Institutional Policies, Culture, and Best Practices that Support Veterans in Higher Education
Maja Stojanovic´Abstract
With their diverse backgrounds and unique military experiences, student veterans enhance diversity goals of higher education institutions and contribute with their unique skillsets and experiences. While they have different motivators and financial incentives for pursuing higher education, these students often face significant challenges in transitioning to academic life, largely due to the stark difference between the military and higher education cultures, policies, and practices. Given the large number of military learners in higher education, strategic efforts must go beyond recruitment and financial aid to ensure inclusion and adequate academic and career support. Informed by Schlossberg’s transition theory, this chapter explores external support strategies and resources including policies, cultural aspects, and best practices pertaining to veterans in higher education. Additionally, it underscores the vital but often overlooked role of professional development for faculty, which should help them understand and support military learners in the classroom.