Colleges can provide support to military students through peer connections and community.
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About 5 percent of undergraduates are active duty military, reservists, National Guardsmen or veterans, but many systems within universities are not set up to meet their needs.
A November research brief from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice outlines some of the barriers to success for military students during their time in college and offers strategies to improve their college experience. The report draws on interviews with students, recent graduates, higher education faculty, policy experts, and past research.
- Clearly outline plan costs and available support services Military-related learners. Universities should also share data on cadet enrollment, completion and work outcomes, for example on dedicated cadet webpages.
- Simplified Credit Transfer Policy Use the American Council on Education’s Military Guidelines as a starting point for military experience. Providing quality transfer advising can also ensure that the maximum allowable credit is awarded for prior service and can explain how a major program can add or subtract transfer credit.
- Provide financial aid counseling For military-connected students to learn about the benefits available to them at the federal, state and institutional levels. The College should also allocate funds in the event benefits are delayed or work with the appropriate office to expedite the availability of funds.
- Create a peer mentoring program Connect incoming students with currently enrolled military learners who have similar life experiences. Affinity groups on campus, such as the Student Veterans of America, can also instill a sense of belonging.
- Provide professional development training Prepare faculty and staff to be culturally equipped to meet military-specific needs. Green Zone Ally training is one example of how to help higher education professionals support veterans on campus.
- Offer flexible courses Can accommodate active duty military personnel and their families who may be deploying or relocating. These may include online courses or competency-based education.
- Develop a service-related outage policy This includes extending deadlines, rescheduling exams, or introducing course materials in alternative formats to mitigate disruption to students’ academic schedules.
- Provide barrier-free environment Across systems, provide equitable access to resources for veterans with disabilities. When accommodations are needed, create a streamlined process to qualify for accommodations through the Office of Disability Services, ensuring veterans have access to all resources.
- Establish partnerships with external agencies They also support military-connected individuals such as veterans service organizations and local Veterans Affairs offices.
- Connect students with career coaches They can translate their military experience and training into the civilian workforce and serve as a liaison between veteran-friendly employers and students. The report noted that some students with military connections may need additional advice about how professional demeanor and etiquette expectations differ among civilians.
- Expand opportunities for collaborative projects and internships Tailored for military learners and career exploration opportunities. Military-focused career events can create matches between veteran-friendly organizations and prospective employees.
- Track career results Serves military-related students and aligns curriculum with labor market opportunities.
How does your college or university provide specialized resources for military students? Tell us more here.
