Student Veterans’ Perspectives of Higher Education Contexts: Beyond the Non-traditional Student

Abstract

An increase in student veterans on campuses creates issues similar to the growing population of other nontraditional students, yet unique experiences for this population. Although higher education environments are working to provide on-campus support for military populations, student veterans continue to report issues with communication, understanding, and support for their military service. This study investigated student veteran experiences of the higher education classroom on a southeastern university campus. Overall, the majority of participants reported positive interactions with professors but struggled with peers and schedules. Included are implications for working with student veterans in higher education.

Keywords:

• Military
• nontraditional students
• qualitative research
• student veterans

Disclosure statement

The authors of this article certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was not funded by an outside source.