Transcript Understanding Military in an Educational Setting
Understanding ‘Military’ in an Educational Setting
UCA Basic Training
Charlotte Strickland University of Central Arkansas Diversity Series 2014-15
The Military in Higher Education Service Members
Active Duty
Reserves, National Guard
ROTC (Military Science) cadets
Veteran
Military family members
Military Definitions
GWOT = Global War on Terrorism
Over 2.6 million personnel have fought in Iraq / Afghan 57% are under age 30 OEF = Operation Enduring Freedom
Response to 9/11, began 7 OCT 2001 Large theatre of operations / Afghanistan OIF = Operation Iraqi Freedom
Began 20 MAR 2003 Multinational operation fought entirely in Iraq
The Military in Higher Education
Many join military with ultimate goal of college
Many in military more worldly/experienced/mature and realize value of furthering their education
College is a buffer between structured military life and civilian world
Two GI Bills make college affordable
Financing Education for Military
GI Bill (1944)
- law that provided a range of benefits for returning World War II veterans who had been on active duty during war years for at least 90 days and had not been dishonorably discharged; combat not required. Benefits included cash payments of tuition/living expenses to attend college. It made college accessible for over 2 million veterans in the 10 years following the end of World War II. In 1985, a bill sponsored by Congressman "Sonny" Montgomery expanded the G.I. Bill. (MGIB).
Post 9/11 GI Bill
to dependents.
– Congress approved 2008, began 2009. The bill provides education benefits (tuition/fees, housing allowance) for service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept.10, 2001. Partially transferrable
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program Yellow Ribbon Program
Veteran National Data
* Approximate Veterans in U.S.: 22 million * Male/Female: 19.7 million males, 2.3 million females * Age Ranges: 18-85+ ( 3 million between 25-35) * Conflicts: WW2-current 2.2 million joined after 9/11 More than 2.6 million U.S. troops veterans of Iraq/Afghanistan * Utilizing GI Bill: 3.5 million
Service Members Diversity
Age – traditional and non-traditional
Gender
Sexual Orientation
Race
Disabilities, PTSD, TBI
Military branch
Military role: frontline/medic/fuel handler/paperwork, etc.
Attention
Group Discussion
What images or thoughts come to mind when you hear the word military or
veteran
?
Is there a specific gender you think of?
Race? Ethnicity? Political affiliation? Age?
Are there any emotions associated with these images/thoughts?
Where do these images and/or thoughts concerning the military or veterans come from?
Transitional Issues
► Mily issu Disoriented – transition from military to college Loss of identity and work-related friendships Feel alienated from rest of the country, isolated Loss of close colleagues; haunted by memories Difficulty relating to younger college students Family issues & responsibilities Cognitive difficulties and/or fears Stereotypes Boredom with everyday life Academic & Administrative Staff understanding Prejudice against military Impatience with disrespect of authority; unruliness
What Service Members may experience in your class/office
Discomfort with unfamiliar people or surroundings The need to sit away from windows or in the back of the class, and a reluctance to speak in class Sensitivity to war references and/or discussions or assignments on war; discomfort when put on spot A need for increased encouragement, guidance, understanding Physical issues due to injury/chronic pain Non-visible injuries including but not limited to hearing, head injury, PTSD, which may impact communications Reluctance to ask for assistance Urgency to receive VA calls, appear at VA appointments
How can We assist?
► Referrals - UCA Veteran Office, UCA Veteran Resource Center, Counseling Center, Office Disability Resources ► Mindful - Words/assumptions/environment Identity - Military/Veteran status is only part of a student’s identity Service Members bring a wealth of life & work experience to the classroom/office and contribute to the diverse richness of the University!
Sincere Honest Present-Minded
UCA Veteran Services
UCA Veteran Services
UCA Student Veterans’ Resource Center
David Williams: Veteran Services Coordinator Bernard Hall, Suite 004-A University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR 72035 501-852-2999 [email protected]
http://uca.edu/veteranservices Room 206D, Old Main Building Hours M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Phone: 450-3353 [email protected]
Coming soon…..the Student Veteran Association UCA registered student organization
“ I don’t need to be recognized for being in the military. You don’t have to look at me and say, ‘he’s a veteran,’ and I don’t need special preference. But in the same breath, I am appreciative of teachers and staff who say, ’yeah this is a veteran and they are not a traditional student and they require special attention.’ Academically we’re different, financially we’re different, in so many ways, we’re different.” ---- Scott Ury