The Morning Muster: A Column For and By Veterans

Navigating the College Transition with the GI Bill

For many veterans, the start of the fall semester represents a new chapter in life, away from field exercises, pre-deployment work ups, and early morning PT. Across the country, veterans are stepping onto college campuses after years of structured military service. This change of pace and unfamiliar environment may feel like a culture shock. It is a weird feeling to be surrounded by students who just finished high school or have no real world experiences outside of the classroom while you have years of operational and tactical experience.

Despite the challenges, higher education is one of the most effective bridges between military service and achieving success in a civilian career. The GI Bill is not a handout, or something to take for granted. It is an earned investment that was paid through service and sacrifice. It does not matter if you are attending Rockland Community College, a local school like Dominican University, seeking a trade certification, or taking online courses, pursuing a degree helps create a path towards reclaimed mission and purpose. However, enrollment is only the beginning. At this point, most student veterans have their paperwork submitted and registered for classes. The hard part will be navigating the semester, maximizing benefits, and adapting to the academic culture.

The Logistics Beyond Basic Enrollment

While the basic fundamentals of the Post-9/11 GI Bill are well known, such as covering tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual book stipend, there are a few traps that can affect your financial stability. The most important thing to ensure is that you maintain at least one in person course per semester in order to receive the full, location based Monthly Housing Allowance. If you do not have a physical class, your housing stipend drops down to the national online average, which is significantly lower. Additionally, the VA also requires that students verify their enrollment at the end of every month through text message or on VA.gov. Forgetting this step will freeze housing payments until verified. Lastly, many veterans are under the assumption that since the GI Bill covers tuition, there is no reason to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). However, federal and state grants, including the Pell Grants or the New York State Veteran Tuition Award can often be received in addition to the GI Bill.

Tactical Advice for Acing the Semester

The transition from the military to college requires translating military habits into a classroom setting. Rather than clear orders and strict schedules, you must learn to live with managing less structured times and take control of your own routine.

First, ensure you submit your Joint Service Transcripts (JST) to the school. Technical schools, leadership training, and field exercises can be converted into elective credits, thus saving you months on your GI Bill. Once starting school, it is imperative that you treat college like a standard 9 to 5 job. Even though college schedules are flexible and provide a lot of downtime, make sure to arrive early and use gaps between classes to study or complete assignments. Fully optimizing your time on campus will help create a better work life balance.

Additionally, make sure to engage with professors early. Introducing yourself and making them aware that you are a non-traditional veteran student can help establish rapport early. Making them aware of family obligations or VA appointments that may conflict with class early on will help the professors accommodate to your schedules. Along with speaking with professors, ensure to utilize academic support services to prepare for term projects or exams.

Reclaiming Community on Campus

The hardest part of going back to school might not be academics, rather the isolation and feeling of being out of place. A civilian classroom lacks a shared mission and the camaraderie of a military unit. Oftentimes, civilians may speak a different language, lack situational awareness, or hold differing worldview perspectives. When getting to campus, try connecting with the Veterans Office. Every accredited institution has a School Certifying Official and dedicated staff. Not only are these places administrative hubs, they are social spots to interact with peers of a similar background. You can also join, or even form a Student Veterans Group. This gives veterans a unified voice on campus, and creates a space where you do not have to censor your experiences.

Continuing the Mission

Hanging up the uniform does not end your contributions to society, nor is higher education a pause on life. It is a strategic repositioning. The tools and experiences gained in the military are the same traits that will set you apart in the classroom. When you step back onto campus this semester, understand that the feeling of being out of place is part of the transition. Lean on the available resources and build a strong support network. Approach your education with the same dedication that you did with your service.