Understanding ‘Military’ in an Educational Setting - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Understanding ‘Military’ in an Educational SettingUCA Basic Training

Charlotte Strickland & David Williams

University of

Central ArkansasSlide2

The Military in Higher EducationService MembersActive Duty

Reserves, National Guard

ROTC (Military Science) cadets

Veteran

Military family membersSlide3

Military DefinitionsGWOT = 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 FreedomBegan 20 MAR 2003 Multinational operation fought entirely in IraqSlide4

The Military in Higher EducationMany join military with ultimate goal of collegeMany in military more worldly/experienced/mature and realize value of furthering their educationCollege is a buffer between structured military life and civilian worldTwo GI Bills make college affordableSlide5

Financing Education for MilitaryGI 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 – 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 to dependents.Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program Yellow Ribbon ProgramSlide6

* 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

Veteran National Data Slide7

Service MembersDiversityAge – traditional and non-traditional

Gender

Sexual Orientation

Race

Disabilities, PTSD, TBI

Military branchMilitary role: frontline/medic/fuel handler/paperwork, etc.Attention Slide8

Group DiscussionWhat 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?Slide9

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 studentsFamily issues & responsibilitiesCognitive difficulties and/or fearsStereotypesBoredom with everyday lifeAcademic & Administrative Staff understandingPrejudice against militaryImpatience with disrespect of authority; unruliness Slide10

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, understandingPhysical issues due to injury/chronic painNon-visible injuries including but not limited to hearing, head injury, PTSD, which may impact communicationsReluctance to ask for assistanceUrgency to receive VA calls, appear at VA appointmentsSlide11

How can We assist? Referrals - UCA Veteran Office, UCA Veteran Resource Center, Counseling Center, Office Disability ResourcesMindful - 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-MindedSlide12

UCA Veteran Services UCA Veteran ServicesDavid Williams: Veteran Services CoordinatorHarrin Hall, Suite 223University of Central ArkansasConway, AR 72035501-852-2999

veteranservices@uca.edu

Http

://

uca.edu/veteranservices

UCA Student Veterans’ Resource CenterRoom 206D, Old Main BuildingHours M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Phone: 852-1022UCAstudentvets@gmail.com Coming soon…..the Student Veteran Association UCA registered student organizationSlide13

“ 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