Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Janet Jedlicka
Abstract
For veterans, integration into the community post-service poses a variety of unique challenges as they pursue many different opportunities. One of those opportunities sought out by this population according to the literature is higher education. It is estimated that approximately 900,000 veterans and their families had utilized the post-9/11 GI Bill as of 2018, with that number expected to only increase over time (Ulrich & Freer, 2020). Some of the unique challenges faced by this population include higher rates of mental health diagnoses, suicidal thoughts, and service-related injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) than their civilian peers (Eakman et al., 2019; Dutra et al., 2016; Ulrich & Freer 2020). Military and veteran students (MAVS) have further reported concerns of belonging, isolation, adapting to a less structured environment, and executive functioning skills needed to be successful in the higher education setting (Dobson et al., 2022; Gregg et al., 2016a; Tomar, 2014). These findings indicate the need to place focus on program development and advocacy efforts targeting student veterans transitioning to civilian life and life as a college student.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Sheena Kay, "A Successful Start With New Start: Transitional Community-Based Services For Student Veterans" (2023). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 576.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/576