Author: Robin Chipman

Making Sure Veterans Feel Welcome in Higher Education

Many of our veteran students come to higher education after serving our country, starting families, and having diverse real-world experiences. It’s not uncommon for veterans to take on the role of being a self-advocate as they overcome the transition from military life to civilian life. It’s no different as veterans access college, trade, or technical schools. It’s not always easy to know your first move when thinking about college. Many veterans are used to figuring it out on their own. Yet, college is a bit different because one wrong class or ill-advised major can cost a veteran time, effort, and benefits.

Is Your GI Bill Enough to Pay for School?

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education came out with new guidance for the practices surrounding how colleges present information to veterans’ about GI Bill educational benefits. Unfortunately, it’s not unheard of for schools to over-promise veterans’ or mislead them toward financially irresponsible practices. In some cases, students are asked to take out unnecessary loans to bridge gaps in benefit payouts. This has led to a considerable number of complaints from veterans, active service members, and military families. 

New Semester; New Challenges

As we start a new year and a new semester it’s important to revisit those habits and behaviors that have made you successful or challenged you in the past. Here are some tips for veterans who are starting their first semester of college or are continuing into a new semester.

Honoring Past, Present, and Future Veterans

Recently, “the University of Central Oklahoma dedicated a memorial statue in honor of past, present, and future military-connected students, faculty, and staff. The memorial statue was a joint effort of Central’s Student Government Association, UCOSA and the City of Edmond Visual Arts Commission”.-UCO Press Release

Reflection: What does Veterans Day mean to you?

As Americans come together to honor military members, and their families we ask the questions “what does Veterans Day mean to you? DAV.com took to social media in 2017 to ask the question. As you can guess the responses reflect both the experience from the veteran’s point of view, and that of the many military-connected families who have made sacrifices.

Post-Deployment and College, University, or Trade School

There are so many challenges when transitioning from military service to college, university, or trade programs. The good news is most veterans are very well versed in time management, productivity, and setting a routine. As a veteran you not only walk into a classroom as a student but, as an adult with a different perspective, and set of experiences.

Veterans and Social Capital

Over the last several years we have seen social ties, and social integration for veterans transitioning to college or university suffering. Not only is it harder to gather but, with the rise of online classes we are more disconnected from our social supports.

Veterans Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month as we work with our veteran population you may here “service-connected” disability, or ACS disability. These terms are used to measure disabilities by the Office of Veterans Affairs, and Veteran Affairs Health Services: