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Engaging Military-Connected Students in Higher Education
In the vibrant ecosystems of universities and colleges, fostering inclusivity through meaningful events is essential for community cohesion. This month, as we recognize National Veterans and Military Families Month, there’s a spotlight on how higher education institutions can better engage military-connected students—individuals whose lives intertwine with military service, whether as veterans or active-duty personnel and their families.
Kelly Cherwin, the Director of Editorial Strategy at HigherEdJobs, inquired about best practices for creating engaging military-connected events on campuses and whether these strategies could inform broader initiatives targeting various student demographics.
Listening and Engaging: Key Practices
According to representatives from the University of Arizona, one foundational approach is to actively listen to students’ needs and desires. The university regularly polls its military-connected students to gather insights into the services and events they seek. This feedback loop operates through surveys, town halls, email communications, and direct engagement with student leaders. Additionally, fostering student buy-in is crucial; students benefiting from mentorship can, in turn, assist others, creating a cycle of support. This collaborative spirit extends to partnerships with ROTC programs and the establishment of mentorship initiatives designed to bolster the next generation of leaders.
The university has also initiated projects aligned with students’ academic interests. For instance, a National Endowment for the Humanities grant resulted in a project titled “Thunder of War: Winds of Return,” encouraging discussions around literature and the experiences transitioning from military to civilian life. This initiative promotes meaningful dialogues among students while exploring broader historical contexts like WWI and OEF/OIF. Furthermore, tailored mentorship programs for women veterans pursuing STEM fields have been developed in collaboration with companies like Raytheon.
Celebrating Community Contributions
Highlighting the community-driven nature of its events, the University of Arizona staff pointed out that many initiatives arose from student-led efforts aimed at enhancing campus life. They take great pride in partnering with organizations such as Southern Arizona Honor Flight and hosting military-connected career fairs, graduation ceremonies, and faculty training programs to equip staff with insights on military experiences. The establishment of VETS Military-Connected Student Centers serves as a hub for support and resources, solidifying a sense of community and purpose on campus.
Inclusive Communication
When it comes to language, the university has learned that using inclusive terminology that encompasses all military-connected students, not just veterans, significantly increases community engagement. Initiatives are framed around the principles of “Engage, Empower, Educate, & Employ,” effectively resonating with a broad audience.
Assessing Engagement Success
With military-connected students comprising about 10% of the university’s population, successful engagement is reflected in the awareness and understanding fostered within the broader campus community. The UA Veteran Alliance training plays a pivotal role, enhancing faculty and staff’s grasp of military-related challenges while recognizing the diverse strengths these students bring to the academic landscape. Success, from their perspective, is characterized by informed interactions and increased recognition of military-connected students’ contributions.
Challenges and Strategies
One major hurdle identified is participation. The planning and execution of events involve considerable effort to both promote and serve students’ varied commitments outside of academic life, which often include family and work responsibilities. To counter this, the staff emphasizes proactive student involvement throughout event development, ensuring that events cater to the diverse interests of the entire community.
Encouraging Faculty Engagement
The University of Arizona staff expressed hopes for greater educational efforts among faculty and staff, emphasizing the importance of understanding the military-connected student experience. Cultivating compassion and support can significantly ease transitions for these students as they navigate higher education.
Building Community Beyond Events
Recognizing that military-connected students bring unique narratives shaped by different backgrounds, the university aims to cultivate a supportive environment that eases their transition from service members to graduates and employed professionals. The availability of dedicated student centers facilitates informal interactions, providing spaces for socializing, quiet study, and collaborative learning.
Roles in Veteran Engagement
The university’s commitment is palpable in the roles of key staff members involved in veteran engagement. Duan Copeland, Graduate Associate for Military and Veteran Engagement, speaks to a profound dedication to serving fellow veterans. Bruce Grissom, Director of Veterans Education and Transition Services, ensures that program operations remain student-centered and focused on fostering success. Meanwhile, Cody Nicholls, Assistant Dean of Students, reinforces a commitment to the military-connected student community, while Michael W. Marks, a psychology professor, highlights the drive to provide impactful support to those navigating the complexities of veteran life.
In conclusion, as campuses continue to evolve, the integration of military-connected events not only enriches the educational landscape but fosters a deeper understanding and connection across the diverse community of students, staff, and faculty.
Source
www.higheredjobs.com