Source: Education Advisory Board
The information here is from the Education Advisory Board. It contains many different recommendations for creating and nurturing a "veteran-friendly" campus. These may or may not be currently implemented at UMD. The inclusion of these items is to create awareness of the different ways we, as a campus community, could create a more welcoming environment for our returning veterans.
Three Pillars of Nurturing a "Veteran-Friendly" Campus
I. Facilitate connections among veterans
Strategies for identifying veterans include:
-Admissions and enrollment processes
-Contacts with the veterans' service office
-Distribution of student veterans' information (listservs, social networking, contact lists)
Establish a Student Veterans Organization
-Typically formed by a few student vets
-Can include social activities, information and support, volunteer opportunities, education and advocacy
-UMD Student Veteran Association President: Edward Callahan
-More information: Student Veterans of America (SVA); SVA Facebook Group
Designating a Central Space for Veterans
-Physical space to serve as a gathering place for facilitating student veteran connections
-Can include a lounge space, offices, meeting spaces, study resources, and other amenities
Veterans "Mixer"
-CAS is working on organizing a casual, social gathering for veterans on campus to meet each other
-If you know a student vet, direct them to this website and let them know about this upcoming, TBD event
II. Educate campus community about veterans
Misperceptions and Inappopriate Questions
-There are many stereotypes about veterans that lead to inappropriate and uncomfortable questions
BE AWARE of these stereotypes and educate others (faculty, staff, students) about them
Know the reality of who our veterans actually are!
Become an Advocate for Student Veterans
-Contact CAS if you are interested in more information
-Educate yourself and others about student veterans
-Work to understand the needs of our veterans
Programs
-Many universities across the country have developed training sessions for faculty and staff
-If interested in setting this up, please contact Student Affairs or CAS (x8711).
For Professors: Ways to improve your education of student veterans
College Educators for Veterans' Higher Education Resources
American Council on Education-- Serving Those Who Serve: Higher Education and America's Veterans
Improving college Education of Veterans [book]
III. Recognize veterans as a campus community
Veterans Day Events
-Celebrations of our veterans on campus
War/Veterans Memorial
Graduation Recognition
-Regalia items to be worn by student vets at graduation to signify their service
Course Registration and Withdrawal Support
-For active duty members called to or returning from service in the middle of the semester
Acknowledgment of Service
-Letters or receptions thanking veterans for their service
Alleviating Financial Burden of Departure
-Full or partial refunds for tuition, fees, books
Support During Deployment
-Care packages
