For veterans and military-affiliated students, pursuing higher education can open doors to personal growth, professional development, and new opportunities to serve their communities. But the college experience involves more than attending classes, completing assignments, and earning a degree. Building relationships, finding a sense of community, and knowing where to turn for guidance are also important parts of student success.
For those who have served in the military, as well as their spouses and other family members, connecting with people who understand and appreciate their experiences can make a lasting difference. As we recognize Veterans Day, we have an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our nation's veterans and reflect on the importance of creating welcoming environments where military-connected students can learn, grow, and thrive.
Why Belonging Matters in Higher Education
A sense of belonging is an important part of higher education. Students who feel welcomed and included by their university have opportunities to exchange ideas, develop friendships, and establish a network of support and encouragement that extends beyond the classroom.
For veterans and other military-affiliated learners, these relationships can be particularly valuable. Veterans and service members bring diverse backgrounds, valuable perspectives, and unique responsibilities to the classroom. Some may be balancing coursework with military obligations, careers, or family life. Others may be adjusting to a different environment after years of military service or navigating the responsibilities of being part of a military family.
Every student’s experience is unique, and there is no single path through higher education. However, having access to knowledgeable people and relevant resources can help students feel understood, included, and better equipped to pursue their academic goals.
Research published in The Journal of Continuing Higher Education highlights the importance of connection in the college experience for student veterans. In interviews with 10 veteran students, researchers identified peer support, veteran-focused programs, faculty engagement, and institutional efforts to recognize and include veterans as important factors influencing students’ sense of belonging.
These findings reinforce an important idea: helping veterans succeed in higher education involves more than providing access to educational resources. It also means fostering an environment where students feel understood, included, and valued.
Understanding the Needs of Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students
Students with military connections represent a diverse population with different backgrounds, responsibilities, and educational goals. This includes veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and eligible military spouses and dependents.
Some may be pursuing a degree after completing military service, while others balance coursework with ongoing service commitments. Military spouses and family members may also pursue degrees while managing the unique responsibilities that can accompany military life, including frequent relocations and changing family circumstances.
These circumstances can influence students’ academic priorities, resource needs, and opportunities for engagement.
For universities, recognizing these differences is essential to building an inclusive learning environment. Recognizing military culture, making resources accessible, and creating opportunities for peer engagement can help students develop relationships with others who understand their perspectives.
Equally important, veterans and military-connected learners should have opportunities to participate in campus life, share their perspectives, and build relationships with classmates, faculty, and staff.
Creating Connections Through the SNU VETS Center
At Southern Nazarene University (SNU), serving veterans, military-affiliated students, and their families is an ongoing commitment. Since opening in 2015, the Veterans Educational Transitions Success (VETS) Center has served as a resource for veterans, service members, and their families as they pursue educational and career goals.
The VETS Center is guided by three principles: Support, Empower, and Connect. These principles guide the center’s work to help military-affiliated students access resources, make informed decisions, and build relationships throughout their college experience.
The VETS Center helps students understand VA education benefits and military tuition assistance while connecting them with academic resources, career services, mentoring opportunities, and veteran-focused organizations. Students can also receive guidance as they explore educational opportunities and work toward their personal and professional goals.
However, the center’s impact extends beyond benefits guidance and access to services.
The VETS Center also provides opportunities for military-affiliated students to meet others who understand their backgrounds and perspectives. Through university organizations, veteran-focused groups, and campus activities, students can develop friendships, find encouragement, and establish relationships that extend beyond graduation.
For those balancing coursework with military or family responsibilities, having a dedicated team ready to listen, offer guidance, and connect them with helpful resources can make the university feel more welcoming.
Building a Community Where Everyone Belongs
Creating an inclusive environment for veterans and military-affiliated students is a shared responsibility. Universities, faculty, staff, fellow students, employers, and community organizations can all have a role in fostering understanding and support.
Building a culture of belonging does not always require a formal program or special event. Sometimes, it begins with simple actions:
- Take time to listen. Recognize that every veteran and military family has a unique story and perspective. Listen with respect and avoid assumptions when building relationships.
- Make resources accessible. Ensure veteran and military-affiliated students know where to find academic assistance, career guidance, VA education benefit information, and other available services.
- Encourage connection. Create opportunities for students to develop relationships through campus activities, student organizations, mentoring, and shared experiences.
- Recognize their contributions. Veterans and military-affiliated students bring valuable perspectives, knowledge, and skills to the classroom and the broader university community.
- Continue showing support throughout the year. Veterans Day is an important opportunity for recognition, but appreciation and meaningful support should extend beyond a single day.
When universities and communities prioritize inclusion, they help create an environment where students are valued not only for their accomplishments but also for their individual perspectives, contributions, and aspirations.
Belonging Beyond Veterans Day
Veterans Day provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the service and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our nation. It also reminds us that honoring veterans requires more than a single day of recognition. It means fostering communities where those who have served, along with their families, feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated year-round.
For veterans and military-affiliated students pursuing higher education, having people who understand their perspectives, recognize their contributions, and encourage their goals can make a lasting difference. A welcoming college environment offers more than access to resources. It provides opportunities to develop friendships, find guidance, and feel part of something larger.
At Southern Nazarene University, the VETS Center puts this commitment into action by helping veterans, service members, and their families access resources, build relationships, and become a part of the SNU community.
Belonging means knowing you have a place where you are welcomed, valued, and encouraged as you pursue what comes next.
To learn more about the resources and support available to veterans and military-affiliated students at SNU, visit the SNU VETS Center.
