Student Military Service Member/Veteran Engagement With University Veteran-Focused Services: A Mixed Methods, Multi-Institutional Study

• In Event: Navigating College Networks: Engagement, Belonging, and Resource Access for Diverse Student Populations

Abstract

Student military service member/veteran (SSM/V) university enrollment has grown exponentially over the last twenty years. In response, many US universities have developed veteran-specific student services to address challenges SSM/Vs face on campus. Research suggests these services are beneficial, but few recent studies have holistically examined their impact across universities among contemporary SSM/Vs, nor how they connect to important predictors of university success. Using surveys (N=531) and interviews (N=59) across four universities, we describe SSM/V-focused services engagement, associations between engagement and campus belonging and institutional satisfaction, and student perspectives on services. Findings suggest that more service engagement associates with increased belonging and satisfaction. Interviewees describe the importance of veteran services’ trustworthy administrative and moral support, guidance, SSM/V-dedicated spaces, and community-building efforts.

Authors

• Ross J. Benbow, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• You-Geon Lee, University of Wisconsin - Madison