Student Service Members and Veteran (SSM/V) Students' Perceptions of Support Provided by Institutions of Higher Education in Pennsylvania

Military and veteran students face many challenges when navigating their journey in higher education. These non-traditional students have varied support needs when attending institutions of higher education that are different than the traditional student today. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of their satisfaction with the current academic and holistic support they are receiving at their college in Pennsylvania. The literature review of this situation shows that the support needed focuses on the areas of these military students' physical and mental wellness, their identity and campus culture, and the barriers and challenges they encounter in the higher education environment. Three research questions will guide the present study: (a) What are SSM/V students' level of satisfaction with the support they are receiving from their current college or university; (b) How comprehensive are support services for SSM/V students; and (c) What additional services may be required as perceived by SSM/V students? The study will survey military students at colleges in Pennsylvania with their responses providing feedback on the level of satisfaction at their institution of higher education. Many of the student veteran populations are now at or near 5% of the total student body at these participant institutions (PASSHE, 2023). The data revealed three main findings. First, SSM/V satisfaction with their institutions support was 94%; indicating that the sample population is satisfied with the support and services received at their respective institutions of higher education. Second, universities maintained or increased support to SSM/V students and met the demands needed for them to pivot to and succeed in online learning platforms and hybrid curriculum during the COVID Pandemic. Last, the results indicated a medium positive correlational relationship between satisfaction and a military friendly environment, with the military friendly variable being the strongest predictor of overall SSM/V satisfaction. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]