The Veteran Higher Education Task Force convened from various educational sectors to develop six key policy recommendations for institutions of higher learning.
Executive Summary
Leaders and administrators at institutions of higher learning have an opportunity to demonstrate that student veterans are social assets to the higher education community and beyond. Accordingly, the Veteran Higher Education Task Force developed six key policy recommendations to hone institutional policies that best serve and support student veterans and the military-affiliated community.
Recommendation 1. Provide flexible coursework and pathways to degree completion
Institutional decision makers should encourage the continuation of modified coursework and paths to degree completion for student veterans, even after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
Recommendation 2. Ensure virtual and hybrid coursework is high quality, equitable, and accessible to veterans
Institutions of higher learning should continue to offer and invest in high-quality virtual or hybrid coursework that is both equitable and accessible. This is especially true for two-year institutions, which typically have higher attrition rates.
Recommendation 3. Fund veteran support programs
Schools should maintain their military support offices and student veteran programming, even in the face of budget cuts.
Recommendation 4. Educate staff and explore ways to ensure veterans receive academic credit for military experience
Institutions of higher learning should make sure that their staffs are familiar with federal and state guidelines on military credit transfers and that the schools publicize and comply with these policies.
Recommendation 5. Equip staff with the cultural competency to design programs for student veterans that provide a real return on investment
Institutions of higher learning should invest the time and financial resources necessary to train faculty and staff to understand the diversity of the student veteran population and how to work with student veterans effectively.
Recommendation 6. Measure and assess outcomes to ensure quality programming
Institutions should collect data and measure and evaluate veteran transfer students, graduation rates, and follow-on employment rates.
