This session will outline the structure behind and focus of a retention program designed to support student veterans. This population requires coordinated services which differ from the traditional undergraduates with a focus upon access to resources and an outline of necessary transactions. These students come to the classroom with different expectations and experiences than freshmen, with a focus upon completing a mission and they require an outline of what administrative tasks need to be completed to ensure that they retain their benefits which allow them to remain enrolled. Their perspective as to the undergraduate student experience tends to also differ from traditional students leading to different levels of participation in student activities as different uses of their study or lounge space. The student veteran should not be stereotyped as one who has served in any specific type of situation as each of theirs will have been different and unique, presenting us with the responsibility of communicating and engaging them differently. Therefore, direction will be provided on how to develop faculty training programs which equip them to manage student interactions and well as inform their own engagement with student veterans.

Submission ID:

7599

Presenter(s):

Luke Schultheis Fairleigh Dickinson University

Martha Papson-Garcia Fairleigh Dicksinson University