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This month, Andrew Hibel engages with Dr. Abby Kinch, who holds the position of vice president for programs and services at Student Veterans of America. Their discussion centers on the unique needs of student veterans, methods for honoring Military Appreciation Month on college campuses, and the broader implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that ultimately support these students.
Andrew Hibel, HigherEdJobs: With May recognized as Military Appreciation Month, many campuses find themselves ensnared in the whirlwind of final exams, graduation, and student relocations. How can institutions effectively highlight Military Appreciation Month amidst this hectic schedule?
Abby Kinch, Student Veterans of America: Colleges have found graduation ceremonies to be a poignant occasion for recognizing students who have served or are currently serving in the military. Many institutions provide honor cords or stoles that signify military service, and during the commencement speeches, graduates are often encouraged to stand and receive acknowledgment. This growing trend helps foster an inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, institutions have been organizing speaker events, luncheons, and other activities that honor military service. They also take advantage of quieter periods in the academic calendar to recognize faculty and staff who have military backgrounds. There are countless creative opportunities for campuses to demonstrate their appreciation based on their unique cultures and traditions.
Hibel: What approaches can faculty, staff, and students adopt to genuinely show their gratitude toward service members and veterans? Beyond simple affirmations, what does authentic support entail?
Kinch: Genuine support should be deliberate and tailored to meet specific needs. For student veterans, it is crucial to identify their requirements and address gaps in services to ensure they have a fulfilling educational experience. Our research indicates five critical areas where student veterans tend to face challenges: childcare, financial support for education, employment opportunities, pre-college advising, and building peer networks.
A significant portion of student veterans are parents, and about 20 percent are single parents. This demographic often encounters childcare shortages during critical times like late-night study sessions or group project meetings, which typically occur outside standard working hours.
Though many student veterans utilize the G.I. Bill for tuition and living expenses, plenty do not, and even those that do commonly face financial shortfalls, especially at institutions with tuition rates exceeding G.I. Bill limits or in programs that last beyond the 36-month coverage. Additionally, the housing allowances set for single veterans may not suffice for those with families, creating an added burden for those requiring more space and support.
This financial pressure compels approximately three-quarters of student veterans to secure part-time or full-time employment while studying, often in low-wage industries like food service and retail. Connecting student veterans with job counseling that targets entry-level roles in their field of interest could be immensely beneficial. This connection would not only help them earn income but also build professional networks and develop relevant skills in their chosen industries before they graduate.
Conversely, traditional first-time college students rarely need to declare a major right away, allowing them time to explore various fields. In contrast, student veterans using the G.I. Bill must select a major immediately during their first semester, which can lead to difficulties if they later wish to switch majors. Improved advising and support could help these veterans navigate their educational paths more effectively.
Hibel: Some university faculty and staff express a desire for the needs of student veterans to be more integral to campus diversity and inclusion efforts. What are your thoughts on this, and how can colleges better address the requirements of these students?
Kinch: Building peer networks is essential in enhancing the college experience for all students. For student veterans, these networks can substantially improve mental health and academic outcomes. Nevertheless, some veterans may isolate themselves from the larger campus community due to perceived cultural differences. While Student Veterans of America chapters aim to establish connections among veterans, a campus environment that fosters inclusivity can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation. Such support, which acknowledges the distinct needs of student veterans, is a powerful way to demonstrate appreciation.
Hibel: In your role with Student Veterans of America, what strategies do you implement to empower student veterans in higher education? What do you consider the primary need for this demographic?
Kinch: The military often instills a mindset that diminishes service members’ perceptions of their own achievements, which can translate poorly to academia—a realm characterized by competitive excellence. My aim is to help transitioning service members envision their potential through the transformative impact of higher education. They should feel confident applying to leading institutions and pursuing advanced academic programs, recognizing that they are deserving of these opportunities. Our efforts involve both direct engagement with transitioning service members and the creation of supportive, inclusive campus environments.
Hibel: Your dissertation focused on institutional policies and programs for student veterans in higher education. What is your assessment of the current landscape regarding these initiatives? Have there been significant changes since your research was conducted?
Kinch: My findings revealed that many policies positioned as “veteran-friendly” often fail to produce tangible outcomes for student veterans’ success. There is generally a lack of effective strategy behind implementing these policies. Additionally, many institutions erroneously assume that veterans require lowered barriers to entry due to perceived academic deficits compared to their peers. However, I’ve noted a shift toward recognizing the value that veterans bring to campus environments. Emerging discussions highlight supporting their inherent strengths rather than assuming they need remedial assistance. We’re increasingly seeing institutions integrate veterans into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, necessitating a more thoughtful exploration of existing programs.
Hibel: Reflecting on your own experiences as a student veteran, what progress or regress have you seen since your academic journey? How do the historical military contexts influence current support structures for veterans?
Kinch: Florida State University has historically fluctuated in its support for veterans. Although overall support for various student demographics has expanded, the backing for student veterans has remained stable or even increased. This is likely due to the diverse nature of the student veteran population that intersects with other groups on campus, especially since a significant portion is composed of first-generation college students. Moreover, the notion that support within the university is not limited means that expanding assistance to underrepresented groups enriches the support available to student veterans. In an inclusive campus culture, supporting one group does not detract from supporting another; rather, it reinforces a holistic approach to student success across the board.
Hibel: What do you find most rewarding in your role within higher education, and what continues to motivate your efforts?
Kinch: Engaging with chapter leaders remains the most fulfilling aspect of my work. Connecting with various chapters, like one in Washington I spoke with recently, enables me to guide them in ways to cultivate enthusiasm among student veterans for continued participation in their groups. Our chapters embody the mission of SVA, and as a former leader myself, I cherish the opportunity to mentor these students. Witnessing their growth and accomplishments fuels my passion and commitment to this role.
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