- Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention, and degree completion.
- Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
- Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
- Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
- Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
- Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.
- Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
- Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space for them (even if limited in size)
But Wait, There’s More
Schools who sign up to agree to implement the Eight Keys To Veterans’ Success are also encouraged by the VA and the DoE to agree to a second agreement called the Principles Of Excellence Program. This is another collaborative effort between the Department of Education and the DoD/VA.
According to the official site, the Principles of Excellence are guidelines “for educational institutions receiving funding from the VA.”
The Principles of Excellence guidelines include the following:
- Align institutional refund policies with those under Title IV, which governs the administration of federal student financial aid programs.
- End fraudulent and aggressive recruiting techniques and misrepresentations.
- Provide students with a personalized form covering the total cost of an education program.
- Accommodate Service members and Reservists absent due to service requirements.
- Designate a point of contact to provide academic and financial advice.
- Ensure accreditation of all new programs prior to enrolling students.
- Provide educational plans for all military and Veteran education beneficiaries.
