Partnering with local military installations through ESOs, MOUs, and MWRs can greatly benefit higher education institutions and the service members they aim to serve. By following these seven tips—connecting with ESOs, developing tailored programs, establishing MOUs, engaging with MWR liaisons, providing support services, participating in military education fairs, and fostering continuous communication—your institution can build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with military installations.

Supporting veterans in their post-graduation job hunt is about fulfilling an obligation and recognizing and leveraging their unique strengths and experiences. By providing tailored career counseling, facilitating networking opportunities, offering specialized training, and collaborating with veteran-friendly employers, colleges and universities can play a pivotal role in ensuring that veterans transition smoothly from the classroom to successful civilian careers.

What strategies is your institution currently using to market to and enroll student veterans? Are you using any of these four, proven benchmarks?

By understanding the unique needs of military students and implementing these strategies, higher education institutions can create an inclusive and supportive environment. Embracing diversity in all its forms, including military experiences, strengthens the fabric of our educational institutions and prepares all students for a diverse and dynamic world.

Memorial Day holds a special significance in the landscape of service holidays, serving as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives in defense of their country. In higher education settings, getting the messaging right about Memorial Day is essential for honoring the memory of the fallen, supporting military-connected students and student veterans, and fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency.

Military veterans and active-duty service members bring unique experiences and perspectives to college campuses. However, many higher education institutions need help communicating and effectively promoting the benefits available to these individuals. By increasing awareness of military benefits, universities can better support their military-affiliated students and contribute to their academic success.

Guiding student veterans through the higher education journey comes with its own unique set of circumstances. Ensuring a smooth enrollment process goes beyond just ticking off boxes – it's about recognizing the unique experiences, skills, challenges, and opportunities our military-affiliated students bring to the academic table.

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, colleges and universities recognize the unique needs of military students and the value they bring to campuses. While basic support services are crucial, forward-thinking institutions are exploring advanced tactics to attract, empower, and retain military students.

In an era where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of educational priorities, creating a military-friendly campus is not just an ethical choice but a strategic one for colleges and universities. Recognizing and addressing the unique needs of military-affiliated students can significantly contribute to their long-term success.

As career services coaches, your role is pivotal in guiding students through the complex transition from military life to civilian careers. One of the most critical aspects of this transition is preparing veterans for job interviews. Drawing upon their military board interview training and translating those skills into the context of civilian job interviews can significantly enhance their chances of success.

Student veterans transitioning from a military career to higher education campuses have unique goals beyond the classroom. Embarking on the journey of higher education after military service isn't just about earning a degree; it's a profound transition, a quest to find and fit into a new community, ignite passions, and continue serving.

Student veterans are an incredibly diverse population and decidedly different from traditional college students. Learning more about student veteran enrollment helps attract more student veterans to your institution.