How to Recruit & Serve the Influx of Veterans

Madison, Wis.—May 13, 2009 — “There are now over 1 million solders that have cycled through Iraq or Afghanistan. Most of them–aided by the New GI Bill–come home expecting to get a college degree,” said John Schupp, professor of chemistry and founder/director of the SERV (Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran) program at Cleveland State University during this recent online seminar. “Schools, particularly community colleges, can recruit their portion of that huge new demographic,” was his message. “For almost every community college, there will be a pool of veterans they can recruit from in their specific area, and this will mean a new source of revenues for you. “ But you have to know how to get them to your campus in particular, Schupp stressed.

The effort will have little chance of long-term success unless schools learn how to create and offer the kind of environment and support that these students need. “You have to serve them in ways that are effective in meeting their academic and social needs,” Schupp said. “You have to create a learning community for returning veterans. That’s the single most important factor.” That’s what’s made the SERV program effective.

“Are you ready?” Schupp asked his audience.

“Do you have the right programs in place to capitalize on this unprecedented influx of prospective students?”

That’s going to require planning and preparation. You can get a head start by purchasing Professor Schupp’s program, The SERV Program for Veterans: Doing Well By Doing Good. It will show you how a robust program of outreach to veterans can benefit both them and your institution.

During this 90-minute presentation, Mr. Schupp shared insights gained during the development of Cleveland State’s acclaimed SERV program. He explained:
• How the SERV program has worked on other campuses … and how to make it work on yours.
• What financial and other benefits you can anticipate for your college and community.
• How to run an effective recruiting campaign.
• How to meet the unique needs of veterans as a learning community.
• How to create a supportive environment from day one.
• How to track the academic progress of veterans.
• How to ensure a normal graduation rate.

Seminar attendees said that Professor Schupp’s seminar led them to focus more deeply and clearly on the needs of these students, and helped them understand what their school could do to meet those.

Congress passed the SERV Act of 2008 as part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 in August. Soon there will be ‘Centers for Veteran Student Success on Campus’ at many schools. Take this rare opportunity to stay ahead of the curve on an important issue.

If you missed the seminar and would like to purchase it for your institution, you can order the program in CD or print transcript format, both of which include the presenters' handouts.

Magna Publications is a leading publisher of newsletters and other information products in the higher education segment. Magna also manages onsite and online conferences on topics of interest to higher education.

For more information please contact David Burns, Publisher, Magna Publications, Inc., at 608-227-8109, or dburns@magnapubs.com.