Written by Michael Dakduk,
The original GI Bill changed the landscape of higher education, providing unprecedented access to veterans and opening the door to college for America’s middle-class. Only time will reveal the testament of the New GI Bill. But it seems, at least partly, that online education is becoming synonymous with military service members and veterans.
Recently, Businessweek published an article highlighting how online schools target soldiers and veterans. The top three universities for veteran enrollment, Kaplan, University of Phoenix, and the American Public University System, plaster advertisements on military friendly websites. Visit Military Times, GI Jobs, or one of the many veteran service organization’s websites and you will certainly find an online school advertisement. But does this really come as a surprise?
The New GI Bill brings in tens of thousands of tax payer dollars, and it seems that private online schools are doing a better job on the marketing front. This sounds like a failure from a public university system perspective. How many public schools are working to ensure their college campuses are veteran friendly and seek to welcome in veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? Sure, some schools have made decent strides, but largely, public institutions are operating at a snails pace compared to online schools.
I am a bit unnerved to find new programs created, or better advertised, from traditional brick and mortar institutions. Many prestigious schools are creating schools of continuing studies, or programs masked under the auspice of degrees for working professionals. Georgetown, NYU, and even Harvard have programs like this. I wonder what the diploma actually reads once it is conferred: Graduate of “Enter Prestigious School’s Name” or graduate of “Enter Continuing Studies Online Program.” Don’t you think industry professionals are adept to the changes in these new, less regarded programs?
I concede that is may be easier for online schools to cater to veterans and appear to be more welcoming. Online universities and programs do not have to consider the needs of veterans from an on campus perspective. Administrators and faculty are predominately detached from face to face interaction, if not completely. That eliminates the need for programs and budgets focused on the needs of veterans. Ultimately, that is not conducive to the success of our returning service members.
Education is a powerful investment that cannot be underestimated. The truth remains, though, that higher education in America is still dominated by networks and institutions held in high regard, and rightfully so, given their in-college and post-graduation support. I hope these online schools and unique programs offer the adequate support during enrollment, through college, and post-graduation.
If you liked that post, then try these...
Tillman Military Scholars Scholarship Application Opens in February by Lynn Goya on February 3rd, 2012
Even with the expanded GI Bill, some service members and veterans have a hard time financially completing their college dreams.
Thinking Outside of the Box for Veterans Education by StaceyChil on March 30th, 2010
One of the best .
My GI Bill: Yesterday and Today by davidj872 on March 28th, 2012
By David JenkinsIt was roughly 1995 when I decided to go back to school.
The Yellow Ribbon Program by StaceyChil on May 21st, 2010
What is the Yellow Ribbon Program? Most veterans are not aware of all of the benefits they have earned.
Schooling For Profit by Joshua M. Patton on October 9th, 2011
In Iraq, despite it being war, there were a few creature comforts.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Not Smart Enough to Serve
After reading an article by journalists from the Associated Press titled “Nearly 1 in 4 Fails Military Exam” I felt compelled to add my personal experience and thoughts on the subject. More than 30 years ago I had proudly taken the ASVAB test and entered the United States Navy to serve my country as my father did before me. This was an honor for me and though there were ups and downs including life threatening injuries, I am proud of my service.
Nine months ago our oldest son also wanted to step up and serve the country that he is extremely proud of by enlisting into the United States Army. Since we are expats, this was a chore in itself to find the correct offices and recruiters to speak to. Weeks after the endeavor had begun and after calls to multiple bases and offices throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe, we were put in touch with the U.S. Army European command. Within a few weeks our son was taking the practice exams and making progress towards accomplishing his goal. Throughout this time frame, we had discussed career choices and the vast educational programs that the military offered. Our son’s decision, he just wanted to enter and serve his enlistment as an infantry soldier.
Although somewhat against the idea of the infantry, this was the starting point that our son had chosen feeling he could advance and move on to a specialized field once he had gained the experience. The recruiter felt he was ready from the scores on the practice tests so with his head held high and spirits even higher, he was boarding the plane to Germany to take the ASVAB exam. This was both the hardest but yet the proudest that I had felt in 30 years. The next few days had proven to be hard because this was the first time our son had to navigate through airports by himself and he was traveling through Europe at the same time. Three days later he returned somewhat broken hearted because his scores were below the U.S. Army’s limits. The recruiter recommended to continue to study, but at the same time said that they could have let him enter under a specific program but there were no openings.To this date this recruiter has not called or cannot be contacted.
Even though this had infuriated me I have since encouraged our son to continue to study and try again. Then on December 21st I read the article from the Associated Press to find that it isn’t just being prepared for this ASVAB but the military have elevated their expectations past the requirements for the majority of the high schools in the United States. This I find appalling and hard to comprehend that from a country that boasts the largest volunteer military in the world to single out who can serve their country and who is not smart enough to serve. With all the finger pointing I do not believe that all of these educational institutions throughout the United States can be blamed. I am more inclined to blame an overly zealous military bureaucrat that set the standards too high. This government threatens to limit government aid and assistance if the young men do not sign up for the selective service, but is there a test score for this? I imagine not. I hope that in the future the military bureaucrats take into account that SAT’s or college level exams do not stop bullets nor win conflicts, it is the soldier that learns from the military how to be a soldier. Math scores and science scores did not make the United States what it is; it was the pride and determination of the American soldier.
Dennis Michael Gannon
Gannon & Gannon LTD.