Office of Veterans Affairs Veterans Success Survey for Employees Prepared by: Hyesook Shim Data Analyst Office of Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research oirprequests@sunyocc.edu October 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Key Findings Demographic Information A total of 237 employees at the OCC participated in the survey. 74.6% of the employee respondents were female. The survey respondents consisted of 36.0% faculty, 35.2% staff, and 28.8% administration. Employees in various departments at the campus responded to the survey. However, those who work in the departments serving students directly were more likely to respond than any other employees, which include Student Services, Instructional Services, and Academic departments. Experience with Student Veterans The vast majority of employees (94.1%) were aware that OCC has an Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA). Fewer than half (45.3%) of the respondents had sought assistance from the OVA or referred someone to the office. And most of them were satisfied with the assistance or services they received from the OVA (72.9% very satisfied and 24.3% satisfied ). Relatively low percentage of respondents (29.6%) had interacted with a student veteran who had encountered a problem or issues as being a veteran. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), other physical or mental health issues, deployment, and financial hardship were most frequently mentioned by employees as a problem or issue that student veterans faced. As for the number of student veterans attending OCC (either full-time or part-time), 39.1% of employees estimated it as more than 300. It was followed by estimation of 200 to 290 (25.8%) and 100 to 199 (25.1%). 49.2% of respondents expected the number of veterans attending OCC would increase significantly because of the new Post 9/11 GI Bill which took effect on August 1, 2009. Another 29.2% expected slight increase in the number of student veterans at the campus as the result of the bill. Only 4.2% of respondents indicated that they have had a negative experience with a student veteran. Those negative experiences were most likely about the student veterans bringing military experiences (language, smoking, and other behaviors) that seemed inappropriate for the campus environment. Majority of the respondents (79.0%) indicated that an information or training session about issues affecting student veterans would be of interest to them. 89.9% also indicated that they would utilize or find helpful a booklet or handout of benefits and services available to veterans within and outside of the campus. Overall, employees at the OCC considered that the campus support for student veterans, especially from the Office of Veterans Affairs, has been great and were interested in getting more information related to veterans to serve them better. IPAR October 2009 1
PART A- EXPERIENCE WITH STUDENT VETERANS Q1. Are you aware that OCC has an Office of Veterans' Affairs (OVA)? Yes 223 94.1% No 14 5.9% Total 237 100.0% Awareness of Office of Veterans Affairs at OCC No, 5.9% Yes, 94.1% Q2. Have you ever sought assistance from or referred anyone to the OVA? Yes 107 45.3% No 129 54.7% Total 236 100.0% Have sought assistance from or referred to the OVA No, 54.7% Yes, 45.3% Q3. If your answer to Question #2 was yes, were you satisfied with the assistance or services received? Very Satisfied 78 72.9% Satisfied 26 24.3% Less than satisfied 3 2.8% Total 107 100.0% Satisfaction w ith the assistance/services received Very Satisfied 72.9% Satisfied 24.3% Less than satisfied 2.8% IPAR October 2009 2
Q5. Have you interacted with a student who has encountered a problem or issue they faced specifically as a veteran? Yes 69 29.6% No 164 70.4% Total 233 100.0% Have interacted with a student having a problem as a veteran Yes, 29.6% No, 70.4% Q7. How many student veterans do you think attend OCC, either full-time or part-time? 1-99 21 8.9% 100-199 59 25.1% 200-299 63 26.8% more than 300 92 39.1% Total 235 100.0% Number of Veteran students attending OCC (estimate) more than 300 39.1% 200-299 100-199 26.8% 25.1% 1-99 8.9% Q8. The new Post 9/11 GI Bill takes effect August 1, 2009. In your opinion, to what extent will the increase the number of veterans attending OCC? Significant increase 116 49.2% Slight increase 69 29.2% No increase 2 0.8% Don't Know 49 20.8% Total 236 100.0% Increase in the Number of veterans because of the Post 9/11 GI Bill Significant increase 49.2% Slight increase 29.2% No increase 0.8% Don't Know 20.8% IPAR October 2009 3
Q9. Have you ever had a negative experience with a student veteran? Yes 10 4.2% No 226 95.8% Total 236 100.0% Had a negative experience with a student veteran Yes, 4.2% No, 95.8% Q11. Would an information or training session covering issues affecting student veterans, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, be of interest to you? Yes 184 79.0% No 49 21.0% Total 233 100.0% Interested in information or training session covering issues of student veterans No, 21.0% Yes, 79.0% Q12. If provided, would you utilize or find helpful a booklet or handout that outlines the benefits and services available to veterans, within and outside the OCC campus? Yes 208 88.9% No 26 11.1% Total 234 100.0% Would you utilize or find helpful a booklet/handout of benefits and services available to veterans No, 11.1% Yes, 88.9% IPAR October 2009 4
PART B DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Gender Male 60 25.4% Female 176 74.6% Employment Status Administration 68 28.8% Faculty 85 36.0% Staff 83 35.2% Department Unit Continuing and Extended Learning 18 8.5% Enrollment Management 19 8.9% Financial, Facilities & Mgmt Services 17 8.0% Human Resources 7 3.3% Information Technology 13 6.1% Instructional Services 38 17.8% Public Affairs 3 1.4% Student Services 41 19.2% Other 60 28.2% Demographic information Male 25.4% Female 74.6% Administration Faculty Staff 28.8% 36.0% 35.2% Continuing and Extended Learning Enrollment Management Financial, Facilities & Mgmt Services Human Resources Information Technology 8.5% 8.9% 8.0% 3.3% 6.1% Instructional Services 17.8% Public Affairs 1.4% Student Services Other 19.2% 28.2% IPAR October 2009 5
Q16. Please, specify other (Department Unit): Department Frequency Academic Department and Services (Instruction) 25 Administration 1 Bookstore 1 Campus Safety 4 Career and Applied Learning Center 1 Counseling 1 Department of Chemistry & Physical Science 3 Honors program 1 Institutional Advancement 1 Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning 1 JOBSplus! 2 Library 6 N/A 1 President's office 1 Title III 1 Tutoring services 2 IPAR October 2009 6
APPENDIX Supplementary List of Other and Open-End Comments IPAR October 2009 7
Q4. If you answered "Less than satisfied" to Question #3, briefly describe the reasons leading to your dissatisfaction below: Frequently, veterans from the current war disappear from my classes. They drop or simply don't come to class. I know that prior to leaving; many of them express frustration over paperwork and issues specifically dealing with Federal VA. I don't even know the questions to ask to make sure I'm getting the right information to help my students. Also, I was not aware of OCC's VA. A recruiter told me they were on campus. I am not a veteran. I have referred students to Paul Holzwarth. I'm sure he took very good care of them. I have referred veterans with specific questions to that office but I have no idea how they made out. I referred a student, not aware of the outcome. I'm an adjunct professor and didn't know it existed. No one ever got back to me... Very satisfied because he is very knowledgeable and understanding of what vets need and the situations they face. Q6. If your answer to Question #5 was "yes", briefly describe the problem or issue below. Comments PTS issues did not allow student to complete his coursework 2 - PTS recent diagnosis will probably deter a future in law enforcement for this student - confusing his enrollment as a CRJ major A few years ago had a male student, vet of Iraq, whose wife had a baby during the course of the semester. He was a good student but seemed to become quite depressed after the baby's birth. His attendance dropped but he did finish the course. A student I had a class with had flashbacks and told us it may happen during class. It never did though. A student in one of my Eng. 104 sections last term confided that he was being counseled at the VA for PTSD. He was a Marine and had been wounded twice during the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq. I feel that by including Tim O'Brien's stories about the Vietnam War and poems by the famous WWI poet, Wilfred Owen, along with the option to choose any topic for the research paper subject to my approval (this student chose to write on PTSD) this student managed to get through the course. It was a shaky start, poor attendance with few response papers handed in but then his interest in his research paper along with some of the war related lit. Sparked his interest enough to get him a C+ for the course, really turning in B to A- work the second half of the term with an A- on his research paper. His was a success story. However, the other vet in the same class who served in Afghanistan started pretty strong but then started missing class and got too far behind to catch up. I have had other vets and for the most part they have done well. One of the best, hard working vets, however, was not allowed to finish because he was called up again. A student was registering for courses and needed to establish full time status. Since the course only occurred for 1/2 the semester (the second half) it did not count towards the Veterans' full-time status even though it did count as full-time for financial aid purposes. I guess that's more of a bureaucratic agreement issue within the US government, but an issue experienced here nonetheless. A vet was broke and had no bus money. Accessing full disability benefits. Confidential Conflict with an instructor Course work and deployment Deployment issues only, not benefit issues. Difficulty adjusting to civilian and college life difficulty receiving GI Bill benefits difficulty receiving assistance form the VA IPAR October 2009 8
Difficulty in obtaining educational benefits Disabilities that affect the student globally / TBI from a blast Disabled vet had difficulty with access to the campus buildings (especially in winter) and a few parking issues. Drug addiction, relationship issues with wife and re-entry into school after being in war Either veterans benefits or needing to speak to someone who had experienced something like they had in war. Financial Aid Financial aid or billing issue Frustration with health issues and possible frustration with non-combat life. One of my students told me he had a hard time living out of combat; he felt that his actions in combat were honorable there, but once out of the service, he was a murderer. He was speaking to me in a matter of fact voice, admitting to concurrent substance use and participation in AA. All I could do was ask him about his support system. He did not pose a threat to me or my class; therefore, I didn't know what I could do for him. This student eventually ended up in the Post- Standard as a story about another vet having legal trouble. GI Bill? doesn't cover summer classes Had injury and his physical therapy conflicted with class time on many occasions He didn't have money for food or busing. Health related issues and students unaware of benefits. I don't recall a specific issue. But, in the 27 years that I have been here I am sure that I have had vets before with problems. I had a student several years ago who was dealing with a lot of anger issues. He once came to my office for help and became quite irate with me. It soon became clear that I was not really the focus of his anger but that he was facing a number of frustrating issues in his life. He was, in fact, experiencing difficulty adjusting to civilian life and to once again being a husband to his wife. I have encountered a few students over the years. They were seeking scholarship assistance and support returning to college. Led them to Paul and his office and a few I connected with at a later date expressed how helpful they were. Inability to access veteran educational benefits and help finding support group on campus for veterans. Issues related to medical needs and the Veterans Administration. Issues related to Veterans educational benefits and financial aid. It was during the 9/11 when they were releasing students from OCC to serve their time overseas in the early 2000s. I was working in the Registrar's Office and had to refer students to the Registrar to do the paperwork. Looking for waivers from courses due to service Many issues-adjustment to college life, return to the world, PTSD symptoms, adjustment to civilian life etc Medical issues Mental anguish, nervous condition (shaking), belligerence (loud and combative with small, inconsequential situations) MOSTLY HOW TO GET THE GRANT MONEY Numerous students, numerous problems One of my students is continuing to deal with PTSD. Some of his issues carry over to his employment and have caused problems. His PTSD also participated his divorce. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) * Problem controlling emotions. Problems arose when instructor spoke negatively of our military presence overseas. The vet got outraged and stormed out of the classroom. Problems, confusion related to veteran's stipend for college attendance. IPAR October 2009 9
PTSD has shown up in a couple different forms, with the worst causing depressed students (two) to leave school. Several issues: they speak about how difficult it is for them to be in a classroom with foolish 18 year olds after facing what they have faced; those with PTSD worry about succeeding in college, worry about triggers and how they will handle them, etc. Some of our Veterans were deployed during their last semester. When they come back, they have bad grades and a bill that has gone to collections. Struggling with transitioning back from service and reintegrating back to civilian life * Student dealing with anger management - provoked by immature, disruptive behavior of younger students. Student had a hard time being treated by an instructor like someone out of high school when they already had seen some of the world and were in combat. Students dealing with health or mental health issues as a result of their service; thus having difficulty completing course requirements. Students indicating that they had a permanent disability (from moderate to severe) as a result of service related injuries or trauma. Students who have registered for classes and got called up for duty did not drop the classes - had trouble to get his tuition waiver approved The student was registered for classes, then called to go to Iraq, then came back in time to start the semester he was originally registered for. I referred him to a professor who was able to help. The student was very agitated and I briefly interacted calmly- in regard to computers on campus The waiver for physical education at time near graduation and having to submit another copy of the DD214(I believe that is the form) again They did not have money for books. The student had money coming in from the VA in a month but needed books at the start of the semester. There was no emergency money available. They had not received the GI bill funding. They weren't sure how to enact their benefits and we sent them down to the Vet's office and they gave him a great deal of information and help in that matter. Trying to get re-trained War related injuries were barriers to persistence We receive phone calls, emails etc. from soldiers serving overseas trying to get registered or reset passwords to allow them to complete their course work. Often they were unaware that before they were deployed they should stop by the office and let them know. This helps us be able to serve them more efficiently. Yes, They just needed to be pointed in the right direction. They had some questions and I walked them over to the Vet's office. * Highest number of responses Q10. If your answer to Question #9 was yes, briefly describe the nature of the experience below. Agitated. They tend to be less tolerant of the "high school" mentality of some of our freshman. Because the Vets have no secluded space to relax and interact, they can become quite loud which disturbs students and staff in surrounding areas. The language that's used is extremely unpleasant. They do not always want to clean up the language or lower their voices, nor, do I think, should they have to. The Vets need a space to relax, interact and vent that is NOT the actual office and is secluded enough for them to be themselves without having to interfere with other offices and designated study areas. Campus Safety issue - referred to Code of conduct review Expected differential treatment because of status IPAR October 2009 10
However, I have worked with a small number who were frustrated with financial issues and/or were struggling with injury and /or psychological issues that they identified as service-related. I came across a vet who was smoking in the quad. I told him he couldn't smoke there, and his reply was along the lines of based on what he had gone thru in the service, he could smoke wherever he wanted. Not at OCC, but I did at a previous college. A veteran was unstable--and had problems with a woman in a position of authority. He did eventually have a breakdown, but I was not involved in the episode. Not yet-but with all of their trauma-one can never know. I would imagine that any stress of college could be detrimental to teacher/ veteran relationships See question #6 above. The veterans have been in the field. They've seen things from which most Americans are sheltered. The veterans sometimes wear their service-hardened facade in civilian life, even around OCC campus. The veterans speak in no uncertain terms about their discontent on certain issues and these conversations are not positive, however, seem to be based on real-life experience and personal perceptions (perhaps reality as well). The conversations overheard from the Vets' office sometimes has negative content and contains potentially offending language (curse words, etc.), however, I also feel that mercy needs to be extended towards Vet's who are likely trying their best to transition back to civilian life. They have so far proved to be very polite and happy to be here. Q13. Please share any comment or information that you think we need to know: All of my students who were veterans were wonderful, respectful, and intelligent people. I am happy to have veterans on campus. Attended a teaching center presentation on Post Traumatic Stress last spring and it was most helpful. Particularly good was the input from a veteran who participated on the panel. Call me Paul if you want to discuss this further- bill cross Depending on the length of time a veteran has been out of the service, he or she may not have become totally "civilian." The processes involved in registration etc. can be confusing and frustrating to anyone, but I think even more so to our Vets. Assistance with the OCC bureaucracy may be helpful and aid in the retention of our Vets. For Questions 11 and 12, it would be more useful to have the information accessible online. For the employees, have the handout accessible online to cut printing costs I already attended a Vet workshop suggested in 11. I am a veteran and am extremely proud of all service personnel. Most Air Force personnel I'm aware of attend Columbia via The 174th on Malloy Road, Mattydale, NY. I am an administrator, but I am also an adjunct faculty member. In the past, I have had veterans in my class, and they had many complaints about student central. I am impressed with Onondaga's Veterans' Affairs office and am happy that they have received a grant aimed at further enhancing visibility and services provided. I am new to OCC so I haven't had a chance to interact with many students yet... I believe veterans need all the help we can give them. I don't see enough brochures publish by the College that are placed in locations with high student traffic I feel that all employees should be able to direct prospective students in the right direction to address their issues. Having access to a synopsis of benefits or services...or a link to that end on the employee's web page would be useful I have found that the majority of veterans I encounter have already connected with the Office of Veteran Affairs by the time they enter my classroom. I have heard many positive remarks from these veterans over the years regarding the services and help offered by the OVA. I like the idea of a training session and informational materials. I believe this would be greatly beneficial as an RHD to understand how I can support veteran students living in the residence halls. IPAR October 2009 11
I myself am a veteran. Thank you for taking the time and energy to provide care and better services for fellow service people! I read a newspaper article stating OCC had the largest veterans population in the state. Is that still true? If so, your office needs to be more accessible for them and also prominent for all of us as a reminder that many young people here are vets. I always picture a vet as an old man. I recently was asked to attend a Veterans Roundtable Discussion in Buffalo which was quite informative. The premise of the meeting was to discuss issues that faced veterans and how to help them through the process of college admission and retain them as well. I have a host of info that I would like to share with the campus in conjunction with our veterans affairs office. I think an information session would be interesting; however, I usually have too much work to do to attend such things. While I do not interact directly with students, a booklet may be a handy thing to keep around, just in case something comes up. I think it is crucial that the veterans have financial support and most important, the emotional support needed from the college community. They really do need to be able to meet together because so many feel that only another person that has gone through what they have experienced can really understand them. To that end, they need a better place to meet than the small area they now have. They are such a great group of people - always friendly, always willing to help other (even non-military) staff and students. The atmosphere in their office is so positive and charged to succeed that I wish they could share that with the whole campus!!! I have always enjoyed having a vet in my class- I could always count on them to take an active part in the class and to do the work required. OCC needs recognize more this great group of people. I think that all staff should be allowed to attend informative meetings on the various issues pertaining to veterans. I think that the common time (College Hour) for students in the middle of the day on Mondays and Wednesdays is far under-utilized. I am currently an OCC staff who studied here on campus last year (08-09 academic year). Perhaps doing a public forum or presentation about the aforementioned issues (in question 11) during College Hour would be helpful in raising awareness around campus about what fellow students are facing. Knowledge supposedly brings understanding and understanding can be used as a tool to exercise mercy, so this may potentially cause a more positive experience for and with veterans on the OCC campus in the near future. I think the college should reach out to students when they first apply and identify themselves as a veteran so they are aware of all the services available to them (perhaps you already do this). I think the office they have moved into over in Gordon is lacking the visibility they used to have here in Coulter. It isn't as noticeable in its present location I would make it available online. In spite of my ignorance, I am concerned about veterans and wish to be an active part of their support. I will watch for updates from you. Since I have a significant graphic arts background, I might be useful for working on brochures or similar functions. My experience with the OCC Vets Office has always been positive but I realize that we will be seeing a higher number of vets due to the wind down of the Iraq war and the increase in benefits for veterans. We could use sensitivity training as well as training regarding the new benefits. My nephew was a veteran and attended OCC...he told me that the Veteran's Office was extremely helpful to him... One of my returning Veteran students ended up in the Post-Standard. I would very much like to do my part to keep my students from being the crime news article of the week. I feel very strongly that the people who serve deserve whatever help I can provide, but at this point in time, I have no idea what I can do, what I am legally able to do, what my responsibilities are to the returning Vet and I would really like some clue so I can do my best to assist them in a proper capacity. Our office will be presenting the 3rd annual Operation: Start Up and Grow, a resource day for veterans who are starting or are already in business. Over the two years we have had this event; over 250 veterans have joined us on campus. The next event is scheduled for March 18, 2008. For info please feel free to contact the Small Business Development Center. We work with veteran entrepreneurs on a regular basis. IPAR October 2009 12
Post more info on the Web. See the above answer to question #6. As I've stated, I have had numerous vets in my classes and have many stories to share. One came to class with a diary from Saddam Hussein's Revolutionary Guard. He wanted to know if anyone at OCC could possible translate it for him. I found someone who could translate some of it for him. Sorry for the delay in responding to the survey. I'm just back from last semester and didn't check my email over the summer. Specifics about support services and groups available for veterans. Staff from our OVA has provided training that I've attended. An information booklet is always a good resource to have. The fact that a student is a veteran is very rarely brought up by my students. The office for the Vets is too small. They need a bigger place to meet and a bigger area where they can study. It would be nice, if we could offer classes only for the Vets. The office should be located in such a place that is easily accessible. The recent Vets need special attention, especially the traumatized ones-as they pose unpredictability for all staff and faculty The Vets who work in the Vet's Office are very welcoming, friendly, and polite. Paul and his staff are doing a great job. Very often, I have purchased items in the Veteran's office to help support them and appreciate the fact that it's less expensive for drinks and candy. We, at Campus Safety, try to recommend our VA office when a student needs direction or assistance Whatever we can do to make these veterans feel welcomed here should be a priority. We should have programs in place to help them assimilate and to also succeed. They are a valuable asset to the college community. IPAR October 2009 13