Purdue Veterans Success Center reminds campus of ways to support military-connected students

Last updated: February 24th, 2022

Purdue’s Veterans Success Center is reminding staff and faculty of ways they can support military-connected students, particularly as the U.S. responds to the developing conflict in Ukraine.

VSC Director Jamie Richards says active-duty students, especially those taking Purdue Online courses, may experience a drastic change in their day-to-day schedule and may have to withdraw from courses. Reserve and National Guard students may become “activated,” “mobilized,” or “deployed” and may need to withdraw from their courses.

Additionally, students who have recently separated from their service may be recalled to active duty. The VSC also anticipates rippling impacts on many individuals who have a spouse, sibling, parent, or other family member in service.

“At the very least, there will be stressors involved with this situation,” says Richards, who noted that military-connected students may be vulnerable to higher levels of post-traumatic stress as news of the invasion unfolds. “If called to active duty, they may not have a lot of time to take care of business and would likely be outside of contact, quickly. Flexibility is key, and that’s our privilege to afford to them.”

Richards encourages staff and instructors to review Purdue’s Military Withdrawal Policy so they can be prepared to help students navigate the process.

Individuals who would like to become more familiar with military terms of the military-connected student experience are invited to participate in upcoming Green Zone workshops.

According to Richards, veteran and military students face unique challenges when transitioning from the military to a campus environment.

“These can include things like difficulty navigating earned benefits across multiple agencies—including the GIBILL—and unique advising requirements, as well as hurdles related to being nontraditional students,” Richards says. “These workshops are designed to provide staff, faculty, and other students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the military experience, as well as develop better tools to serve those students.”

At the end of the training, participants will receive a badge to display in their work area indicating they are trained members of the Green Zone.

Also offered is a Green Zone Student Panel, and the next one takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on March 23 in Stewart Center, Room 313. The panel is made up of students from varying backgrounds; veteran, active duty, reserve or National Guard, ROTC, and family member. The panel is moderated with an opportunity for Q&A.

The training is free, but registration is required. Individuals who are interested in the two-hour workshop may sign up for any of the following sessions, as space permits:

• Green Zone Student Panel: 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 23, STEW 313
• Green Zone Virtual Session: 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 18, via Zoom

Questions about the training or supporting military-connected students in general may be sent to the VSC at dogtags@purdue.edu

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