Best practices in serving college student Veterans: A scoping review

Publication Date

2-1-2021

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health

Volume

7

Issue

1

DOI

10.3138/JMVFH-2020-0024

First Page

76

Last Page

86

Abstract

Introduction: Student Veterans are enrolling in college at increasingly rapid rates after separating from the military. Institutions of higher education are urged to evaluate and redesign programs targeted to support Veterans’ unique attributes, because they differ from civilian students in many aspects. The aim of the current scoping review is to provide a comprehensive examination of the existing literature regarding best practices in serving U.S. student Veterans in higher education and to provide suggestions for the implementation, assessment, and institutionalization of best practices. Methods: The methodology for the current scoping review, based on the framework by Arksey and O’Malley, included a structured and iterative design to allow accuracy and replication of the review process. The authors conducted a scoping review of existing scholarly and grey literature on programs provided by U.S. colleges and universities to support student Veterans and enhance their retention, persistence, and success in higher education. Results: The current study addresses three specific areas: the extent to which U.S. colleges and universities are providing targeted support for their student Veteran population, the types of programs and services that colleges and universities are providing to students who have served in the U.S. military, and the current data that exist regarding the effectiveness of the programs and services offered by colleges and universities. Discussion: Current findings of existing programs and services are examined and categorized under the 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success. Suggested implications and future directions, as they relate to best practices for student Veteran programming in higher education, are discussed.

Department

Psychology

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