Proactive Assessment: Example of Tracking Veterans in HE

An initiative at U of Arkansas, described on the institution's Daily Headlines web page, shows promise for tracking a population from the start of program: veterans returning from Iraq in December and January. Assessment is already being planned by a task force that anticipates increased enrollment by veterans taking advantage of expanded education benefits.

The work of the campus task force is largely one of coordination of campus services. The attention to assessment includes initial needs assessment from the veterans themselves to "identify ways to ease their transition into academic life."

University officials also contribute to the state's Yellow Ribbon Task Force, which addresses broader issues of veterans. The Task Force was established in mid-2008 to study reintegration efforts of soldiers, expecting to track their progress over years, not just the first months of return.

Similar programs around the country relate to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which will serve more than 2 million veterans. Additional supports will find their way to "vet-friendly" institutions, notably the ACE/Wal-Mart Success for Veterans Institutional Awards. ACE (American Council on Education) will also provide its own vet-friendly outreach in the form of a web site to explain veterans' options under the new Act.

© 2008 Mary Bold, PhD, CFLE. Email contact: bold[AT]marybold.com. The content of this blog or related web sites created by Mary Bold (www.marybold.com, www.boldproductions.com, College Intern Blog) is not under any circumstances to be regarded as legal or professional advice. Bold is the co-author of Reflections: Preparing for your Practicum or Internship, geared to college interns in the child, education, and family fields. She is a consultant and speaker on assessment, distance learning, and technology.