A Call to Action: Supporting Military-Affiliated Students Through Community and Understanding
In recent years, WSU Global Campus has garnered national attention as one of the best online degree programs for veterans and military-affiliated individuals looking to further their education. With its flexible and asynchronous class structure, Global Campus offers these students invaluable opportunities to achieve their educational goals after or during their service.
Making up nearly ten percent of the Global Campus student body, these military-affiliated students represent all branches of service, each with their own unique story and goals. Moana Acosta, who is in her second year studying human development, is a military spouse who serves both as the Associated Students of WSU Global Campus (ASWSUG) director of outreach and as the president and founder of the Global Campus Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students (VMAS) Club. When asked about what drove her to take the initiative to start this club, she answered: “I really wanted to work to fill a gap at Global Campus for the veteran and military-affiliated community last year… the military is such a big part of my life that having that little piece on Global Campus made me feel connected.”
At the monthly VMAS meetings, Acosta provides a space for military-affiliated students to find community, share their experiences, and learn about key resources like benefits assistance and specialized student services available to them through WSU and even beyond. After the recent government shutdown, for instance, Acosta made sure to “hold space for those affected” and tell them about the relevant sources of support like the Military Family Advisory Network.
In addition to student-run initiatives like the VMAS club, new opportunities for involvement are coming to Global Campus later this month. Jadon Hawkins, the Global Campus’ veterans program coordinator, will be launching the Green Zone virtual training. He describes the program as having an overarching goal of “teaching military folks to speak higher education and teaching the higher education faculty and staff to understand and speak military.”
A veteran and WSU alumnus himself, Hawkins can speak personally to the difficulties of transitioning from military to civilian life, especially when it comes to navigating the world of higher education. “In the military,” he says, “everything is dictated, while in a higher education setting, you’re supposed to be autonomous… there’s a culture shock; you’re going from structure to disorder.” In addition, he mentions differences in age, experience, strengths, and communication that can create divides between military-affiliated students and the rest of Global Campus.
The purpose of the Green Zone training is to remedy these disconnects and create a stronger community that honors and acknowledges the experiences that military-affiliated students bring with them. The training will educate participants about best practices, deconstruct different communication styles, and provide insight into the challenges faced by these students both on and off campus.
Community starts with knowledge.
Moana Acosta, VMAS Club president
Global Campus students, staff, and faculty are all invited to participate in these initiatives to show their support and commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students who have served. “Community starts with knowledge,” says Acosta, confirming that the first step in contributing to such an environment is educating oneself. To be a part of this positive change, all members of the community are encouraged to stay on the lookout for upcoming events, presentations, and trainings through the WSU’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs and Global Campus’ VMAS Club to honor those who have made immense sacrifices for our nation and to uphold the standards of excellence that Global Campus is renowned for.
About the Author
Emma Seckington is a writer for WSU Global Campus, working alongside the Marketing and Communications team to spotlight the unique accomplishments of Global Campus students, faculty, and alumni.