We Salute You: Student Servicemembers' and Veterans' Perspective of the University of Southern Mississippi's Support of Military Students

There has been an increasing number of veterans and servicemembers attending colleges and universities in the past several years. However, these veterans and servicemembers oftentimes struggle to readjust to civilian life and academia after their years of service. With the increasing number of veterans and servicemembers attending colleges and universities, schools are in a prime position to offer support for this population. However, there has been a lack of research conducted on this growing student population and how to best serve them.A survey was sent via email by the USM’s Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families to the veteran and servicemember students registered with the Center to learn about their perception of the support offered by both the Center and the university. Many of the participants agreed that the university supports them as an individual, but the various programs offered for veteran and servicemembers students could be improved. Many of the participants also felt as though more financial help could be beneficial. The Center also had a very strong system of support for this student population, and the participants agreed that the programs offered through the Center were helpful. However, all of the programs offered through the Center had multiple participants who were unaware of their existence. Awareness was found to be the area of support that needs the greatest improvement.