Creating a Supportive Campus for Student Veterans

Jacobo Varela, Director of Military and Veteran Programs

• Currently 800,000 student veterans on campus today (set to rise 500,000 in the upcoming decade).

• Student Veteran drop-out rates are at 70% nationwide (compared to 45% and 25% for non-veteran students at two-year and four-year colleges, respectively)

• 1/3 of previously deployed military personnel and veterans showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and/or depression (RAND Corporation)

• Nearly half of student veterans report thinking of suicide and 20% said they had planned to kill themselves (Student Veterans of America)

• Number one priority for universities serving veterans is to train faculty (American Council on Education)

© 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

Problem Statement

Among Student Veterans…

Veterans on Campus Training

© 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

• Released November, 2011• Online, available 24x7• Includes three simulated conversations with student veteran avatars• Return to course multiple times to refresh skills• Ability to take a break from the training and save place • Follow up survey to track effectiveness• Ability to track participation and usage

Features

1. The unique value student veterans bring to campus and the obstacles they may

face in pursuit of a college degree.

2. Best practices for connecting student veterans with administrative support.

3. How to effectively manage a conversation, both in and out of the classroom,

around topics that may be sensitive to veterans.

4. Best practices for identifying warning signs of PTSD, and motivating a student to

seek help at appropriate services, such as the counseling center or the VA.

5. Their local and college-specific resources

Learning Objectives

In Veterans on Campus, faculty and staff will learn:

Research-based approach

Teaches techniques for supporting veterans, including how to approach students exhibiting signs of post-deployment stress and take appropriate action, such as making a referral to the school counselor

A “gatekeeper” is someone who has significant contact with students and, therefore, is ideally situated to notice warning signs of psychological distress

Potential Gatekeepers: Faculty, Adjuncts, TAs, Staff, Campus Safety

Benefits:

The added value of a student veteran’s unique perspective and experience to classroom

discussions

Increase academic performance by alleviating stresses brought on by students’ military

experience

Increase faculty comfort with approaching students about concerns

What is Gatekeeper Training?

Introduction

Users meet Nate and Alicia, two student veterans, our guides through the course. Nate and Alicia will discuss three stories

reflecting common challenges facing student veterans.

Make a Referral

In the first story, users meet Lena, a student veteran who is being redeployed. Users must assist Lena in the best possible manner, by

selecting from the options on the left.

Make a Referral

In this module, users learn the best locations to refer a student veteran, depending on their needs

Manage a Class Discussion

Story 2: Learn how best to encourage a student veteran to talk about his/her experience in a classroom setting

Classroom Management

…and practice reframing a student’s comments to avoid causing discomfort to a student veteran

The learner controls the conversation by choosing what topic to brings up and what

specific things to say. Learners receive instant feedback through the student’s verbal

responses and body language.

Conversation 3: Chris

Receive Immediate Feedback

Throughout each conversation, users receive narrated and animated feedback, which sometimes includes the option to undo the last decision.

Veterans on Campus Efficacy Results

Changes in Cultural Competency

Veterans on Campus Efficacy Results

Changes in Preparedness to Act as a Gatekeeper

Veterans on Campus Efficacy Results

Effectiveness of Instructional Approach

98% would recommend Veterans on Campus to their colleagues

Download Complete Report at: www.kognito.com/products/campusvet.html

Thank You!

• We owe it to our veterans to be fully trained and aware of their unique needs

• Staff and faculty are in a unique position to act as gatekeepers and recognize signs of PTSD and potential suicidal behavior

• The American Council on Education has determined that training

is one of the best ways to reduce confusion and stigma related to the student veteran population

• Sponsored by the national Student Veterans of America

organization

Presented by the Office of Military and Veterans ProgramsJacobo Varela646-1801jacvarel@nmsu.edu