Student-Veterans’ Perceptions of Barriers, Support, and Environment at a High-Density Veteran Enrollment Campus

Abstract

For institutions of higher education with high numbers of enrolled veterans, understanding how these students perceive services specifically designed for them is an important next step in developing effective campus service models. Through analysis of survey data (n=328) collected at a campus with a host of established services and a high number of military connected students, this study adds to the literature on the transition experience and utilization of resources. This investigation focuses on the interaction between prior-military and disability characteristics and how service-connected injuries impact student-veterans’ quality of life, integration on campus, and challenges with the built campus environment. Findings are discussed through the lens of a seminal transition framework, with practical application strategies offered for creating and delivering individualized support for student veterans.

Keywords

• veteran, student-veteran, disabilities, transition, accommodations, higher education