Australian universities and educational equity for student veterans

Ben Wadham, Melanie Takarangi, Andrew Harvey, Lisa Andrewartha, Brad West, Matthew Wyatt-Smith, Jodie Davis

Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned reportpeer-review

Abstract

This report draws upon a small but growing scholarship on student veterans in Australia. Two recent projects and studies led by La Trobe University in conjunction with the Australian Student Veterans Association (ASVA) (Harvey, Andrewartha, Smith, & Wyatt-Smith, 2018) and the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Charles Darwin University (CDU), and Western Sydney University (WSU) (Harvey, Andrewartha, et al 2020) have established a platform for ongoing research and reform in the area of military/civil transition and student veterans. From that work, we know that transition from the military is often a challenging time for veterans. Challenges may include the loss of community and friendships, previous roles or status, dealing with the impacts of service on psychological and physical health, and the radical change from being an integral part of a cohesive, constraining environment to an individual in a civilian society. Veterans also bring significant strengths to their studies: … including discipline, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These skills prepare many veterans to succeed at university, while their experiences and perspectives can also inform others and contribute to a richer learning experience for all students (Harvey, Andrewartha, Sharp, & Wyatt Smith, 2018). Universities can provide exposure to a wider range of employment possibilities, but they can also be difficult places for veterans to integrate. University life and military life are starkly different.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationWestern Australia
PublisherNational Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education
Number of pages70
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jul 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Australian universities and educational equity for student veterans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this