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instrumental in helping those who have separated from the military or are currently serving in the Reserve or National Guard feel comfortable and welcome. These programs ensure a smooth transition into campus life, while informing veterans of resources available on campus and within the community. Additionally, a welcome and integration program is an opportunity to overcome the unique difficulties student veterans face on campus and provide face time with community leaders. The college is given the opportunity to highlight campus offices and resources, as well as convey that they believe in the value of student veterans. The college community will benefit from increased performance and longevity of their student veterans, and enjoy a reputation for services that better the lives of those in the military community.

Most of these programs can be designed to accommodate other members of the military community as well, such as spouses, survivors of the fallen, younger siblings and children of veterans and service members. The military community will benefit from having a support system prepared to help them succeed in academia. The overall goal of a “Welcome and Integration” program is to help members of the military community stay in school, have a positive experience and graduate. The goal of this practice is to increase student veteran retention by generating a sense of belonging on campus, which will ultimately be instrumental in the desire to stay and complete their degree. Learn how to implement this promising practice.