Evaluation of a "drop-in" support center for student veterans at a public university in the northeast

This study examines the extent to which a veterans' drop-in center aids student success and re-entry into the community.

Military veterans are returning to college campuses in large numbers. The 2010 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) report suggests that while veteran students spend the same amount of time on college coursework as other students, they are less likely to be engaged in campus activities. Mental health support, career counseling and academic skills support are common services on college campuses. Veteran students' unique military attitudes and experiences may indicate a need for specialized support. Di Ramio, Ackerman & Mitchell (2008) report veteran students experience an inability to focus, difficulties negotiating campus procedures and a lack of understanding of their experiences from peers. Despite a lack of substantial data both about the unique needs of veteran students and the efficacy of support groups, it is clear from anecdotal reports that support is important.

Research suggests there is an observable relationship between education level and health outcomes. “Access to educational, economic, and job opportunities” and “quality of education and job training” are among Healthy People 2020 health indicators(2011) thus, providing support for successful veteran student engagement is vital to both academic and personal success and is supported by previous research outlining the unique challenges of student veterans.