Navigating Higher Education: Transitioning From Military Service Into Civilian Life

• In Event: Considering the Complex Identities of Our Student Populations

Abstract

Universities in the U.S. have seen an increase in military service-members (MSM) transitioning to civilian life. This qualitative study utilizes survey data from 130 service members attached to a large predominantly Hispanic-serving university. The purpose of this study is to inform institutions of higher education (IHE) of whether or not the needs of MSMs are being met and most importantly, what are MSMs experiences within IHEs. A key purpose of this study is understanding how and if transitioning via education has helped MSMs adjust more easily to civilian life. Preliminary findings push again previous research on jobs, as well as on the benefit of higher education.

Authors

• Angus Shiva Mungal, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Clarence Court, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Kristopher David Johnson, University of Texas at El Paso