social support needed for reintegration. 13,14,21,22 Thus, many universities and community colleges, including the University of Cali fornia, Berkeley; San José State University (SJSU); San ta Monica College; and East Carolina University, hold a Veteran-specifi c orientation to provide points of con tact for campus advisors, counselors, and other military student-specific resources and programs. 23,24 Targeted outreach programs allow Veterans to establish connec tions with peers, as well as with faculty and staff .…”

“…27 Research suggests that classes pertaining to Veterans' unique ex periences and challenges provide valuable opportunities for military and civilian students to learn from each other's perspectives and to establish positive social con nections. 22,27 Student Veteran organizations and clubs can pro vide the sense of camaraderie student Veterans once enjoyed in the military. 28 In fact, the national organiza tion, Student Veterans of America (SVA), reports that it "began on roughly 20 campuses in 2008 to create a network of connectedness through a peer support model."…”