Transcript SUPPORTING STUDENT VETERANS Steven Lipnicki – Assistant Dean of Students John Koch – Graduate Assistant, Veterans Network  Objective:     To familiarize you with what is.

SUPPORTING STUDENT VETERANS
Steven Lipnicki – Assistant Dean of Students
John Koch – Graduate Assistant, Veterans Network
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Objective:
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To familiarize you with what is available at GVSU to assist
student veterans and faculty
Background
Student Veteran experiences
Resources for Students and Faculty
FALL 2010 ENROLLMENT
434 student veterans/reservists/family
 +188 or 76% from Fall 2009 (246)
 200+ using new GI Bill benefits
 50 dependents/survivors
 Predictability of continued growth is
uncertain…
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WHAT IS THE VETERANS NETWORK?
WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF VETERANS?
TRANSITIONING REALITIES
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Transitioning from Soldier to Student or Combatant
to Civilian can be difficult
Coping
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post-traumatic stress
Physical disabilities
Financial challenges
Relationship and family challenges
Substance issues
Discrimination
PTSD SYMPTOMS
“A normal reaction to an abnormal event.”
Repeated thoughts and images of the traumatic
event
 Unwanted memories, nightmares, and/or
flashbacks
 Increased arousal (e.g., difficulty sleeping and
concentrating, jumpiness, irritability).
 Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, and situations
related to the traumatic event
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Spectrum of symptoms – not like polio or
pregnancy. (May exist even if the person is not
diagnosable)
COMMON STRUGGLES
Feeling alone on campus
 Feeling overwhelmed by new freedom of life
 Economic struggles
 Re-connecting with friends and family
 Adjusting to academic rigor
 Lack of transfer credit
 Disclosure dilemma – mental health,
relationships, etc.
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TRAITS OF STUDENT VETERANS
Very mature for their age
 Very experienced - especially with basic
necessities of life – embodiment of Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs
 Global perspective – especially those who have
been overseas
 Heightened sense of awareness
 Goal driven – sometimes to a fault (forest for
the trees)
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RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY
IN THE CLASSROOM…
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Encourage veteran students to contact you if they encounter
circumstances that may impact their performance in your
course.
Accommodate special needs expressed by veteran students
 Seating preferences
 Initial hesitation to actively participate in discussion
 Absences related to VA appointments or reserve-duty
commitments
Take the time to explain course, assignment, and university
policies to veteran students as they may be used to following
orders without question.
Learn about combat-related disabilities, such as Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI)
Excerpted from NIU Spectrum; Spring 2010
www.niu.edu/facdev
IN THE CLASSROOM…
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Expect the same classroom responsibilities and performance
Provide opportunities for veteran students to work with civilian
students on team projects
As with all students, know how to teach veteran students who
have different experiences, learning preferences and
capabilities.
Avoid expressing personal sentiments related to war or military
personnel that could alienate or embarrass student veterans.
 All veterans deserve recognition and appreciation for their
service regardless of our personal opinions.
Involve veteran students, at their own comfort level, in
coursework related discussions where they can share their
service experiences and enrich the learning experience of all
students.
Excerpted from NIU Spectrum; Spring 2010
www.niu.edu/facdev
HOW WELL IS GVSU SERVING VETERANS…
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Veterans Network: www.gvsu.edu/veterans
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University and community resources
Peer Support: Student Veterans Organization
 Communication: Social media- Facebook group
 Mapworks
 Veterans Resource Fair (February 23, 2011)
 Community Collaborations
 Training opportunities
 Finding opportunities for recognition & thanks
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STUDENT VETERAN RESOURCES
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Records Office – Handles all GI Bill certification
Student Accounts – Handles Vocational Rehab Students Cheryl
Lillibridge – 1-2209
Counseling Center / Alcohol Substance Abuse – Barb Palombi
– 1-3266
Disability Support Services – Kathleen Vanderveen
Womens Center / Family Support – Ashley Nickels
Veterans Network – General concerns or questions 1-7188
MODEL FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Employment
Following
Graduation
GI Bill/Financial
Aid
Successful
Transition from
the Military
Sense of
Belonging on
Campus
Physical and
Mental Health
Support
Support from
Academic
Insitution
STUDENT VETERANS & FACULTY
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Guidance
 Veterans
need to be encouraged to meet
w/faculty and make them (faculty) aware of
their (veterans) situation
 Meetings
office
should be in faculty member’s
SUGGESTIONS FROM A VETERAN
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Each of us is an individual. I may have seen heavy
combat or sat in an office.
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DO NOT assume that you know my politics or beliefs.
 There are many reasons that people are in the
military and most are not political.
 You do what you are told regardless of political
affiliation.
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DO NOT be afraid of my identity as a vet. Getting to know
me and being able to identify issues in the early stages
will not only help but may make me feel wanted and
welcome.
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QUESTIONS