Serving Military and Veteran Students in Higher Education

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1 Serving Military and Veteran Students in Higher Education WICHE Legislative Advisory Committee (2015) Portland, OR 9/16/15 Phillip Morris, Ph.D. Director of Veteran and Military Student Affairs Morris,P WICHE 1

2 Presentation Contents University of Colorado Springs Overview of VA education benefits Best practices and success strategies Morris,P WICHE 2

3 Campus By The Numbers One of four campuses of the University of Colorado Fastest growing higher education campus in the state Established 50 years ago (1965) 11,500 students on campus 1,800 veterans, active military and military family members on campus (16% of enrollment) 3 full-time on-campus staff members 1 full-time staff located on Fort Carson (Army) Focus on tuition assistance and military outreach Morris,P WICHE 3

4 UC Colorado Springs Relatively young Veteran program efforts 2012 Moved to Forster House Office of Veteran and Military Student Affairs High-level relationships with leaders from bases throughout the Colorado Springs area Morris,P WICHE 4

5 Unique Elements Location in a high concentration veteran and military population center within a veteranfriendly state Four military bases within 10 miles of campus Air Force Academy (partner activities) 1-in-5 residents of Colorado Springs has a military connection (active, veteran, family) Program Director a PhD in Higher Education and an Army Veteran Retired Lieutenant General is a Military Strategic Advisor to the Chancellor and Program Director Veteran Health and Trauma Clinic on Campus Morris,P WICHE 5

6 UCCS Student Veteran Profile GPA (3.0 Average) Age (30 Average) Male (60%) Female (40%) Graduation Rate for VMF Students (44%) Morris,P WICHE 6

7 Facts about Student Veterans American Council on Education, 2014 Morris,P WICHE 7

8 Post 9/11 GI Bill Morris,P WICHE 8

9 Post 9/11 GI Bill Morris,P WICHE 9

10 What does this mean for students? Morris,P WICHE 10

11 Comparing Institutions Morris,P WICHE 11

12 Veteran Support Framework Separate from Military, Application, Orientation Academic Success Career Readiness and Placement Morris,P WICHE 12

13 Transitioning Support Fort Carson Transition University Office at Fort Carson Office hours at other installations Military/Veteran specific orientation Over 200 students this Spring and Summer 2015 Student tracking / data collection Morris,P WICHE 13

14 Academic Success Housing Veteran Services under Student Affairs Military Transitions Course 3 credit hour course VA will pay for it Military Transfer Credit Policy Prior learning Priority Registration Streamlines enrollment VA Bursar Credit Assists with financial aid disbursement Allows housing benefits to flow sooner Alignment with On-Campus Veterans Trauma Center Morris,P WICHE 14

15 Academic Success VETS Faculty and Staff Training 300+ participants since Aug Veteran Student Affairs Advisory Board Cross campus investment / support network Campus Ambassadors Peer Support Network Recognition and Symbolism Student Veteran s Organization Service projects (5k race, various service events) Chapter of the National Student Veterans of America Morris,P WICHE 15

16 Student Veterans Organization (SVO) Morris,P WICHE 16

17 Dedicated Space Auburn University Morris,P WICHE 17

18 Wayne State University Morris,P WICHE 18

19 Butte College Morris,P WICHE 19

20 Coastline Community College Morris,P WICHE 20

21 California State University, Northridge Morris,P WICHE 21

22 Delta College Morris,P WICHE 22

23 Eastern Michigan University Morris,P WICHE 23

24 Northern Kentucky University Morris,P WICHE 24

25 University of Central Florida Morris,P WICHE 25

26 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Morris,P WICHE 26

27 Colorado State University Morris,P WICHE 27

28 UCCS Morris,P WICHE 28

29 Military Symbolism Morris,P WICHE 29

30 Career Readiness and Placement Boots to Suits Program Career mentoring program UC Denver and UC Springs Students gain insight into chosen career fields Tailored suit provided upon completion of mentor experience Morris,P WICHE 30

31 Policy / Legislation Section 702 of the Veterans Choice Act State Legislation for Residency for Tuition Purposes State policy around military training and transfer of skill/credit Morris,P WICHE 31

32 Gaps for Student Veterans Pay during breaks Expansion of VA Workstudy Program Required Trainings for Faculty/Staff Additional Funding for Vocation Rehabilitation Psychological First Aid / Additional Counseling Options Morris,P WICHE 32

33 Conclusions Morris,P WICHE 33