SUPPORTING STUDENT VETERANS

Steven Lipnicki – Assistant Dean of StudentsJohn Koch – Graduate Assistant, Veterans

Network

Objective: To familiarize you with what is available at GVSU

to assist student veterans and faculty Background Student Veteran experiences Resources for Students and Faculty

FALL 2010 ENROLLMENT

434 student veterans/reservists/family

+188 or 76% from Fall 2009 (246) 200+ using new GI Bill benefits 50 dependents/survivors Predictability of continued growth is

uncertain…

WHAT IS THE VETERANS NETWORK?

WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF VETERANS?

TRANSITIONING REALITIES

Transitioning from Soldier to Student or Combatant to Civilian can be difficult

Coping post-traumatic stress Physical disabilities Financial challenges Relationship and family challenges

Substance issues Discrimination

PTSD SYMPTOMS

“A normal reaction to an abnormal event.” Repeated thoughts and images of the traumatic

event Unwanted memories, nightmares, and/or

flashbacks Increased arousal (e.g., difficulty sleeping and

concentrating, jumpiness, irritability). Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, and situations

related to the traumatic event Spectrum of symptoms – not like polio or

pregnancy. (May exist even if the person is not diagnosable)

COMMON STRUGGLES

Feeling alone on campus Feeling overwhelmed by new freedom of

life Economic struggles Re-connecting with friends and family Adjusting to academic rigor Lack of transfer credit Disclosure dilemma – mental health,

relationships, etc.

TRAITS OF STUDENT VETERANS

Very mature for their age Very experienced - especially with basic

necessities of life – embodiment of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Global perspective – especially those who have been overseas

Heightened sense of awareness Goal driven – sometimes to a fault

(forest for the trees)

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY

IN THE CLASSROOM…

Encourage veteran students to contact you if they encounter circumstances that may impact their performance in your course.

Accommodate special needs expressed by veteran students Seating preferences Initial hesitation to actively participate in discussion Absences related to VA appointments or reserve-duty

commitments Take the time to explain course, assignment, and university

policies to veteran students as they may be used to following orders without question.

Learn about combat-related disabilities, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Excerpted from NIU Spectrum; Spring

2010 www.niu.edu/facdev

IN THE CLASSROOM…

Expect the same classroom responsibilities and performance Provide opportunities for veteran students to work with civilian

students on team projects As with all students, know how to teach veteran students who

have different experiences, learning preferences and capabilities.

Avoid expressing personal sentiments related to war or military personnel that could alienate or embarrass student veterans. All veterans deserve recognition and appreciation for their

service regardless of our personal opinions. Involve veteran students, at their own comfort level, in

coursework related discussions where they can share their service experiences and enrich the learning experience of all students.

Excerpted from NIU Spectrum; Spring 2010 www.niu.edu/facdev

HOW WELL IS GVSU SERVING VETERANS…

Veterans Network: www.gvsu.edu/veterans University and community resources

Peer Support: Student Veterans Organization Communication: Social media- Facebook group Mapworks Veterans Resource Fair (February 23, 2011) Community Collaborations Training opportunities Finding opportunities for recognition &

thanks

STUDENT VETERAN RESOURCES

Records Office – Handles all GI Bill certification Student Accounts – Handles Vocational Rehab

Students Cheryl Lillibridge – 1-2209 Counseling Center / Alcohol Substance Abuse –

Barb Palombi – 1-3266 Disability Support Services – Kathleen

Vanderveen Womens Center / Family Support – Ashley

Nickels Veterans Network – General concerns or questions

1-7188

MODEL FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

GI Bill/Financial Aid

Successful Transition from the Military

Support from

Academic Insitution

Physical and Mental Health Support

Sense of Belonging on Campus

EmploymentFollowing Graduation

STUDENT VETERANS & FACULTY

Guidance Veterans need to be encouraged to

meet w/faculty and make them (faculty) aware of their (veterans) situation

Meetings should be in faculty member’s office

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SUGGESTIONS FROM A VETERAN

Each of us is an individual. I may have seen heavy combat or sat in an office.

DO NOT assume that you know my politics or beliefs. There are many reasons that people are in the

military and most are not political. You do what you are told regardless of political

affiliation.

DO NOT be afraid of my identity as a vet. Getting to know me and being able to identify issues in the early stages will not only help but may make me feel wanted and welcome.

QUESTIONS