Understanding Our Troops: A National Study on Military-Connected Students Matthew Venaas Research Manager Skyfactor
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Our Plan Opening Discussion Context: Military Student Issues National Study Discussion and Questions 3
Goals Frame context of why studying militaryconnected students is important Highlight challenges with current research and data Provide national data to help fill gap on military student college experiences Discuss how this data can be applied and what we can look at next 4
Opening Question: What comes to mind when you think of military-connected students? 5
Did You Know Since the passage of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, nearly 1.5 million veterans have enrolled in college and received over $50 billion in federal benefits. Source: Worley (2015) 6
Current Research Multiple Risk Factors Broad Focus Incomplete Data Common risk factors Delayed enrollment Part-time attendance Adult students Health issues Differences in outcomes Higher dropout rates Lower GPAs Much of the existing literature focuses on the population as a whole ACE/NASPA report from 2015 highlighted need to disaggregate data and avoid one-size-fits-all approach Many current studies are limited: Single campus Small samples Case studies Difficulty identifying population Issues with federal data 7
Institutional Challenges Identification Siloed Data Services Knowledge Campuses often rely on military students to self-identify, or use variables like use of benefits that may not capture all students. What data does exist on campus is often scattered and siloed across various units, divisions, and datasets. Institutions are beginning to increase resources and efforts to support military students, but these are often on-going. While institutions have increased services to military students, many faculty and staff lack awareness of what is available. 8
Challenges for Students Transition Health Issues Benefits Military Duties Lack of Support Shift from structured, hierarchical environment to self-directness, along with finding purpose after deployment, can create challenges in transition. Many military students are trying to cope with physical and mental health issues. Existing work shows military students more hesitate to seek assistance. Federal and state resources available related to education and health benefits, but not all are utilizing and getting these benefits can be a challenge. Many students enroll full-time in school while serving in the military part-time. Some are activated during the academic year. Many military students struggle to find support from various areas, including their institutions, faculty/staff, students, and families. 9
We know we need to support our militaryconnected students. But, the best ways to do so are still coming into focus. 10
Using Data to Inform Our Efforts 11
Today s Data Mapworks Fall 2016 Transition Survey 44,089 undergraduate students o 894 military students (2%) 42 U.S. institutions o Predominately four-year institutions o Diversity in size, mission, and location 12
Key Questions Who are our military students? How do military students compare to non-military student peers? Are there differences across the military student population when we dig deeper? 13
Who Are Our Military Students? 14
Who Are Our Military Students? 10 Gender 6 4 42% 59% 58% 41% 2 Female Male Military Students Non-Military Students 15
Who Are Our Military Students? 10 6 IPEDS Reported Race and Ethnicity 65% 57% 4 2 2% 1% 4% American Indian or Alaska Native Asian 15% 6% 9% 7% 9% Black or African American Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White 1% Nonresident Alien 2% 4% 3% Two or More Races 9% 8% Unknown Military Students Non-Military Students 16
Who Are Our Military Students? 10 Financial Aid Data 83% 83% 65% 69% 6 4 47% 44% 2 Pell Eligible Submit FAFSA Receive Federal Aid Military Students Non-Military Students 17
Who Are Our Military Students? 10 Post-Traditional Traits 6 56% 4 2 32% 6% Adult Student Delayed Enrollment 3 26% 28% First-Generation Student 6% 3% Full-Time Employment 31% 22% Has Dependents 13% 12% Part-Time Enrollment 33% 15% Transfer Student Military Students Non-Military Students 18
Who Are Our Military Students? Number of Post-Traditional Traits Non-Military Students 64% 28% 6% 2% Military Students 37% 28% 21% 14% 2 4 6 10 None One Two Three or more 19
Who Are Our Military Students? Which of the following best describes your current military status? Guard or reserve (active or inactive) 45% Retired, separated, or discharged from military 43% Active duty military 8% ROTC or other campus training program 4% 2 4 6 10 20
Who Are Our Military Students? Which of the following best describes your deployment history? I was deployed to area(s) not designated as hazardous duty. 38% I was deployed to area(s) designated as hazardous duty. 11% I was never deployed. 51% 2 4 6 10 21
Who Are Our Military Students? When did you last serve in a combat zone? Never served in combat zone 62% Less than 5 years ago 24% 5 to 10 years ago 11% More than 10 years ago 3% 2 4 6 10 22
Who Are Our Military Students? During a typical term, how many hours per week, on average, do you expect to spend in military-related activities? None 49% 1 to 5 hours 23% 6 to 10 hours 12% More than 10 hours 16% 2 4 6 10 23
The College Student Experience: Compared to Non-Military Peers 24
Topics for Comparison Academics Social Institutional Outcomes Academic Behaviors Self-Efficacy Self-Assessment of Skills Peer Connections Social Integration Living Environment Commitment Satisfaction Finances Term GPA Retention 25
Basic Academic Behaviors 10 93% 95% To what degree are you the kind of student who: 89% 92% 6 7 74% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Attends class** Takes good notes in class** Turns in required homework assignments** Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 26
Advanced Academic Behaviors 10 To what degree are you the kind of student who: 6 4 2 55% 44% 43% 43% 33% 3 Military Students Non-Military Students Participates in class** Works on large projects well in advance of the due date Communicates with instructors outside of class Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 27
Academic Resiliency 10 6 To what degree do the following statements describe you: 78% 81% 72% 74% 71% 71% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students You are a hard worker in your classes When you know a course is going to be difficult, you put in extra effort When you get a poor grade, you work harder in that course Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 28
Academic Integration 10 Overall, to what degree are you: 6 74% 69% 66% 67% 58% 6 Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Keeping current with your academic work** Motivated to complete your academic work Satisfied with your academic life on campus** Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 29
Self-Assessment: Self-Discipline To what degree are you the kind of student who: 10 6 66% 63% 74% 7 84% 83% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Is self-disciplined Follows through with what you say you are going to do** Is dependable Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 30
Self-Assessment: Time Management 10 To what degree are you the kind of student who: 6 53% 53% 48% 51% 58% 59% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Plans out your time Makes to-do lists Balances time between classes and other commitments Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 31
Peer Connections 10 On this campus, to what degree are you connecting with people who: 6 4 48% 5 35% 34% 43% 59% Military Students 2 Non-Military Students Share common interests with you** Include you in their activities** You like** Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 32
Social Integration 10 On this campus, to what degree: 6 58% 62% 52% 58% 48% 49% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Do you belong here** Are you fitting in** Are you satisfied with your social life** Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 33
On-Campus Living: Environment To what degree are you: 10 6 59% 64% 78% 73% 7 71% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Able to study in your room** Able to sleep in your room** Adjusting to living in on-campus housing Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 34
Off-Campus Living: Environment To what degree are you: 10 6 63% 67% 87% 75% 76% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Able to study in your residence Able to sleep in your residence Satisfied with your overall living environment Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 35
Financial Means 10 To what degree are you confident that you can afford: 6 64% 55% 59% 51% 45% 47% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Next term's tuition and fees** Next year's tuition and fees** Monthly living expenses** Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 36
Institutional Commitment To what degree are you committed to: 10 6 81% 88% 92% 79% 84% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Completing a degree at this institution Returning for the next academic term** Returning for the next academic year** Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 37
Institutional Satisfaction Overall: 10 6 65% 66% 69% 73% 45% 46% Military Students 4 2 Non-Military Students Would you choose this institution again Would you recommend this institution to someone who wants to attend college** How would you rate your experience at this institution** Chart displays percentage of students responding either 6 or 7 on a seven-point scale (with 7 labeled Extremely ) ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 38
Institutional Outcomes Term GPA Retention 4.00 3.00 2.94 3.09 2.93 3.04 10 75% 94% 97% 79% 85% Military Students 2.00 5 Non-Military Students 1.00 25% 0.00 Fall 2016** Spring 2017** Enrolled in Spring 2017** Enrolled in Fall 2017** Chart displays the average GPA or retention rate for each group. ** after question text indicates differences is statistically-significant. 39
Military Students: The High-Level Comparison Many differences statistically-significant Practical affect of differences is up for debate Military students were: More likely to report concerns on social issues, in particular peer connections Less likely to report concerns about paying for their education Less likely to earn a high GPA or return for the next academic year 40
Digging Deeper 41
Four Ways to Dig Deeper Current Status Combat Zone Deployment Type Entry Status Group 1: Active duty, reserve, or guard Group 1: Served in combat Group 1: Had at least one deployment that was designated hazardous Group 1: Matric at entry Group 2: Veterans Group 2: Never served in combat Group 2: No deployment ever designated hazardous Group 2: Transfer at entry 42
Basic Academic Behaviors All military students 10 6 78% 82% 76% 83% 78% 81% 88% 4 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status Combat Zone?** Deployment Type? Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 43
Academic Resiliency All military students 10 6 4 54% 74% 57% 66% 62% 62% 72% 54% 62% 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status** Combat Zone?** Deployment Type? Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 44
Academic Integration All military students 10 6 4 51% 61% 51% 57% 56% 53% 6 61% 54% 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status** Combat Zone?** Deployment Type? Entry Status Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 45
Self-Discipline All military students 10 6 4 68% 72% 61% 72% 64% 71% 81% 59% 67% 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status Combat Zone?** Deployment Type? Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 46
Time-Management All military students 10 6 4 2 36% 39% 36% 39% 36% 38% 49% 37% 38% Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status Combat Zone? Deployment Type? Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 47
Peer Connections All military students 10 6 4 2 28% Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve 12% 14% Veterans Previously in Combat Zone 25% Never in Combat Zone 15% Hazardous Deployment 25% Not Hazardous Deployment 18% Transfer at Entry 32% Matric at Entry 22% Current Status** Combat Zone?** Deployment Type?** Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 48
Social Integration All military students 10 6 4 2 45% 4 32% 49% 38% 46% 45% 44% 42% Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status** Combat Zone?** Deployment Type? Entry Status Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 49
On-Campus Living Environment All military students 10 6 4 6 55% 43% 66% 46% 66% 69% 6 59% 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status Combat Zone?** Deployment Type?** Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 50
Off-Campus Living Environment All military students 10 6 61% 72% 63% 72% 66% 69% 66% 64% 67% 4 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status** Combat Zone?** Deployment Type? Entry Status Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 51
Financial Means All military students 10 6 4 51% 64% 61% 53% 65% 5 64% 47% 56% 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status** Combat Zone?** Deployment Type?** Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 52
Institutional Commitment All military students 10 6 73% 81% 72% 79% 75% 76% 84% 72% 76% 4 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status** Combat Zone? Deployment Type? Entry Status** Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 53
Institutional Satisfaction All military students 10 6 4 53% 49% 44% 54% 5 5 57% 52% 5 2 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status Combat Zone?** Deployment Type? Entry Status Chart displays percentage of students in each group with a factor score (average score on across all questions in the factor) of 6 or higher ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 54
Fall-Term GPA All military students 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 3.16 3.01 2.93 3.04 2.92 3.10 2.90 2.94 2.0 1.5 2.25 1.0 0.5 0.0 Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve Veterans Previously in Combat Zone Never in Combat Zone Hazardous Deployment Not Hazardous Deployment Transfer at Entry Matric at Entry Current Status** Combat Zone? Deployment Type? Entry Status** Chart displays the average fall-term GPA for each group ** in label box indicates difference between groups is statistically-significant 55
Wrapping Up Diverse population Biggest differences with non-military students seen in social topics The importance of digging deeper Differences based on previous experiences Much still to learn 56
Food for Thought What do you know about your military-connected students? Are you seeing a different story on your campus? How should services vary to fit different needs of various groups? What should we look at next? 57
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Additional Resources Ackerman, R., DiRamio, D., Mitchell, R. L. G. (2009). Transitions: Combat veterans as college students. New Directions for Student Services,126, 5-14 Baumann, M. (2009). The mobilization and return of undergraduate students serving in the national guard and reserves. New Directions for Student Services, 126, 15-22 Cate, Chris Andrew. 2014. Million Records Project: Research from Student Veterans of America. Washington, DC: Student Veterans of America. http://studentveterans.org/images/reingold_materials/mrp/download-materials/mrp_full_report.pdf DiRamio, D, Jarvis, K, Iverson, S., Seher, C., & Anderson, R. Out from the shadows: Female student veterans and helpseeking. College Student Journal, 49(1), 49-68. Durdella, N., & Kim, Y. K. (2012). Understanding patterns of college outcomes among student veterans. Journal of Studies in Education 2(2), 109-129 Elliot, M., Gonzalez, C., & Larsen, B. (2011). U.S. military veterans transition to college: Combat, PTSD, and alienation on campus. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 48 (3), 279-296 Kirchner, M. (2015). Supporting student veteran transition to college and academic success. Adult Learning, 26(3), 116-123 McBain, L., Young, K. M, Cook, B. J., & Snead, K.M. (2012). From Soldier to Student II: Assessing Campus Programs for Service Members and Veterans. Washington, DC: American Council on Education. Retrieved from http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/documents/from-soldier-to-student-ii-assessing-campus-programs.pdf 59
Additional Resources Molina, D., & Morse, A. (2015). Military-connected undergraduates: Exploring differences between National Guard, reserve, active duty and veterans in higher education. American Council on Education/NASPA. Retrieved from http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/documents/military-connected-undergraduates.pdf Molina, D., & Morse, A. (2015). Military-connected undergraduates: The current state of research and future work. American Council on Education/NASPA. Retrieved from http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/documents/military-connected- Undergraduates-Research-Convening-Summary.pdf Olson, T., Badger, K., & McCuddy, M.D. (2014). Understanding the student veterans college experience: An exploratory study. U.S. Army Medical Department Journal. 101-8 Rumann, C. B., & Bondi, S. (2015). Engaging student veterans inside and outside the classroom. In Quaye, S., & Harper, S., eds., Student engagement in higher education: Theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse populations, 2nd ed. New York: Routledge Rumann, C.B., & Hamrick, F.A. (2010). Student veterans in transition: Re-enrolling after war zone deployments. The Journal of Higher Education, 81, 432-458 Worley, R. (2015). Education Service update. [Presentation to the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) annual conference held October 5-9, 2015]. Retrieved from http://navpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2015- Education-Service-Update.pdf 60