Many US military veterans have taken advantage of the G.I. bill, which has allowed them to attend college and ease their way into civilian life by providing them the skills and education they need to do so.
Moving from the Frontlines to the Classroom
However, for many, it is a tough transition. Army Sgt. Manual Villareal, as reported by The Beacon News, stated that in “ returning to school… after more than a decade… everything was a challenge”; which includes, “learning to study, figuring out computers, navigating benefits and financial aid, and approaching professors.”
Veterans have a lot to deal with; they are completely changing their lifestyles while also trying to cope with personal and mental issues that come with being a veteran who has seen active duty. They also can see unique problems such as difficulties or delays when receiving funds from their GI Bills, or, if they are still in the army reserves, may even have to be deployed mid-semester. Moving from the frontlines to the classroom is a huge change.
What Has Worked Best for Veterans in Higher Education
A new report has found that institutes of higher education that provide that often much-needed, extra support to veterans have better performance, retention and graduation rates for the student-veteran. Their grade point averages and matriculation rates are even higher than the over-all national average.
The support may include financial aid advisers, career planning assistance, counseling services or help through the admissions process. Another helpful support system is providing a Veteran’s Lounge, such as at Richard Stockton College, where veterans can socialize and feel at ease.
It is surprising, in fact, that most schools go without these features, as once in the classroom many student-veterans are actually some of the most dedicated students. One veteran, Army veteran paratrooper Michael Dooley, described how veterans, “have sort of a work ethic that few students have when they’re going straight form high school into college.”
That extra perspective, with additional support systems, makes veterans’ performance and graduation rates higher than average. In fact, Operation College Promise and the Pat Tillman Foundation’s report “Completing the Mission: A Pilot Study of Veteran Students’ Progress Toward Degree Attainment in the Post 9/11 Era” showed startling high statistics. It found that student-veterans achieved a GPA average, while in school, of 3.04. The retention rate of first-going-on-second year student-veterans was 94 percent (the national average is 75 percent) and the 71 percent of veterans completed all their credits they pursued.
They Served Our Country, It is Time to Serve Them
Extra support to veterans should no longer only exist as an “extra benefit” at a school but should be an expectation, especially since the support systems have been proven to be so successful. By using the new data to encourage veteran-directed support systems we can serve our country, by helping those who fought, and are fighting for it.
To learn more about the issue read the report, “Completing the Mission”; or The Beacon News story on the topic.