UC’S SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MILITARY AND

VETERAN STUDENTS

Ensuring Transfer Success 2012

Session Overview

Building RelationshipsVeterans Statistics at UCSupport Services for Military and

Veteran Students at UC CampusesStudent Veterans PanelQuestion and AnswerAdditional Resources

Building Relationships

UC’S SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN

STUDENTS

Military and Veteran Students at UC

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-110

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

844897

10021056

42 71 53 484594

161 161

56 60136 130

VeteranActiveReservist/GuardMilitary Status & Dependent Award

Systemwide Transfer Admission Rates for Military/Veterans

Fall 2007

Fall 2008

Fall 2009

Fall 2010

Fall 2011

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

633 678 699825

1087

465 497 512 560665

310 336 367 398496

ApplicationsAdmitsEnrolls

• Compares favorably with overall transfer admit rates

Support Services at UC Campuses

UC’S SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN

STUDENTS

Veteran Support Begins with Understanding

Perspective/CulturePhases of Post-

DeploymentTransitional ChallengesCommon DisabilitiesKey StrengthsThree Forms of Support

Culture Clash: Military vs. Academe

Rigid structureFocus on missionHigh “ops-tempo”Constant vigilanceValued traits:

Impulsive/Reactive Conforming No guts, no glory No questions asked Deal with it yourself

Phases of Post-Deployment

Battle-mind Focus on the mission Too many missions!

(school, work, family, social, all at once)

Stress Why can’t I succeed? Unfamiliar territory Undervalued Benefit delays

Fight/Flight Confrontational or

argumentative Drugs/Alcohol Re-Enlist

Grief Loss of a friend Human suffering Loss of “the way it was

before”

Common Transitional Issues

Culture ClashHaving to take care of

things “on your own”Financial challengesJob vs. SchoolSocial relationshipsStress/anger managementSelf-identityPhysical disabilitiesHidden disabilities

Student Veteran Strengths

Resilient survivorsInternal motivationOrganized and accountableRespectful of rank and

authorityGoal-orientedHigh level of integritySelf-sacrificing through

voluntary military serviceAre more mature and focused

Student Veterans Need:

Peer Support Social clubs &

organizations Peer mentors Peer-aged tutors Group counseling Place to “belong”

Academic Support

Appropriate enrollment advice

Time in schedule for appointments

Flexibility for military obligations

Faculty/staff sensitized to needs

Environmental & academic accommodations

Transitional Support

Housing Stable income Job training Medical care Counseling “Safe zones” Leadership

opportunities

Tips for a Successful Transfer

Academic advising: goals/programsDiscuss benefit options early

Conserve GI Bill entitlementComplete IGETC Pay attention to deadlinesApply for financial aid earlySeek accommodations & servicesConnect with other student veterans

Student Veterans Panel

UC’S SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN

STUDENTS

Question and Answer

UC’S SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN

STUDENTS

Additional Resources for Supporting Veterans

UC Campus Contacts: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/veterans/

Articles on supporting veterans: www.academicimpressions.com/news/three-tips-suppo

rting-veteran-students?qq=11421i316600hG www.academicimpressions.com/news/helping-veteran-

students-succeedMaking your campus veteran-friendly:

www.vetfriendlytoolkit.org www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsS

ervices/MilitaryPrograms/serving/VeteransBrochure.pdf