WHEREAS, California is home to over 1.8 million former service members, which is the largest veteran population of any state in the United States[1] and the transition from military service to academia presents numerous obstacles, including navigating financial aid systems, understanding degree requirements, and managing familial and occupational responsibilities; furthermore, although there are several programs and resources available, approximately 27% of participants do not consider the service to be fully efficient, highlighting areas that need improvement [2];
WHEREAS, a higher prevalence of mental health conditions, such as PTSD, is observed among veterans, with a reported prevalence rate of 80% among those who have been in a war zone [4] and a higher prevalence of mental health conditions, like PTSD, among veterans can significantly impact academic performance including stress and trauma associated with these conditions which lead to difficulties in concentration, memory retention, and overall cognitive function, which are crucial for successful learning and academic achievement; and
WHEREAS, While there are financial aid programs, such as the GI Bill, the bureaucracy can be a barrier [8], the required documentation and eligibility requirements are confusing, and the process for accessing benefits can be complex and time-consuming, which can discourage many veterans [9]; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community College Chancellor's Office to create surveys and focus groups to identify specific challenges faced by veterans in the transition process; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community College Chancellor's Office to offer more mental health support including providing emotional support services and access to therapy;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community College Chancellor's Office to promote awareness campaigns, offer workshops and informational sessions to raise awareness among the campus population about the specific needs of veterans, reduce stigmas associated with ex-military personnel, highlight their valuable skills and experiences in the educational and professional environment, and to mandate comprehensive training for faculty and administrative personnel on veteran specific pedagogical adaptations and trauma-informed educational practices; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community College Chancellor's Office to implement mentoring programs where former military personnel who have already completed their education can guide new students, fostering a sustainable ecosystem of peer support and professional development.
Citations:
[1] Census https://census.ca.gov/resource/veterans/#:~:text=California%20is%20home%20to%20over,state%20in%20the%20United%20States.
[2] Veterans and Academic Transition https://journal-veterans-studies.org/articles/10.21061/jvs.v9i3.417
[3] Military Student Success https://www.westga.edu/share/documents/pubs/027896_262.pdf
[4] PTSD Impact on Veterans https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5672823/
[5] Academic Performance Studies https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582440231204666
[6] Social Support Networks https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233155873_Veterans_Coming_Home_to_the_Community_College_Linking_Research_to_Practice
[7] Rural Community Colleges and Veterans https://www.wiche.edu/resources/rural-serving-community-colleges-can-serve-as-cornerstone-for-veteran-students/
[8] Military Family Support https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/supporting-veterans-and-military-families-understanding.pdf
[9] GI Bill Implementation https://journal-veterans-studies.org/articles/10.21061/jvs.v9i3.417
[10] Veteran Education Access https://home.schoolcraft.edu/cce/21.1.47-65.pdf
[11] Documentation Requirements https://journalveteransstudies.org/articles/417/files/654b78e1cfdc8.pdf