The transition from military service to higher education can be a daunting experience for some students. Change is a significant stressor when leaving a regimented and disciplined lifestyle. This presentation from Kristie Furiosi, Assistant
Director of Military and Veteran Services at Temple University, and Bhavesh Bambhrolia, University Registrar at Temple University looked at some best practices for supporting veterans, service members, and dependents as they navigate higher education.
One of the most consistent best practices shared in this session (and echoed by attendees) was the importance of community and the ability for students to have access to advising and resources from those who understand their perspective.
The challenges encountered by service members (including active duty, national guard, and reserves), veterans (those discharged from the military), and dependents (spouses or children of a service member or veteran) are often unique and require specialized
campus support who are familiar with the resources (of which there are many) available to each of these groups. The acronym S.A.L.U.T.E was introduced to help attendees remember best practices in assisting students in navigating their unique challenges:
- Support (Supporting and advising students wherever possible in their higher education journey)
- Advocate (Being a voice and a tool for students to come to and rely upon)
- Listen (Listening and responding to student needs)
- Understand (Understanding how to help)
- Teach (Teaching students and other higher education professionals about available benefits and resources)
- Empower (Ensure every student has the power and tools to fulfill their potential)
Additionally, presenters shared that creating a common space for military-connected students was one of the most effective resources at Temple University. This student lounge provides a space for students to share experiences and resources in a way that
wouldn't be possible otherwise.
The session closed with a loose Q&A that quickly turned into a general discussion about what works and doesn't work in terms of providing support to military-connected students. Most attendees were generally in support of creating a lounge similar
to that highlighted by Temple University and donations and community sponsorships were generally advised as a quick way to get these sorts of initiatives off the ground.