From Service to Student: Supporting Military Connected Students in Higher Education

From Service to Student: Supporting Military Connected Students in Higher Education

Transitioning from military service to college is a journey filled with both strengths and unique challenges. As a Marine Corps veteran and Director of Military and Veteran Services at Fitchburg State University, I’ve seen and firsthand experienced the pride, resilience, and leadership that military-connected students bring to campus. I’ve also personally faced the difficulties that come with moving from military life to college, which helps me truly understand the challenges these students encounter. Recognizing these experiences is essential to creating spaces where military-connected students can thrive.

For many veterans and military students, college is about more than just academics. The military often “spits you out” into civilian life and leaves you to figure things out on your own. While the system has made improvements, this gap remains a significant challenge. The military provides structure, clear missions, and a close-knit community, but once service ends, veterans must navigate a world that demands self-direction in an environment that can feel unfamiliar and unpredictable. This sudden shift can cause uncertainty and feelings of isolation. Meanwhile, veterans are often juggling VA paperwork, health concerns, and the search for new purposes as they adjust to civilian life.

Those still serving in the National Guard or Reserves face even more challenges, balancing drills, deployments, and schoolwork. Many hesitate to seek accommodations or support because they worry about being misunderstood or judged.

Military-connected students juggle many responsibilities, including family, work, health, and service commitments. That’s why policies need to be flexible and understanding, ensuring no one feels penalized for serving or those that have served and face obstacles while pursuing an education.

Higher education is changing. More adult learners, returning or starting college later in life while balancing jobs and families, are becoming a vital part of campus communities. Military-connected students are a big part of this shift, and it’s important that both veterans and support systems work together to meet their needs. It’s equally important that military and veteran students know they have to actively ask for help and shouldn’t feel like the “odd one out” for doing so.

Building bridges to welcome and include military-connected students is critical. When these students feel valued and part of a community, they’re more likely to stay and succeed. That means creating spaces and events where they and their families feel at home, not just showing up for class and leaving. Veteran lounges, family friendly programs, and peer support groups help build connection and pride.

Giving Military and Veteran Students a Voice

It’s critical to give military-connected students meaningful opportunities to share their perspectives and help shape campus life. Too often, their experiences go unheard, leaving them feeling invisible despite their leadership and strength they have obtained while in service. 

When institutions include military/veterans students in decision making, whether through student government, advisory committees, curriculum input, or peer leadership, they allow these students to reclaim ownership of their education and community. This involvement breaks down stereotypes, enriches learning for everyone, and improves policies around accommodations, mental health, and benefits.

Listening to and empowering military-connected students shows respect and partnership. It builds pride, belonging, and community, key factors for recruitment and retention.

Navigating VA benefits, health challenges, family responsibilities, and academics is no small task. Programs like the GI Bill and VA healthcare offer crucial support, but understanding how to access and use these resources can be overwhelming without guidance as this is largely a bureaucratic system.

Supporting Military-Connected Students: Steps Campuses Can Take

Campuses can make a real difference by creating supportive environments that meet the unique needs of military-connected students. Here are some practical ways institutions can enhance their support:

• Learn the Basics: Faculty, staff, and administrators don’t need to be experts but having a solid understanding of key military benefits helps build empathy and flexibility.
  
  
• Simplify Processes: Providing dedicated staff to assist with VA paperwork and deadlines can reduce stress and help students focus on their studies.
  
  
• Listen and Engage: Sometimes, the most meaningful support comes from simply hearing students' stories and understanding the challenges they face.

Military-connected students aren’t asking for favors. They just want equal opportunities to succeed with those opportunities welcoming their military service. These students are mission-driven and ready to excel when given the right resources and support. When campuses listen and collaborate with them, they do more than accommodate veterans; they become true champions.

At its core, this is about more than policies. It’s about building community, empowering students, and creating lasting connections.