Extending the Band of Brothers2016 PRSSA Bateman Case Study CompetitionBrigham Young University-Idaho PRSSA Bateman TeamDynamix PR

Created by: Jenna DivisSkylar Oliver Makenzie Stevens Kyle Olson Austin Jones

Faculty Advisor: Michael Cannon, Communication Dept. Chair

ContentsIntroduction p.2Research p.2

Situation Analysis p.2

Survey p.3

Focus Group p.3

Faculty and VA Office Interviews p.3

In-Depth Interview p.3

Target Audiences p.4Primary p.4

Secondary p.4

Tertiary p.4

Key Messages & Themes p.4Challenges & Opportunities p.4Objectives, Strategies, Tactics and Outcomes p.5

Establish a national Student Veterans of America chapter p.5

Increase Awareness of Student Veterans needs, issues and benefits by 25 percent p.7

Ensure a successful launch and sustainability of the SVA chapter p.7

Evaluation p.9Appendix p.10

IntroduCtIon

As soldiers returned home from war after September 11, 2001, they struggled with the limited resources and support available to them in their post-secondary education. To satisfy an obvious need, veterans began connecting across the nation by sharing stories and exchanging advice through social media. This online community evolved into what is now known as the Student Veterans of America (SVA), which was formally established in 2008. The SVA is a non-profit organization that specializes in helping student veterans succeed in their educational endeavors. Not only does the SVA extend the “band of brothers” to local college campuses, it also creates awareness about the benefits afforded to student veterans, especially through the GI Bill.

Currently, there is not an established SVA chapter on the Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) campus, located in Rexburg, Idaho. As reported in the BYU-Idaho’s 2016 official enrollment statistics, 99.81 percent of all students share the same religion. Based on this information, it was not expected that veterans would feel so isolated from their peers. However they do, according to research conducted by the BYU-Idaho Bateman competition team, Dynamix.

Through initial contact with the BYU-Idaho Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and the Veteran Affairs (VA) Office, it was discovered that each semester, for multiple years, students had tried to establish a veterans society at BYU-Idaho. The VA Office put Dynamix in contact with Justin Roelofs, a current student veteran interested in instituting a veterans society. Dynamix met with Roelofs where he shared the difficulties of fully connecting with those around him. He indicated that there are barriers in creating meaningful friendships with other students on campus because they are unable to relate to what student veterans have experienced.

After the initial meeting with Roelofs, it was decided that the overarching objectives of this campaign would be to establish an SVA chapter at BYU-Idaho; increase awareness of student veterans’ needs, issues and benefits by 25 percent in the Rexburg area; and ensure a successful launch of the SVA by providing materials that will help sustain the chapter in years to come. These objectives were accomplished through primary research methods, connecting student veterans through social media, creating the governing documents needed to establish a chapter, and designing promotional materials that will be used by chapter leadership in the future.

researCh

sItuatIon analysIsA new SVA society on the BYU-Idaho campus is still awaiting university approval. Due to needs discovered through primary research, Dynamix decided it was imperative that student veterans in the Rexburg area meet locally as a community organization until they can formally meet on campus. The Rexburg SVA now meets at the Veterans Memorial building, which is also the headquarters of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 3012. This will continue until an SVA society at BYU-Idaho is approved.

Dynamix received 66 responses to its initial email survey. The survey was sent out through the VA Office to all students receiving GI Bill benefits. Results indicated that student veterans are highly interested in forming a veterans society. A focus group was held consisting of eight student veterans and two spouses of student veterans who all attend BYU-Idaho. This research reinforced the desire for a veterans society and also revealed the confusion behind receiving GI Bill benefits. The VA Office, along with ROTC faculty, were interviewed about their knowledge of resources for veterans, past veterans associations and GI Bill benefits. An in-depth interview was also conducted with Justin

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Roelofs, a student veteran attending BYU-Idaho. These interviews revealed the process to create a society on campus and the resources currently available to student veterans.

survey• Out of all respondents, 45 percent of students receiving GI Bill benefits are student veterans.• Out of all respondents, 33 percent of student veterans feel there are resources needed that are not

currently provided on the BYU-Idaho campus. • Of the aforementioned 33 percent, 58 percent of student veterans requested that BYU-Idaho

provide more information about their GI Bill benefits.• Out of all respondents, 66 percent want to meet at least once a month with other student veterans

attending BYU-Idaho.• Out of all respondents, 46 percent of student veterans want to meet at least once a month with

student veterans not attending BYU-Idaho. • When student veterans were asked to rate how informed they feel about their GI Bill benefits on a

zero to 100 scale, with 100 meaning very informed, student veterans averaged 73.• When asked to rate their experience in learning about their GI Bill benefits on a zero to 10 scale,

student veterans averaged a 5.95, indicating their experiences were poor.

FoCus Group• Student veterans agreed that having a student veteran organization in the Rexburg community

would encourage them to continue with their education.• Student veterans agreed the need for a student veteran organization is so crucial that it needs to be

established immediately outside of BYU-Idaho until the society can be approved by the university. • Student veterans agreed that finding resources for veterans, including applying for the GI Bill, was

complex and time consuming on the BYU-Idaho campus. • Student veterans agreed on feeling lost without their "band of brothers" and that there is a

disconnect with students who do not have relatable experiences.• Student veterans agreed that past veterans organizations had failed due to a lack of awareness and

promotional information.

FaCulty and va oFFICe IntervIews• BYU-Idaho associations have to be open to every student at BYU-Idaho.• An SVA chapter needs to be attached to a BYU-Idaho society and not a BYU-Idaho association,

according to the campus definitions of each. Societies require similar documents and organization that are required for the SVA chapter application.

• About 300 students at BYU-Idaho are receiving veteran benefits.• Student veterans need a place on campus to gather for studying, bonding, holding chapter

meetings and as a refuge.• The VA Office does not directly communicate with the BYU-Idaho Financial Aid Office.

In-depth IntervIew• The VA Office is not equipped to help with GI Bill applications or meet other student veterans’

needs.• There is a need for an SVA chapter at BYU-Idaho.• For the past three years there has not been any veteran organization on the BYU-Idaho campus.

Dynamix was able to conclude from the results of the primary research that an SVA chapter would be successful at BYU-Idaho with the right marketing. Student veterans in the Rexburg area need an SVA chapter to meet the needs listed above in the research findings.

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tarGet audIenCes

prImary Student veterans enrolled at BYU-Idaho, ages 18-30.

Rationale: One of the goals of the national SVA organization is to create awareness about the benefits afforded to student veterans, primarily through the GI Bill. Student veterans on the BYU-Idaho campus would benefit most from the services and education that a local SVA chapter would provide. This is why they are the primary audience toward which all campaign efforts are directed.

seCondary Family members of veterans living in the Rexburg area.

Rationale: Through the primary research conducted, it was found that 53 percent of students receiving GI Bill benefits are married. Student veterans also indicated in the focus group that there is a need for support and fellowship to family members of veterans, especially spouses.

tertIary Non-student veterans living in the Rexburg area.

Rationale: A theme that was reiterated throughout the focus group was that the military promotes a band of brothers which continues through all stages of a veteran’s life. This brotherhood would be strengthened through bridging the disconnect between student and community veterans. The Rexburg SVA would create opportunities for student veterans to learn from, and be mentored by, other veterans in the community.

Key messaGes & themes

• Find GI Bill benefits needed to attend college and achieve higher educational goals. • Develop friendships and network professionally among fellow veterans. • Continue participating in a brotherhood of fellow veterans.

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ChallenGes & opportunItIes

During this campaign, the biggest challenge Dynamix faced was establishing an actual SVA society on the BYU-Idaho campus. The guidelines for receiving society approval are extensive and time-consuming, especially on a private campus. Although a local SVA organization has been established by Dynamix, campus approval must be obtained before the national SVA affiliate will recognize the local organization as an official university chapter. Other challenges included finding strong leadership within the organization, as well as sustaining the newly founded Rexburg SVA so that it can succeed long-term.

Through primary research, it was discovered that student veterans want and need an SVA in the Rexburg area. There is a lack of information concerning where student veterans can go, or who they can talk to about applying for their GI Bill benefits. An established SVA chapter can become the resource needed for local student veterans to find information about the benefits they can receive. There are extensive opportunities to bridge the gap between student veterans and the local VFW by creating meaningful relationships that will benefit veterans in their higher education endeavors. After Dynamix met with the VFW, the officers indicated they were more than willing to share their building for the purpose of holding Rexburg SVA meetings. The leaders of the VFW also expressed their desire

objeCtIves, strateGIes, taCtICs & outComes

CampaIGn Goals:To provide student veterans in Rexburg area with the resources, support and advocacy needed to be successful in their education, as well as in their future professional lives.

objeCtIve one: Establish a national chapter of the Student Veterans of America in Rexburg, Idaho. Strategy One: Apply to become an official society at BYU-Idaho.

Rationale: Becoming an official society through BYU-Idaho helps establish a high level of sustainability. As a recognized BYU-Idaho society, the SVA has access to university facilities and services for approved activities, use of the university mailing address, a financial account through the university and ability to maintain a web page through BYU-Idaho’s website.

Outcome: Dynamix submitted to become an official BYU-Idaho society on March 8, 2016; however, the Deans’ Council meeting, which approves societies every other Tuesday, did not meet as scheduled. Ralph Kern, Associate Academic Vice President on the Deans’ Council, met with Dynamix to express his concerns of an SVA society at BYU-Idaho. Kern explained the society would have a better chance of approval if it had a faculty advisor from the same department that the ROTC reports to. He also suggested the majority of the student leadership in the society should be student veterans. With these changes in mind, the student leaders of the Rexburg SVA will submit to become a society by May 29, 2016, which is the date of the first Deans’ Council of the spring semester.

Tactic One: Create governing documents.

Rationale: The SVA requires chapters to have a set of bylaws to define the direction of the chapter. BYU-Idaho also requires bylaws, student leadership forms and endorsements from the sponsoring department chair and dean.

Outcome: Dynamix created bylaws after researching other BYU-Idaho and SVA society bylaws. The bylaws outline goals, student leadership, voting procedures, meetings, membership and the addition of amendments. The official documents for the bylaws are found in the appendix of this book on page A1. Student veterans currently attending BYU-Idaho, as well as the department chair and dean at the university, approved the bylaws. The approval email from the dean, along with the other society submission documents, can be found in the appendix on pages A4 and A5.

Tactic Two: Establish student leadership and a veteran faculty advisor.

Rationale: For the BYU-Idaho SVA to succeed, it is imperative to have strong leadership that is willing to put forth the time and effort required. The president of the Rexburg SVA, along with the majority of the student leadership, will be veterans as they will have better knowledge of how to best serve those in the Rexburg area.

Outcome: Student leadership will be established at the first Rexburg SVA meeting in the spring 2016 semester. Currently Justin Roelofs, a student veteran attending BYU-Idaho, is listed as the president.

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to help the SVA grow and meet the needs of local student veterans. With the support of the VFW, the SVA chapter will benefit for years to come as local veterans serve student veterans in the area.

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Dynamix asked six veterans in the Rexburg area to be the veteran faculty advisor, five of which are employed by BYU-Idaho. However, due to personal circumstances, each faculty member was unable to commit to being the advisor. On March 2, 2016, Dynamix was able to connect with the Rexburg VFW. The members offered their services as mentors along with resources provided by the VFW.

Strategy Two: Inform student veterans attending BYU-Idaho of the creation of the BYU-Idaho SVA chapter

Rationale: Without the support of the student veterans in the Rexburg area, the Rexburg SVA will fail. Informing students will help the organization gain momentum, support and sustainability.

Outcome: Social media pages were created by Dynamix for the BYU-Idaho SVA society. When the society did not receive approval on March 8, 2016, Dynamix changed the social media account titles to “Rexburg Student Veterans of America.” Outside organizations and businesses are not allowed to advertise at BYU-Idaho. Therefore, Dynamix worked with the VA Office to contact those receiving GI Bill benefits at BYU-Idaho. Emails were sent to those students to inform them of the survey, focus group and the first Rexburg SVA meeting. The first meeting was held on March 23, 2016 where ten individuals participated. Tactic One: Create a society email account.

Rationale: An email account provides another point of communication for student veterans which meets the requirements to apply to become an SVA chapter. Upon approval, BYU-Idaho provides an email account for all societies.

Outcome: Until the Rexburg SVA becomes an official BYU-Idaho society, it is responsible for all forms of communication. As a point of contact, sva.rexburg@gmail.com, was created as a parent email, until the organization becomes approved on the BYU-Idaho campus. This email provides an outlet for students in the Rexburg area to ask their questions and for the student leaders to reach out to members.

Tactic Two: Create a Facebook page and obtain 100 followers.

Rationale: All events will be posted through Facebook. According to eMarketer, an independent market research company, 73 percent of college students spend up to three hours on Facebook every day.

Outcome: This Facebook account continued after the Bateman timeline ended to further the growth and promotion of the chapter. All login information will be passed over to student leadership of the chapter so they can continue posting information relevant to other members. Dynamix increased the following on Facebook by 29 percent. Dynamix did not record any Facebook analytics after March 15, 2016.

Tactic Three: Create an Instagram account and obtain 100 followers.

Rationale: In the same study conducted by eMarketer, 81 percent of college students spend up to three hours a day on Instagram.

Outcome: This account continued after the Bateman timeline ended to increase awareness of the chapter, as well as keep members updated about the chapter. All login information will be passed

over to student leadership of the SVA. Dynamix increased the following on Instagram by 27 percent. Dynamix did not record any Instagram analytics after March 15, 2016.

objeCtIve two: Increase Awareness of Student Veterans needs, issues, and benefits by 25 percent.

Strategy One: Inform BYU-Idaho administration, faculty and students of student veterans’ needs.

Rationale: The Deans’ Council must first see the need and purpose of each organization on campus before granting approval to become a society. The SVA also requires each chapter to be recognized by the local institution. Based on the survey and focus group results, Dynamix concluded that due to the isolation student veterans feel, many students and faculty members at BYU-Idaho are unaware of the student veterans among them.

Outcome: After applying to become a society on campus, members of Dynamix were able to meet with Ralph Kern, the Associate Academic Vice President on the Deans’ Council. The university is requesting more information about student veterans’ needs before officially approving the society.

Tactic One: Send an awareness letter to BYU-Idaho President Clark G. Gilbert and the Deans’ Council

Rationale: The BYU-Idaho Deans’ Council requests a letter annually to justify the continuation of any society. The letter is to prove the success of the society by showing the involvement of students and any research that has been conducted. The research conducted by Dynamix concluded that it would beneficial to have a letter addressed to the President Clark G. Gilbert in an effort to increase awareness and appreciation of the student veterans attending BYU-Idaho.

Outcome: The letter addresses the key findings from the survey and focus group conducted during March 2016. The letter was delivered to the Deans’ Council with the application for the society on March 8, 2016. The letter to President Gilbert will be delivered during the spring 2016 semester. The letter can be found in the appendix, page A9.

Tactic Two: Write a feature story to be printed in the Scroll, BYU-Idaho’s university newspaper.

Rationale: The Scroll recently featured two different articles about the military during the winter 2016 semester. Including additional stories of student veterans would be timely and relevant.

Outcome: To compliment these articles, Dynamix wrote a feature story about a BYU-Idaho student receiving GI Bill benefits due to her father’s service. It is intended to create awareness about the newly established Rexburg SVA. The story will be pitched to the Scroll at the beginning of the spring 2016 semester. The feature story can be found in the appendix, page A10.

objeCtIve 3: Ensure a successful launch of the SVA by providing materials that will help sustain the chapter in years to come.

Strategy One: Design promotional materials that will be used by chapter leadership in the future. Rationale: During the Bateman competition timeframe, Dynamix hit multiple roadblocks in establishing a society and an organization in Rexburg. To help the future success of the Rexburg SVA, Dynamix created potential promotional materials. These materials are intended to help the Rexburg SVA leadership as they will only need to create materials for the future instead of for immediate use.

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Tactic One: Create fliers that will be distributed during i-Night and at a booth on campus during the first two weeks of the BYU-Idaho semesters.

Rationale: i-Night is BYU-Idaho’s welcoming night where student societies and associations run booths to provide information to all students. By the fall 2016 semester, the Rexburg SVA should be approved as the BYU-Idaho SVA society. This will allow the SVA to run a booth at i-Night. This event will be a great opportunity for the SVA to reach a large portion of the student body. Following i-Night, the society will have a booth located in the Hyrum Manwaring Student Center, which hosts the cafeteria, university bookstore and classes. This building receives the most student foot-traffic. These items can be found in the appendix, page A11.

Tactic Two: Design an infographic with step-by-step instructions on how to apply for GI Bill benefits.

Rationale: Through the research conducted by Dynamix, student veterans expressed the confusion and frustration associated with beginning the application process to receive their benefits. The infographic gives a starting point for BYU-Idaho students with a simple three-step strategy. The infographic will be visible at all SVA chapter meetings, as well as distributed to members of the SVA on a smaller flier. The VA Office will also keep copies of the flier, as every student using the GI Bill has to visit its office. The infographic can be found in the appendix, page A12.

Tactic Three: Promote the SVA through BYU-Idaho’s campus messaging.

Rationale: Upon approval as a society, the Rexburg SVA will have access to BYU-Idaho campus messaging. This includes advertising on the homepage of every student’s login. The advertisement will lead students to the BYU-Idaho SVA society Facebook page where the most recent events, meetings times and immediate connection with other veterans will be available. The advertisement can be found in the appendix, page A13.

Tactic Four: Draft an email for all first-semester veterans.

Rationale: This email will inform them where to find the VA Office, hours and details for the local SVA meetings. Participating in a survey answering demographic information is a requirement of being accepted to BYU-Idaho. From this survey, emails are tailored to students based on their major, interests and status. Those who state they are veterans will receive the email drafted by Dynamix. This email can be found in the appendix, page A13.

Tactic Five: Create a poster for the VA Office.

Rationale: After Dynamix met with the VA Office, it was discovered that all student veterans wishing to use their GI Bill benefits must step foot inside the VA Office. Dynamix created a poster to promote the Rexburg SVA, which will be placed in the VA Office. The poster can be found in the appendix, page A14.

Tactic Six: Create a media kit including a fact sheet, professional news release, feature story and other items that the SVA leadership can utilize and implement for publicity in the future.

Rationale: The media kit will provide the Rexburg SVA with the materials needed for any promotions within Rexburg. Dynamix created the media kit to use for the local media including the Standard Journal and the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce newsletter. These items can be found in the appendix, pages A15-A16.

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Tactic Seven: Design social media content for future use on the Rexburg SVA Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rationale: Facebook and Instagram will be the main sources of information for student veterans at BYU-Idaho and in the Rexburg area. These platforms allow the Rexburg SVA to easily transition to a BYU-Idaho society. Using social media also creates an immediate connection between the student veterans as they are able to share stories and give advice. Social media content can be found in the appendix, pages A7-A8.

evaluatIon

The three overarching objectives for this campaign were to establish an SVA chapter at BYU-Idaho; increase awareness of student veterans’ needs, issues and benefits by 25 percent in the Rexburg area; and ensure a successful launch of the SVA by providing materials that will help sustain the chapter in years to come. Although the first objective was to establish a chapter on the BYU-Idaho campus, Dynamix found it was not possible to obtain university approval within the Bateman competition timeline. Even though the specific objective will be met in the near future, Dynamix was able to reach its target audiences by implementing a community SVA organization until the campus society is ap-proved. This was a major accomplishment that still met the needs of student veterans in the area.

In regards to the second objective of increasing awareness, Dynamix was able to identify the student veterans’ needs and issues in the local community through primary research. With the findings from the survey, focus group and multiple interviews in mind, educational materials about the GI Bill and the new SVA chapter were created to be distributed by SVA student leadership in the future. Social media accounts were also created, which helped increase awareness through gaining a following on Instagram and Facebook. During the Bateman competition timeline, Dynamix increased the amount of likes on the Rexburg SVA Facebook page by 29 percent and increased the Instagram following by 27 percent. Members of the Rexburg community who “liked” the SVA Facebook page or followed the SVA Instagram account received, and will continue to receive, information regarding meeting times, events and applicable tips for succeeding in postsecondary education.

The third and final objective was met through the creation of the official governing documents of the society, as well as various promotional materials that the SVA can use in the future. The leadership of the chapter will receive a comprehensive media kit, as well as fliers, an infographics and a meeting agenda for when they have their first official meeting. These items can be found in the appendix sec-tion of this book. Sustainability was also achieved through the relationships established with the local VFW, as well as student veterans from BYU-Idaho willing to carry out the organization of the chapter outside of the Bateman competition timeline.

Overall, Dynamix was able to navigate the many challenges it faced during the campaign and make a difference by successfully implementing a local SVA organization in Rexburg. Through the efforts of the agency, student veterans will start to receive the help and support needed to succeed in their college careers, as well as come together as a brotherhood in a safe and uplifting environment. It is anticipated that the Rexburg SVA will continue to grow and expand to serve more student veterans in the years to come.

appendIx Contents

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Governing Documents pp. A1-A3Society Leadership Information Form p. A4Dean's Approval Email p. A5Budget p. A6Facebook Content p. A7 Instagram Content p. A8Awareness Letter to Deans' Council and President Gilbert p. A9Scroll Feature p. A10Pass Along Fliers p. A11Infographic p. A12Campus Messaging p. A13 VA Poster p. A13Media Kit pp. A15-A16Survey Results p.A17-A34 Focus Group Questions & Notes p. A35Historical Data pp. A36-A38About Dynamix p. A39

GovernInG doCuments

BYLAWS Of

STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA SOCIETY Brigham Young University – Idaho

ARTICLE I. OFFICIAL NAME This organization shall be recognized as the Brigham Young University-Idaho Student Veterans of America Society.

ARTICLE II. MISSION STATEMENT To provide military veterans and future veterans on the Brigham Young University - Idaho campus with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education, as well as future careers.

ARTICLE III. PURPOSES AND GOALS The Student Veterans of America Society exists to:

Provide interaction for veterans in a comfortable, uplifting and productive setting. The Society will achieve this by holding weekly meetings that have a defined purpose. This may include securing a speaker for motivational or educational purposes, provide a forum setting to answer questions about benefits, and/or participating in team building activities to promote unity.

Encourage veterans to help one another through positive social activities, networking with business professionals, and improving relationships.

Educate the community about local veteran’s needs, and how they can become involved to make a difference with the help of the local veteran organizations i.e. the Veterans of Foreign War.

Outreach to potential student veterans, through the use of effective social media, promotion of the society on campus, and promotion within the ROTC.

Host events for student veterans outside of the weekly meetings.

These special events will be planned by the leadership of the society, or the society as a whole, and will be held at least once a semester.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND DUTIES Section 1. The elected, official positions of officers shall be:

President The President shall be an active member of SVA, and must attend the majority of the society and

Executive Board meetings. The President will also supervise and assure that leadership members of the society are performing their duties as needed and expected, as well as attend all SVA events on and off campus.

Vice President The Vice President shall act under the direction of the President and shall perform all Presidential

duties in the absence of the President. The Vice President shall act as the presiding officer of board meetings, and will perform any other duties per the request of the President.

Secretary The Secretary shall record minutes at every meeting and schedule the society meetings, activities, and

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events. The Secretary shall respond to incoming emails and messages to the society as needed, and shall also be responsible for keeping SVA records and policies current. The Secretary must attend the majority of society and Executive Board meetings, as well as assist other members of the presidency as needed.

Treasurer The Treasurer shall oversee the collection of all applications, and make sure that all active members pay

their membership dues through their BYU-Idaho student account. The Treasurer, along with the other members of the Executive Board and Faculty Advisor, shall establish the semester budget. The Treasurer will also report budget expenditures to the President and Faculty Advisor.

ARTICLE V. ELECTION AND VOTING PROCEDURES

Section 1. Eligibility: To be eligible for office, candidates must be a currently enrolled student at BYU-Idaho and be an active member of the SVA. Candidates must maintain an overall 2.5 GPA. Candidates must be able to perform duties as stated in the society’s Constitution and Bylaws.

To be eligible for the offices of President and Vice-President, candidates must provide proof of honorable discharge (veteran status) or last evaluation (for Reservists, NAtional Guard, or Active Duty personnel).

Section 2. Nominations: Nominations will be officially submitted one month before the end of the semester. Members must indicate in writing with proof of above eligibilities to the Faculty Advisor. Candidates who do not meet the above requirements will not be eligible for office. The deadline date will be set well in advance for all members. Section 3. Elections: Elections shall occur two weeks before the end of every semester. All members will be notified of the eligible nominees prior to the election date. One (1) vote is entitled to every active member. Alumni and additional honorary members will not be permitted to vote; however, all opinions or comments may be discussed before voting takes place. Majority will determine the vote. In the case of a tie, the current President and Faculty Advisor will determine how the tie will be resolved. Once the semester officially ends, rights and duties are transferred to newly elected officials.

Section 4. Term: The term for all officers shall be one semester. Voting will occur each semester. Current officials are eligible to run for office consecutive semesters.

Section 5. Vacancies: Vacancies will be appointed by the Executive Board. This does not apply to the position of President. The President must be elected.

ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS

Section 1. Weekly Meeting. Weekly Meetings of the Student Veterans Organization shall be announced by the President prior to the start of each semester. These meetings are open to all members of the Student Veterans of America society.

Section 2. Executive Board Meeting. Elected members shall meet weekly to discuss the planning and direction of the organization. The meeting times will be determined prior to the start of each semester by the President.

Section 3. Semester Meeting. These meetings shall be held at the beginning of each semester as an opening event by the Student Veterans of America. Semester Meetings shall be held at a facility located on Brigham Young University-Idaho campus or such place designated by the President. All members shall be notified of semester meeting a minimum of 10 days before said meeting.

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Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Student Veterans of America may be called by elected officers for any purpose, unless otherwise prescribed by the statute or by the Constitution. These meetings by be teleconferenced or done online. Special Meetings of the Student Veterans of America may be held at such time and place within a designated facility at BYU-Idaho or designated area approved by the President. All members shall be notified of special meetings a minimum of 10 days before said meeting.

ARTICLE VII. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. All eligible members will fall into the following three categories: Active. Any student currently enrolled at Brigham Young University-Idaho who is a veteran, reservist,

National Guard, or active duty service member. Active students must meet the minimum grade point average requirements of Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Alumni. Any former student who has graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho who is a veteran, reservist, National Guard, or active duty service member.

Honorary. Any member that does not fall into the above two categories, to include but not limited to, faculty/staff and students enrolled at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Section 2. Application. All prospective members must fill out an application and are subject to review at the discretion of the Membership Committee. All information is private and will not be distributed to outside resources. Information remains open to committee(s) and the Officers of the organization.

Membership-Fees. Active members who wish to either vote, run for office, or hold a committee chair, are required to pay membership-fees to support the Student Veterans of America in its mission and purpose.

• Membership-fees are due at the beginning of each semester• Membership-fees will be established by the Executive Board• Membership-fees do not restrict any member from any participation otherwise listed above.

ARTICLE VIII. ANY OTHER GOVERNING RULES, PROCEDURES, AND POLICIES THAT APPLY

Section 1. Amendments Board of Directors. All officers on the board shall decide the direction and operation of the Student Veterans of America. Each officer is allotted one vote and the majority vote shall prevail on items. In the event an officer abstains to vote and there is a tie, the items shall be presented to the membership at the next meeting. The voting membership shall decide on the item; a ⅔ vote is needed to see the item passed. The President and Vice-President essentially act as the “face” of the organization, but the extent of their power does not supersede any other member of the board. Amendments by Members. The Constitution may be amended by a ⅔ vote of the members present at one regular scheduled meetings, provided all members shall have been informed of the intention to amend a minimum 10 days before scheduled meeting.

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student leadershIp InFormatIon Form

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dean's approval emaIl

To:Allen, Leesa; Cc:Bcc: Subject: Student Veterans of America BYU-Idaho BylawsMon 3/7/2016 4:10 PM Leesa: I approve of the creation of a BYU-Idaho Student Veterans of America Society and believe such a group will serve student and faculty veterans on campus well. I am willing to serve as faculty advisor to the group and have the approval of our college dean, Kirk Gifford, to serve in this capacity and to have the society operate under the auspices of the Department of Communication and the College of Business and Communication. Best wishes,

Mike

Michael Cannon, ChairBYU-Idaho Department of Communication208-496-3699 Office208-709-8066 Cellcannonm@byui.edu

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budGet

Item Category Cost Quantity TotalPizza FocusGroupRefreshments 8.66$ 3 25.98$Soda FocusGroupRefreshments 2.00$ 1 2.00$20Cups FocusGroupRefreshments 2.00$ 1 2.00$20PaperPlates FocusGroupRefreshments 2.00$ 1 2.00$CampaignBook Production 17.00$ 4 68.00$CookiePlatter SVAMeeting 7.99$ 2 15.98$Soda SVAMeeting 1.67$ 3 5.01$Napkins SVAMeeting 0.69$ 1 0.69$Cups SVAMeeting 1.89$ 1 1.89$

Total 123.55$

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FaCebooK Content

Kick Off Meeting Post

Graduating Veterans Post

Facebook Cover Photo

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InstaGram Content

Motivational QuoteMotto Post

Infographic Post

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awareness letter*

President Clark G. Gilbert,

We are grateful to be students of Brigham Young University-Idaho. The education we are receiving here is priceless and much appreciated. We acknowledge the service of staff, committees, and councils that work diligently to make this university run smoothly and wonderfully.

We are mindful of the many activities and organizations established and carried out on campus to help students network, develop skills, become disciple leaders, and build meaningful relationships. We feel as though the university provides so much for its all of its students, except for a few.

It is of these few that we write to you. It has come to our attention that there is a need for increased awareness of student veterans on this campus. We have conducted research through a survey and focus group with student veterans concerning their needs on this campus.

The following was found as a result of our research: • Upon arriving to BYU-Idaho many student veterans do not know of the organizations or department

that can assist them with regards to tuition or their GI Bill benefits• Student veterans reported a feeling of indifference from students and faculty• Student veterans expressed the desire to have a society or association where they can meet and

fellowship with other veterans

We attempted to establish a Student Veterans of America Society at BYU-Idaho this semester and found the process difficult to do by way of submitting our requests and the long turn-around time in terms of response. As such, we have decided to form a local community chapter instead of one on BYU-Idaho campus.

Once again, we love this university and are grateful for the education we receive here. We wished to write you and inform you of our findings. Please consider ways in which we as students and faculty can acknowledge and serve our veterans on this campus.

Best regards,

xx

*A letter will be written to the Deans' Council and to President Clark Gilbert. The copy will remain the same for both letters.

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sCroll Feature

Devyn Hinson’s experience as the daughter of a U.S. veteran has shaped her into a kind and compassionate individual. Hinson is a sophomore studying communication at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Hinson’s father served in the military for 17 years. The Hinson family sacrificed much: missing a deployed husband and father, seeing him sustain long-lasting injuries and taking on new roles to support the family.

Hinson is the oldest child in her family, and took on a motherly role as her family dealt with the repercussions of war: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a Traumatic Brain Injury.

“To cope with the difficulty, we—my sisters and I—danced,” Hinson said, “Dance was a great outlet because it required emotion, and I was able to get all those emotions out. That was really nice for my sisters and me.”

The adversity Hinson has faced has made her strong in her determination to serve others. Her aspiration in life is to be a contributor to bettering the lives of families like hers.

The Student Veterans of America has been able to provide her with the unique opportunity to serve military families.

Regarding her desire to serve military families, Hinson said, “It is so personal, it fuels that fire of passion to get things done.”

The SVA was recently established at BYU-Idaho. Its impact has already been recognized by young people on campus.

Hinson has been involved in the SVA society from the beginning.

“I didn’t know if the society was just for veterans or family members of veterans as well,” Hinson said, “I really just wanted to meet other people who have been in the same situation as I have.”

According to Hinson, the SVA will be a great opportunity to spread awareness about veteran issues and create a support system for people with similar backgrounds.

The SVA has provided Hinson with the opportunity to serve others who have experienced the same as she has.

The Student Veterans of America meets every Thursday at the Rexburg Veterans Memorial Building. More information concerning the SVA can be found on its official Facebook page.

The need for veteran support is clear based on Devyn’s perspective and student veterans’ feed-back. We can all do a little bit more to support the people who sacrifice to protect the United States.

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pass alonG FlIers

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Future Event Flier

InFoGraphIC

Full Size Brochure Infographic

Pass Along Infographic

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Campus messaGInG Email UpdatesHeadline: Student Veterans of America SocietyAre you a student veteran? Join the Student Veterans of America society to learn about GI Bill benefits, network with other student veterans, and access advising from mentors. If you are interested, contact university SVA leadership at sva.rexburg@gmail.com. Headline: Student Veterans of America Opening MeetingJoin the SVA society for its opening meeting dd/mm/yyyy. There will be food, opportunities to meet SVA leadership, and an overview of upcoming events. Contact university SVA leadership at sva.rexburg@gmail.com with any questions.

University Web Banner Ad

Email for First Semester Freshman

Dear *Name*:

Congratulations on your acceptance to BYU-Idaho! We thank you for your service, and wish you the best of luck in your educational endeavors.

We invite you to join the Student Veterans of America Society. This society is dedicated to providing student veterans and their families the resources, support and advocacy needed to be successful in their education and future professional lives.

Meetings for this society will be held monthly. If you are interested in joining, or have any questions, please contact the SVA leadership at: sva.rexburg@gmail.com.

Best regards,

The Rexburg Student Veterans of America

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va poster

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medIa KIt Chapter Story NEWS RELEASE March 22,2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REXBURG STUDENT VETERANS TO ESTABLISH LOCAL CHAPTER Local Veterans Seek To Provide Resources To Higher Education

REXBURG, ID—The Student Veterans of America will officially establish a Rexburg chapter Tuesday March 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rexburg Veterans Memorial Building.

The chapter will be the first ever established in Madison County will be comprised of local student veterans from Rexburg and surrounding areas.

The veterans hope to increase its membership each semester of college in an effort to help student veterans have success in higher education.

The Student Veterans of America chapter will hold its elections to vote for the chapters first presidency.

The chapter will work closely with the local Veterans Affairs organization and the Rexburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post to increase awareness of veterans issues and advocacy.

It is expected that the chapter will serve approximately 200 student veterans in the Rexburg area.

The Student Veterans of America association’s mission statement is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.

For more information please contact Austin Jones at (435)-690-9541 or by email at jones.austin.p@gmail.com .

The Student Veterans of America is a national organization created in 2008 to provide resources, programs, and additional opportunities for student veterans to succeed in higher education. To provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.

-###-

Chapter Facts

Student Veterans of America Fact Sheet• Student Veterans of America supports a network of over 1,300 schools and more than 500,000

student veterans. • Student Veterans of America has awarded over $1 million to 111 SVA Scholars since 2011.• Student Veterans of America is comprised of 1,339 chapters across the United States. • The Rexburg Student Veterans of America serves approximately 200 student veterans in the

Rexburg area.

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• Student Veterans of America was officially established in January 2008 in an effort to provide additional resources and support to local student veteran organizations.

• Over one million veterans upon returning home, have pursued a degree or certificate by means of VA education benefits since the Student Veterans of America was estabished in 2008.

• 27% of all student veterans are women, 73% are men. • 46% of all student veterans have children. • Less than one third of all student veterans are single and have never married.

Press Email

Subject Line: Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Postsecondary Education

Body: Education, the single most influential gift of knowledge can impact generations. While those who fought valiantly to preserve our freedoms are welcomed home, many struggle to find the means and support necessary to pursue a postsecondary education. Student Veterans of America are bridging the gap between veterans and postsecondary education by providing the resources and benefits needed to be successful in school and post-graduation.

Attached is additional information concerning Student Veterans of America and it's new local chapter—the first of its kind—in Rexburg, Idaho.

Best regards,

xx

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Default ReportSVAMarch 20th 2016, 11:41 pm MDT

Q1 ­ What is your Gender?

Answer % Count

Male 65% 43

Female 35% 23

Total 100% 66

survey results

Q2 ­ Are you a:

Answer % Count

Freshman 23% 15

Sophomore 22% 14

Junior 20% 13

Senior 35% 23

Total 100% 65

Q4 ­ What is you marital status?

Answer % Count

Single 45% 30

Married 53% 35

Divorced 2% 1

Widowed 0%

Total 100% 66

Q5 ­ For which of the following are you receiving GI Bill benefits?

Answer % Count

Reserves 20% 13

Veteran 45% 30

Dependent (Child/Spouse) 35% 23

Total 100% 66

Q14 ­ Please rate on a 0 to 100 scale, 0 being uniformed and 100 being informed, how informed are you of the G.I. Bill Benefits?

Field Minimum Maximum Mean Std Deviation Variance Count

Click to write

Choice 19.00 100.00 73.05 25.20 635.28 42

Q15 ­ How did you learn about the G.I. Bill benefits?

Q15 ­ How did you learn about the G.I. Bill benefits?

How did you learn about the G.I. Bill benefits?

ROTC

I was active duty navy for 6 years

Before I enlisted.

When I was in the military

the military

Asking friends and other students

active duty and my community college

The VA

Basic Training

Through separation benefits seminar in military.

when I enlisted

VA

Military TAP program when I retired from the AF

military training

Friend

ROTC program

When I enlisted

Marine Recruiter

VA breef

Through Guard efforts

Recruiter

From the VA and asking questins

MOB

Being in the Military

Enlisting

Program coming out of the Army

My own research because the students running the VA here have no idea what they are talking about

Family

In the army

Recruitment Office

long before joint AD air force

Parent

While I was Active Duty

Veterans advisors

Online

Air Force

Dad

Upon exiting the military you are forced to sit through a two day course that tells you everything you need to

know. I knew about it before this, but this taught me the most about it.

online research

Recruiter

During my service

A friend

Q17 ­ On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being simple and 10 being difficult, how would you rate your experience in learning about your G.I. Bill benefits?

Field Minimum Maximum Mean Std Deviation Variance Count

Click to write

Choice 11.00 10.00 5.95 2.74 7.52 42

Q6 ­ As a veteran or military member, are there resources (educational information, financial aid, counseling or advising, etc.) that you need that aren’t provided to you at BYU­Idaho?

Answer % Count

Yes 33% 14

No 67% 28

Total 100% 42

Q7 ­ You selected that there are resources that you need as a veteran or military member that are not provided at BYU­Idaho. What resources are not currently provided?

Q7 ­ You selected that there are resources that you need as a veteran or militar...

You selected that there are resources that you need as a veteran or militar...

The Veteran's office seems to be completely separated from the financial aid office so I'm constantly having to

go back and forth between the two offices everytime the financial aid office messes something up, which they

have each of the past 3 semesters I have attended here. A better communication service for that would be

awesome. Also it's not something I personally need, but BYU-Idaho is one of the few schools without a

Yellow-Ribbon program.

For detail on the G-bill and other scholarships with military, as well as information on how to use G-bill.

Counseling on how to use your benefits.

Counseling, vocational services, advisement and a strong veterans association on campus.

The Army provides Tuition Assistance, but BYU-I has opted to not continue participating in that program. BYU-I

had a scholarship to replace TA for a time, but has since discontinued that scholarship. At this time, Tuition

Assistance through the military is not possible, even though the program exists.

Extended testing hours for service members that are still drilling monthly and may miss testing days.

not able to use AT

Tuition Assistance

A VA clinic or mental health care or group therapy.

We need some adequate individuals who can help veterans like me how to utilize our benefits

Timely information about what is needed and if our papers even were processed.

scholarships

information on what exactly the post 911 gi bill will pay for at this specific school

Q18 ­ As a veteran or military member, are there resources that you find helpful at BYU­Idaho?

Q18 ­ As a veteran or military member, are there resources that you find helpful...

As a veteran or military member, are there resources that you find helpful...

Informed Staff Members

The Veteran's office, as small and understaffed as is, is always very helpful.

financial office and the veteran affairs office

the resources that I know of yes, but what is there that I do not know about???

Where to go to find VA for help

yes

Not really.

VA office on Campus

Hart Gym

VA office told me where to go to get my benefits

No

Yes

The VA reps

the VA office

The VA staff

The VA office

yes

The staff

The Math lab is great

No

I like the atmosphere

None

its efficient

Sure

The G.I. Bill and the Veterans Affairs Office

Not particularly

Va officials

Having a VA department

Sure

Nope, the VA finance side of things has gotten better but still needs some help straightening things out.

everything is awesome

Veteran's affairs office

Yes

The Veteran Education Office is the BOMB.COM

Q8 ­ Which of the following services do you feel BYU­Idaho could better provide for student veterans or active military? Select all that apply.

Answer % Count

Scholarship Information 84.62% 33

Activities 35.90% 14

Associations for Military Members 43.59% 17

Counseling Services Intended for

Military Members33.33% 13

Support Groups for Military

Families and/or Veterans28.21% 11

Networking Opportunities 56.41% 22

Other: 12.82% 5

Other:

Other:

Inform soldiers that they will be unable to receive Tuition Assistance when the soldier applies for school

Parking for Disabled Veterans

Faster payments from VA

Track benefits progress

Just don't bother us and we won't bother you

Q9 ­ Which of the following activities would you be interested in participating, if they were intended for veterans and active military students?

QuestionVery

UninterestedUninterested

Somewhat

InterestedInterested

Very

InterestedTotal

Military Ball 10 5 8 9 7 39

Appreciation

Dinner4 6 7 13 10 40

Athletic

Obstacle

Course

(Tough

Mudder)

3 3 8 8 18 40

Outdoor

Recreational

Activities

(Hiking,

Canoeing,

Fishing, etc.)

2 2 3 15 18 40

Total 19 16 26 45 53 159

Q11 ­ How often would you want to meet with other student veterans at BYU­Idaho?

Answer % Count

Never 20% 8

Less than once a month 15% 6

Once a month 46% 19

More than once a month 15% 6

Once a week 5% 2

2-3 times a week 0%

Total 100% 41

Q12 ­ How often would you be interested in meeting with other student veterans not attending BYU­Idaho?

Answer % Count

Never 20% 8

Less than once a month 27% 11

Once a month 46% 19

More than once a month 7% 3

Once a week 0%

2-3 times a week 0%

Total 100% 41

Q13 ­ We appreciate your participation in this survey. We will be conducting a focus group about establishing a Student Veterans of America Chapter at BYU­Idaho. If you are interested in being part of focus group, please enter the best email to contact you at (note: should you decide to disclose your email, your participation in this survey will no longer be anonymous):

Q13 ­ We appreciate your participation in this survey. We will be conducting a fo...

We appreciate your participation in this survey. We will be conducting a fo...

wel15002@byui.edu

emm13001@byui.edu

halo3rocksanthony@hotmail.com

kngrisham@gmail.com

intheglove@hotmail.com

Crook3dstick@gmail.com

lev10003@byui.edu

roe13001@byui.edu

roberthales@live.com

swe15007@byui.edu

mck12036@byui.edu

Tra15001@byui.edu

joe@vipinternethosting.com

pac14004@byui.edu

cry15001@byui.edu

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FoCus Group QuestIons

Meta Question: What do you need from a student veteran of america chapter? • How old are you?• Have you served in the military? What branch?• As a veteran of the military, how did you decide to attend a university in Southeastern Idaho?• What you wish you knew about BYUI before applying? • What you wish you knew about G.I. Bill before applying?• Do you think the military adequately educates individuals about the G.I. Bill?• Are there specific elements of the G.I. Bill that would be helpful to review in SVA meetings?• How could BYU-I make G.I. information easier for understand?• What incentive would you need or want to participate in events for veterans? (outdoor activities, tough

mudder, etc...)• Are you more interested in meeting with BYUI veterans, or veterans in the community? Is there no differ-

ence?

Notes from Focus Group:Choosing the Best Path for you• Your Career Goals • What GI Bill would work best for you?• Sit down with someone to help you along VFW/ Local residents• Consistency w/meeting with an advisor

When coming to Rexburg/BYU-I• Knowing who veterans can contact• Students don’t know when they come to campus

Knowing Other veterans are there• “Knowing somebody who is more like me.”• Band of Brothers

Connections/Networking• When graduating contact other vets or SVA

Success of a veterans society • Meaningful Activities • Strong leadership• Consistency• Word out• Spouse Involvement• Email from school about veteran resources• Booths on campus• VA office• Romance Theater• Farmers Market• Local Student Living• LDS Wards

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hIstorICal data

First Meeting of the Rexburg Student Veterans of America.

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Meeting with Rexburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3012.

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Photo Shoot for promotional content with Justin Roelofs, a student veteran at BYU-Idaho.

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about dynamIx/dī'namiks/

Dynamix (pronounced dynamics) evolved from the definitions of “dynamic” and “mix.” Dynamic is defined as “a force that stimulates change or progress within a system or process,” and mix means to “combine or put together to form one substance or mass.” Those two words together create Dynamix; an agency full of different people, uniting together as one to produce positive change in the community.

Skylar OliverCopywriterGraduating April 2016

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