Transcript Veterans On Campus ppt

Creating a Supportive Campus for Student Veterans
Jacobo Varela, Director of Military and Veteran Programs
Problem Statement
Among Student Veterans…
• Currently 800,000 student veterans on campus today (set to rise 500,000 in the
upcoming decade).
• Student Veteran drop-out rates are at 70% nationwide (compared to 45% and
25% for non-veteran students at two-year and four-year colleges, respectively)
• 1/3 of previously deployed military personnel and veterans showed symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and/or depression
(RAND Corporation)
• Nearly half of student veterans report thinking of suicide and 20% said they had
planned to kill themselves (Student Veterans of America)
• Number one priority for universities serving veterans is to train faculty (American
Council on Education)
© 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.
Veterans on Campus Training
Features
• Released November, 2011
• Online, available 24x7
• Includes three simulated conversations with student veteran avatars
• Return to course multiple times to refresh skills
• Ability to take a break from the training and save place
• Follow up survey to track effectiveness
• Ability to track participation and usage
© 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.
Learning Objectives
In Veterans on Campus, faculty and staff will learn:
1.
The unique value student veterans bring to campus and the obstacles they may
face in pursuit of a college degree.
2.
Best practices for connecting student veterans with administrative support.
3.
How to effectively manage a conversation, both in and out of the classroom,
around topics that may be sensitive to veterans.
4.
Best practices for identifying warning signs of PTSD, and motivating a student to
seek help at appropriate services, such as the counseling center or the VA.
5.
Their local and college-specific resources
What is Gatekeeper Training?
Research-based approach

Teaches techniques for supporting veterans, including how to approach students exhibiting signs
of post-deployment stress and take appropriate action, such as making a referral to the school
counselor

A “gatekeeper” is someone who has significant contact with students and, therefore, is ideally
situated to notice warning signs of psychological distress

Potential Gatekeepers: Faculty, Adjuncts, TAs, Staff, Campus Safety
Benefits:

The added value of a student veteran’s unique perspective and experience to classroom
discussions

Increase academic performance by alleviating stresses brought on by students’ military
experience

Increase faculty comfort with approaching students about concerns
Introduction
Users meet Nate and Alicia, two student veterans, our guides
through the course. Nate and Alicia will discuss three stories
reflecting common challenges facing student veterans.
Make a Referral
In the first story, users meet Lena, a student veteran who is being
redeployed. Users must assist Lena in the best possible manner, by
selecting from the options on the left.
Make a Referral
In this module, users learn the best locations to refer a student
veteran, depending on their needs
Manage a Class Discussion
Story 2: Learn how best to encourage a student veteran to talk
about his/her experience in a classroom setting
Classroom Management
…and practice reframing a student’s comments to avoid causing
discomfort to a student veteran
Conversation 3: Chris
The learner controls the conversation by choosing what topic to brings up and what
specific things to say. Learners receive instant feedback through the student’s verbal
responses and body language.
Receive Immediate Feedback
Throughout each conversation, users receive narrated and animated feedback, which
sometimes includes the option to undo the last decision.
Veterans on Campus Efficacy Results
Changes in Cultural Competency
Veterans on Campus Efficacy Results
Changes in Preparedness to Act as a Gatekeeper
Veterans on Campus Efficacy Results
Effectiveness of Instructional Approach
98% would recommend Veterans on Campus to their colleagues
Download Complete Report at:
www.kognito.com/products/campusvet.html
Thank You!
• We owe it to our veterans to be fully trained and aware of their
unique needs
• Staff and faculty are in a unique position to act as gatekeepers
and recognize signs of PTSD and potential suicidal behavior
• The American Council on Education has determined that training
is one of the best ways to reduce confusion and stigma related
to the student veteran population
•
Sponsored by the national Student Veterans of America
organization
Presented by the Office of Military and Veterans Programs
Jacobo Varela
646-1801
[email protected]