Beyond the Barricade: A Holistic View of Veteran Students at an Urban University

Abstract: As veteran students return to campus following their service, colleges and universities are establishing various resources in an attempt to assist them. For this study, a group veteran and military participants at an urban university were interviewed to determine the extent to which current campus conditions foster a sense of belongingfor veteran students. The study found that veteran students at this university identify with their older peers because of their maturity and life experiences. Their veteranidentity is viewed as secondary, if considered influential at all. These findings suggest that universities should focus on providing services for the larger non-traditional student population in order to meet the needs of veteran students.