Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS)

Transitioning

Service to Student - Base to Campus

Transition Strengths

Veterans and Service members who transition out of the military onto college campuses bring a unique perspective with them.

  • Military training
  • Life experience
  • Established identity
  • Worldly view

There are also certain skills taught in the military to help students be successful.

  • Leadership
  • Motivation
  • Time Management
  • Work Ethic
  • Stress Management

Transition Difficulties

There are a number of issues that may arise that affect the transition process for Veterans and Service members and could become a barrier to success.

  • Difficulty translating their military skills into a new profession
  • Difficulty switching gear with a new focus that is unrelated to military experience
  • Military skills & training may not translate into college credits
  • Universities may have difficulty deciphering transfer credits for those who have started and stopped higher education at multiple institutions
  • Difficulty using the G.I. Bill®
    • Late fees due to late payments of VA Benefits
    • Late payment can prevent them from registering for classes, applying for graduation, and receiving transcripts
  • Being an older student, possibly with a family to care for
  • Living off campus
  • Alienation
  • Insensitivity of classmates, faculty and others on campus in regards to discussion of war and military