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Understanding ‘Military’ in an
Educational SettingUCA Basic Training
Charlotte Strickland
University of Central Arkansas
Diversity Series 2014-15
The Military in Higher EducationService Members
Active DutyReserves, National GuardROTC (Military Science) cadets
VeteranMilitary family members
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 Freedom Began 20 MAR 2003 Multinational operation fought entirely in Iraq
The Military in Higher Education
Many join military with ultimate goal of college
Many in military more worldly/experienced/mature and realize value of furthering their education
College is a buffer between structured military life and civilian world
Two GI Bills make college affordable
Financing Education for Military
GI 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 Program
* 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
Service MembersDiversity
Age – traditional and non-traditional Gender Sexual Orientation Race Disabilities, PTSD, TBI Military branch Military role: frontline/medic/fuel
handler/paperwork, etc. Attention
Group Discussion
What 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?
Transitional Issues
► Mily issuDisoriented – transition from military to collegeLoss of identity and work-related friendshipsFeel alienated from rest of the country, isolatedLoss of close colleagues; haunted by memoriesDifficulty relating to younger college studentsFamily issues & responsibilitiesCognitive difficulties and/or fearsStereotypesBoredom with everyday lifeAcademic & Administrative Staff understandingPrejudice against military Impatience with disrespect of authority; unruliness
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,
understanding Physical issues due to injury/chronic pain Non-visible injuries including but not limited to hearing,
head injury, PTSD, which may impact communications Reluctance to ask for assistance Urgency to receive VA calls, appear at VA
appointments
How can We assist?
►Referrals - UCA Veteran Office, UCA Veteran Resource Center, Counseling Center, Office Disability Resources
►Mindful - 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-Minded
UCA Veteran Services UCA Veteran Services
David Williams: Veteran Services Coordinator
Bernard Hall, Suite 004-AUniversity of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035501-852-2999
http://uca.edu/veteranservices
UCA Student Veterans’ Resource Center
Room 206D, Old Main Building
Hours M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Phone: 450-3353
Coming soon…..the Student Veteran Association UCA registered student organization
“ 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
