Boots to Books Orientation Programs Assisting

Transfer Student Veterans

Ashleigh LonningGraduate Assistant Jason MockfordCoordinator of Orientation ProgramsCalifornia Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Public, State School Total Population: 18,000 Undergraduate Population: 17,000 Graduate Population: 1,000 Student Veterans & Dependents: ~ 300

receiving benefits Average Age: 18-22 Ethnic Background: 60.9% White

Cal Poly’s Demographic

Focus Group◦ 13 student veterans◦ 12 were transfer students

Survey◦ Using State Benefits◦ Using Federal Benefits

Personal Interviews

Student Veteran Needs Research

Student Veterans v. Dependents Reaching the entire population Accurate Account of Student Veterans

Research Limitations

Networking With Other Veterans Face-to-Face Interaction/“Point Person” Space/Facility Orientation – Academic Advising &

Resources Student Veteran Website

Student Veteran Needs

Age Respect Variance Awareness

4 Issues in Orienting Student Veterans

Welcome Letter On Campus Resources Off Campus Resources Student Veteran Club

Boots to Books: Student Veteran Orientation

Break into small groups Create a student veteran orientation Answer the question Make a proposal Share with the large group

Activity

Student Veteran Awareness◦ Workshop◦ Memes◦ Outreach

Orientation◦ Student Veteran Social◦ Understanding Benefits Workshop

Administration ◦ Student Veteran Coordinator◦ Website

Looking Forward