“Student-veterans are the largest, most diverse group at the university,” said Jason Burke, assistant vice president of student experience and executive director of veterans and military affairs. “Not only do they bring their diverse backgrounds to Quinnipiac, but they also educate the university on their diverse life experiences. Many of these students have traveled the world, witnessed combat, sustained physical and neuro-psychological injuries, have navigated moral and ethical decisions, and have spouses and children. They assist on educating all of us and have great diversity of thought.”

Burke associates the enrollment spike with three key elements Quinnipiac prioritizes for the success of our student-veterans:  collaborative culture, affordable convenience and support community.

“We continue to build around these ideas to link our student-veterans with the community at large with curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular events,” Burke said. “The faculty and staff are quick to communicate about veterans dealing with hurdles, not only with academics, but with life stressors. Expanding our education within our community at-large about the unique challenges of this population strengthens our retention and graduation rates.”

Not only do faculty and staff help with academic challenges they also aid in the emotional challenges some of the students face, Burke said. In addition to the financial and psychological support students are receiving, Quinnipiac also hosts events such as Veterans Day flag-raising and dinners to recognize and thank them for their service. 

“We have veteran staff and faculty who mentor and guide our student-veterans," Burke said. "That, linked with our civilian faculty and staff, bend over backward to help our warrior-scholars.”

“The VA’s education and disability benefits support veterans and eligible military-connected students via the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Veterans Readiness and Employment programs. Even for a private school like Quinnipiac, these benefits enable little-to-no out-of-pocket expenses and provide monthly living expenses. Veterans also see the value of getting an education post-military service, and they look for schools that maximize the use of their earned benefits, have veteran-specific space on campus, structure that supports adult learners, and events that recognize their military service.”