Gearing up for student veterans: a case study of the University of Hawaii at Manoa

Abstract

Research indicates that the psychosocial and academic needs of combat veterans are different from the general student population on a college campus. A qualitative research design was used to explore the readiness of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UMH) to support combat veterans as they pursue their higher education. This multicase study was carried out during the academic year of 2010. Constructivism guided the theoretical framework of the study and positive psychology (a strengths-based approach) was used to address issues of trauma exposure. The primary instrument of data collection was a semistructured interview questionnaire which was used with 8 student veterans who had combat experience during OIF/OEF. The literature review included articles from professional journals, webinars, newspaper articles, monographs, books, and blogs of personal accounts of those who served in these two wars. Once the data were coded, visual mapping was used to identify the emergent themes. Pattern matching, cross-case analysis and a constant comparative method were employed to analyze the data. The key findings were that the military has its own unique culture which can lead to misunderstandings between student veterans and civilians. Cross-cultural training could reduce this problem. Transitioning from military life to civilian (academic) life is difficult, therefore creating a bridge between the battlefield and the classroom is necessary. UHM is not considered to be a ―military-friendly school, but efforts are underway at the administrative level to improve the situation. Military members carry their moral code of never leaving a comrade behind back to civilian life; and, veterans helping veterans continues to be a protective factor in building resilience. In spite of the recent efforts on the part of the DoD, stigma continues to be a barrier to seeking help for hidden disabilities. Professional training is needed for UHM faculty and staff to raise awareness about veterans' issues, and transformative learning theory is the recommended mode for creating a connected school environment that would support student veterans and facilitate a more empathetic campus community.