Top Ten Tips for Supporting Student Veterans
Faculty and staff play a direct role in the success of student veterans at APSU. The tips below offer practical guidance for creating a supportive, informed environment. Every veteran is an individual — these tips are meant to raise awareness, not create assumptions.
-
Veterans are nontraditional students. They are often financially independent adults who manage family, work, and coursework simultaneously. Treat them accordingly.
-
Not all veterans are male. One in four veteran students are women, and female veterans are nearly as likely as their male counterparts to have experienced firsthand traumas of war. (Newbold & Balmer, 2012)
-
Veterans bring real strengths to the classroom. Military training instills discipline, structure, and a strong work ethic. Veterans are team-oriented and skilled at completing tasks under pressure.
-
Life experience is an asset, not a distraction. With awareness and sensitivity on the instructor's part, veterans' experiences add depth to discussions and help both veteran and non-veteran students develop broader perspectives. (Kreuter, 2012)
-
A predictable, secure environment matters. Veterans may be sensitive to triggers — surprises, loud noises, sudden disruptions. Exercise caution with graphic images of injury, dismemberment, or death, and provide advance warning before displaying such content. (Newbold & Balmer, 2012)
-
Lead with clarity and decisiveness. Veterans typically view the instructor as the leader of the classroom. Treat veterans as adults, maintain consistent classroom management policies, and be direct in your expectations. (Newbold & Balmer, 2012)
-
Navigate sharing with care. Some veterans are reluctant to discuss military experiences; others may unintentionally dominate discussion. If participation needs to be redirected, do it privately — never in front of the class. Avoid claiming to understand combat or its aftermath if you have not experienced it. (Kreuter, 2012)
-
Keep expectations transparent. A clear syllabus with specific tasks and deadlines gives veterans the structure they are accustomed to. Be available for support and referrals. Veterans may not readily admit when they are struggling. (Grasgreen, 2013)
-
Avoid generalizations. Not every tip here applies to every veteran. They are individuals with unique backgrounds, needs, and preferences. Awareness is useful; assumptions are not.
-
Make confident referrals. One of the most practical things you can do is connect veteran students with campus services. Before sending a student to a resource, confirm the contact information is current. Use the links on our Green Zone Resources page as your starting point.
For questions or additional support, contact the Newton Military Family Resource Center at 931-221-1685 or NMFRC@apsu.edu.
