Top-Down Support
It's no secret that top-down support, particularly from the president's office, makes things happen more efficiently and effectively. One individual in the ACE Veteran Success Jam stated that action "must begin with a commitment and be translated into policies and procedures that are mandated by those in power." Demonstrating high-level support for veterans and the policies aimed at helping them connect and succeed will encourage participation and trust from staff, faculty, and the veterans themselves.
High-level administrators implementing a veteran task force might be one way to actualize and demonstrate top-down support. Ideally, a task force would meet once (or more) per term and include members representing key offices for veterans, such as the veteran's school certifying official, academic affairs, student life, admissions, bursar, counseling, financial aid, housing, and disability services.
Critically important is to include current student veterans on the task force and not rely on published material or veterans' opinions from other institutions. Jam participants agreed that any initiative should start with a task force including a student veteran. In making the case to your leadership to support the creation or expansion of a veterans program, consider the following:
High-level administrators implementing a veteran task force might be one way to actualize and demonstrate top-down support. Ideally, a task force would meet once (or more) per term and include members representing key offices for veterans, such as the veteran's school certifying official, academic affairs, student life, admissions, bursar, counseling, financial aid, housing, and disability services.
Critically important is to include current student veterans on the task force and not rely on published material or veterans' opinions from other institutions. Jam participants agreed that any initiative should start with a task force including a student veteran. In making the case to your leadership to support the creation or expansion of a veterans program, consider the following:
- A veterans program can be a natural complement to your corporate/business social responsibility efforts.
- Student veterans naturally bring a level of diversity and leadership to your institution.
- Evidence suggests that veterans who feel supported on campus tend to have increased grade point averages and higher retention and graduation rates.
- Veterans become dedicated alumni.
