New Program Builds Support for Student-Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

For Ryan Noonan '20, '23 M.S., making sure student-veterans receive the support they deserve is not only important – it’s personal. He’s committed to doing everything he can to foster a culture of inclusion and respect for military-affiliated students, including educating his fellow Chargers.

Noonan recently led several Green Zone Training sessions on campus, bringing together staff, faculty, and students for discussions that enable Chargers to gain a better understanding of student-veteran perspectives.

In a session he recently led for members of the University’s One Stop, which includes the offices of the Bursar, Financial Aid, and Registrar, Noonan showed staff a video clip to give them a better understanding of what it’s like to be in the military. Noonan then discussed veteran culture, something he knows well. Not only is Noonan the University’s manager of military and veteran affairs, he is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a two-time University alum.

“This training is something that is very dear to me and close to my heart because not only do I serve this student population, but I am also a member of this community,” he explains. “As a student-veteran myself, I understand how important it is to have every student group well-represented and supported.”

‘A solid foundation of understanding’

Student-veterans sometimes feel disconnected from “traditional” student populations, says Noonan, and he hopes the training will break down barriers between them and faculty and staff. His goal for the training is to foster understanding, enabling everyone to connect and feel comfortable with each other.

As part of the training session, Noonan led a discussion about language that might yield misunderstandings, explaining terms such as “disabled veteran” and “combat veteran.” While offering dos and don’ts for staff when connecting with student-veterans, he also encouraged them to build rapport by asking appropriate questions – ask them about their branch of service, he suggested – and by teaching them how to properly address them (a member of the U.S. Army is called a soldier, for example).

“It is crucial for our staff and faculty members to have a solid foundation of understanding of certain aspects of student-veteran perspectives for us to provide the best experience and to maximize their education,” he said. “I hope Green Zone Training gives staff and faculty members the tools to acutely assist and support our student-veterans, regardless of the challenges that may arise.”

‘Reset our thinking’

A critical component of the training is to help faculty and staff to better understand where student-veterans are coming from and to help them assist students both in and out of the classroom. Sessions cover topics such as navigating the GI Bill, possible misunderstandings stemming from communication, and adjusting to civilian life. Servicemembers, for example, may be more used to very direct language, Noonan explained, and they may also be reluctant to ask for help with their mental health.

The University’s One Stop is the first office on campus to officially be designated as “Green Zone Certified.” Catherine Malan was among the staff members who attended a recent training with Noonan. A student accounts counselor in the Bursar’s Office, she often helps student-veterans with billing.

“It’s good for us to understand their experiences,” she said. “The training was a great refresher. It was and is an important reminder to reset our thinking and to be aware of veteran-students’ and military-affiliated students’ experiences. Trainings such as this are important for helping us to be more aware.”

‘Now it’s up to us to help them’

The training is available to all offices and departments at the University. Noonan will be leading more sessions throughout the summer as well as into the Fall semester, including with the Center for Teaching Excellence. The program is also offered virtually. Attendees leave with information about resources and support services for students, including tips for how to best offer their support.

For University registrar Elizabeth Rezendes, the training was a great way to learn how to better connect with the many student-veterans and military-affiliated students she works with.

“I see students all the time, and it’s so important to address their needs and make them feel comfortable,” she said. “The dos and don’ts for getting to know student-veterans was particularly important. It helps us to better understand how to be sensitive and to address them respectfully.”

More than 200 students at the University identify as student-veterans or military-affiliated students. Noonan hopes the Green Zone Training will be another way their fellow Chargers can help them to feel a sense of connection and belonging.

“Our goal in the office of Military & Veteran Affairs is to assist and support our student-veterans and military-affiliated students as best we can with nothing less than the absolute best in customer service,” said Noonan. “These students have already served the nation and sacrificed much for all of our benefit. Their commitment to duty and desire to serve is often still very present. Now it’s up to us to help them grow and develop even further as they look to achieve their educational goals at the University of New Haven.”