Ross Bryant (Veteran Services), (Wilson Advising Center), and Allison McSwain (Admissions) made presentations at the 2014 NSHE Southern Nevada Diversity Summit.
Bryant and Johnson presented "Keys to Veteran Success and Retention: A UNLV Model." The and the Student Veterans & Military Family Services Committee serve the growing diverse student veteran and military family community by developing a welcoming, veteran-friendly campus environment that fosters academic and personal success. The presentation focused on how the committee and VetSuccess office at UNLV attempt to meet the needs of the more than 1,300 veterans, dependents, active duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists by providing answers to questions concerning admissions, GI Bill enrollment certification, financial aid resources, campus and community support services, local veteran discounted-housing programs, and various networks for veteran employment opportunities. UNLV currently enjoys a 64 percent retention rate among the student veteran population.
Johnson and McSwain presented "Non-Traditional Students: The Fastest Growing Population on College Campuses in the U.S." Not all students attend college right out of high school. Some spend time in the workforce, enlist in the military, or travel the world. According to U.S. News & World Report, 24 percent of students at UNLV are 25 or older. A non-traditional student is most often defined as older than 24. Many of these students have family and work responsibilities and are considered independent in terms of financial aid needs. Non-traditional students are the fastest growing population on college campuses across the United States. UNLV is an advocate for non-traditional students and has developed support programs on campus to empower students toward success.
