1. A Civilian’s Story: Working with Student Veterans
Tania Velazquez
NASPA Region II Conference
Washington D.C.
June 7, 2015-June 9, 2015

2. A Civilian’s Story Statistics and Characteristics What we were doing…
Focus Group themes
What we have done and where we are going...

3. Statistics
In about 700,000 service members or Veterans used their educational benefits, 33% were enrolled in community colleges
Most students veterans are enrolled in public 2-year (43%) and 4-year institutions (21%)
13% enrolled in private not-for-profit and 12% private for profit (DVA, 2012)

4. Characteristics 73% of Veterans are Male; 27% are female
62% of student Veterans are first Generation
Student Veterans are non-traditional
Many student Veterans have families
Popular degrees include: business, public service, health, science and engineering
With a small percentage of female personnel being women, female student veterans are over represented in postsecondary education
Most Veterans are between the ages of 24-40
47% of student Veterans have children
47.3 are married

5. Where we were… Where we are going
Until Fall 2014
Each campus different services
One campus had a certifying officer only
One campus had one counselor only
One Campus had one informal Veteran that would support the Veteran students
Spring 2014
Student Veterans become vocal. Need more support
Development of Intercampus Veteran Task Force

6. My Story Spring 2014 Academic advisement
Make sure classes are in line with curriculum
Make sure the students are taking what they need for their benefits
Fall Chair of the DEVES committee
Responsible for professional development of faculty and staff in regards to Veteran students college-wide
How does someone who needs professional development supply development?

7. Useful resources https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage
Developed a Focus Group

8. Focus Group Services on campus
All Vets have different experiences. What is helpful to one may not be helpful to another
Disability Services may turn off some Veterans because disability is not “acceptable”
Extent of diversity we have among Veterans. New Vet vs. Old Vet, diversity in branches (see attached)

9. Focus Group Transition to Civilian Life
Need a “Shepard for the sheep” Livestock mentality
Information overload without a squad leader
Some Veterans weren’t ready to come home. May have been asked to leave because military is downsizing
Come home and rush to school because they need to stay busy

10. Focus Group A “thank you” is okay, but don’t make too much of it.
Attention drawn to service further creates separation from students
Not looking for anything special, not entitled
They are entitled to what it said on the piece of paper and nothing else

11. Focus Group What worked What didn’t work Good questions
It was a Friday
Served lunch
POLITICS
No administrators
We didn’t go to them

12. What have we done and where are we going…
New Student Orientation specific for Veterans
Veterans Freshmen Seminar
Passive programming- “Don’t thank me for my service”
Veteran Centers on all three campuses
Hiring a Director of Veteran Affairs

13. Final Thoughts Any institution can do this
Shift in mindset and thinking outside of box
Have not spent any money yet and have a year of programming and services for Veterans

14. Please contact me if you have any questions or want further information. Tania Velazquez

15. References
Kelsey, Lisa, S. & Zamani-Gallaher, Eboni, M., (2014). Working with student in community college. Sterling, VA: Stylus
Survey responses from fellow colleagues that are Veteran counselors