Severely Injured Military Veterans: Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when ACE asks us to identify someone on
campus to serve as a “champion” to a severely injured
military veteran?
The goal is to identify someone who is willing to invest what can be
a significant amount of time and energy to assure that the veteran is
making informed decisions and is provided with a seamless transition
into the classroom. This champion should have a willingness to provide
the veteran with guidance on dealing with the chaos of college and
assist in bridging the gap from the military mission-oriented structure
to the academic environment.
Champions also serve as a resource to assist with matters such as
study skills, tutor support services, Veterans Affairs issues, and
enrollment challenges. In many cases, the champion will build a
community-based team of support for the veteran or family member. The
champion will need to be flexible and persevere. Undoubtedly, the
veteran or family member will face set-backs and obstacles on their
journey, particularly when getting started.
How can I learn more about models used by other colleges and
universities to better assist the severely injured or veteran population
in general?
Many colleges and universities suggest that institutions designate a
team to learn more about the National
Veterans Upward Bound Projects available. In addition, the
institutional team is encouraged to make connections to local community
resources. This builds a knowledge infrastructure to serve the veteran
and family member when an issue arises.
Possible community resources include:
- State Veteran Affairs offices
- Veteran centers
- Military organizations
- Other professional associations in the area
- Industry or businesses in the area (partnerships, internships, legal
assistance, financial planners, CPA firms)
- Mental health organizations
- Economic development boards/agencies
- Chambers of Commerce
To learn more about best practices and benchmark programs, future
conferences, summits and meetings will be convened. If you are
interested in receiving more information, please contact us at siproject@ace.nche.edu
What can our institution do to better understand the
individual veteran profile?
It’s important to recognize that the academic community is a
new world to veterans in terms of culture, operations and expectations.
Consider that the environment from which the veteran came is
mission-centered, very structured and hierarchical.
Veterans are often reluctant to ask for help. Know they will need
support, whether they are a part-time or full-time student or a distance
learner. Identify and ensure an awareness of the programs and services
that are available, including technology support, disability services,
veterans affairs, financial aid, academic advising, transfer of credit
and non-traditional learning.
How can I become more involved with the Fulfilling Their
Dreams project?
Please let us know about any special initiatives for veterans at your
institution (e-mail siproject@ace.nche.edu)
Also, if you are willing to identify key “champions” for
your institution, this will facilitate our outreach when we have a
veteran ready to make the transition.
Please direct questions about this page to:
siproject@ace.nche.edu
This page last updated on 11/02/2007
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