Is Anyone Listening? An Ecological Systems Perspective on Veterans Transitioning From the Military to Academia

Abstract

Using an ecological systems model, this qualitative phenomenological study describes the experiences of 11 student veterans while they were in the military, as they transitioned to a private university, and as they adopted the student role. Results indicated that technology allowed military personnel to remain in multiple networks simultaneously with varied consequences. Results also indicated that the transition experiences and student experiences of these vets who served on active duty during the post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan or Iraq were similar to experiences of returning World War II vets. Targeted services, even at institutions with limited student-veteran enrollment, are needed.

Keywords:

• Student veterans
• college transition
• military
• ecological systems model
• Bronfenbrenner
• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• combat experiences
• veteran transition services

Funding

This research was partially funded by a Baylor University Research Committee grant and a Baylor University Oral History Institute grant.