Educators, Community Leaders at MCC Colloquium Aim to Alleviate Unique Challenges of Military-Connected Students
April 12, 2021
WHAT: Of the estimated 1 million Americans who received military benefits to obtain a postsecondary education in 2019-20, many of them reported difficulty adjusting to college, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Student Veterans of America. Some of the challenges include competing work-school-life demands, housing insecurity, and physical and mental health issues. One of the most significant barriers faced by student-veterans is the perception among some that they would not be welcomed, supported or valued in college. The number of student-veterans enrolled in U.S. colleges is expected to continue rising as part of national efforts, including the American Talent Initiative, to graduate more veterans by 2025.
MCC’s virtual colloquium, Supporting Student Veterans in Higher Education <www.monroecc.edu/go/colloquia>, on Wednesday, April 14, will bring together educators, human services professionals and community leaders to examine ways to enhance student-veterans’ experiences and success through a holistic approach and to ensure inclusive, equitable learning environments.
The daylong event includes a panel of MCC students who will share their experiences of transitioning to college life and overcoming barriers to success in and outside the classroom. They are among nearly 320 military veteran and active-duty students at MCC. Compared with the broader student body, MCC student-veterans are more likely to hold a job and be married with children.
WHERE: A Zoom link to the colloquium will be provided to media representatives upon request; please send your request to hyuen-eng@monroecc.edu by noon Tuesday, April 13.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 14
DETAILS: For a listing of featured speakers and schedule of events, go to www.monroecc.edu/go/colloquia
MCC’s efforts in helping student-veterans achieve success
MCC’s Veteran Services
MCC integrates strategies that support learners in and outside the classroom. Major initiatives and activities include:
- MCC VeteransClub. Since its inception in 2007, the active student-run club focuses on connecting military-affiliated students with each other, helping ease their transition to college, and collaborating with other veterans in the local community to hold events.
- Supporting Transitioning and Returning Service members (STARS), a series of educational sessions for the campus community on how to best support students.
- Veteran Services Office. Advisors assist students in obtaining the benefits they earned, connect them to counseling and transition services at MCC and in the local community, help them identify academic programs and career pathways, and more. Staff from the Veterans Outreach Center also provide assistance on select days.