Veterans and military spouses bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and resilience to higher education. Yet, their success on campus often hinges on the effectiveness of staff communication. Misunderstandings, assumptions, or a lack of awareness can hinder student engagement, retention, and academic outcomes. Military Friendly® schools understand this challenge and prioritize staff training programs to build communication skills that foster trust, clarity, and connection.
Understanding Veterans and Military Spouses
The first step in staff training is cultural literacy. Veterans and military spouses come from diverse backgrounds, service branches, and roles. Some are active duty, some are reserves, and others are navigating life post-transition. Understanding rank, terminology, deployment experiences, and the structure of military life helps staff communicate respectfully and accurately.
Staff Training Tips:
- Include a military culture module in onboarding and professional development programs.
- Use real-life examples to illustrate the unique perspectives of veterans and military spouses.
- Encourage staff to ask open-ended questions and listen actively.
Mini Case Study:
A mid-sized university noticed low engagement among veteran students in their advising sessions. After incorporating military cultural awareness into staff training, advisors began using clearer, more respectful language and actively acknowledging students’ service. Within one semester, appointment attendance increased by 35%, and student satisfaction scores improved significantly.
Building Trust Through Communication
Effective communication goes beyond words. It’s about relationship-building and empathy. Veterans and military spouses often value direct, concise communication but also need to feel understood and respected.
Actionable Strategies for Staff Training:
- Active Listening Exercises: Train staff to summarize and reflect back what students share, ensuring they feel heard.
- Avoid Assumptions: Military experience varies widely; avoid stereotyping based on age, rank, or branch.
- Recognize Service: Small acknowledgments of service, both verbal or written, build rapport and trust.
- Provide Clear, Concise Guidance: Use structured, step-by-step instructions for administrative processes.
Practical Applications Across Campus
Staff communication isn’t limited to one office. Admissions, financial aid, academic advising, counseling, and career services all benefit from structured training. Examples:
- Admissions: Clear communication about benefits and credit transfers.
- Advising: Guidance on course selection and academic planning.
- Career Services: Translating military experience into civilian job readiness.
- Counseling: Identifying stressors related to military transition.
Mini Case Study:
At a regional university, career services staff received specialized training on translating military skills to civilian resumes. Within six months, military-connected student placement in internships increased by 25%, demonstrating the tangible impact of trained staff communication.
Monitoring and Feedback
Staff training should be continuous. Institutions can implement:
- Post-interaction surveys to assess student satisfaction.
- Regular feedback sessions with veteran student organizations.
- Integration of communication effectiveness metrics into staff evaluations.
Conclusion
Effective communication with veterans and military spouses is a skill, not an innate ability. Through structured staff training, higher education institutions can build trust, foster engagement, and ultimately improve retention and student outcomes.
Military Friendly® membership provides resources and support to help institutions communicate effectively with military-connected students.
