Veterans and Military Student Services Center offering faculty/staff training program during fall semester

The Ohio University Veterans and Military Student Services Center faculty/staff awareness training program known as “Landing Zone” will be offered during the fall semester via Microsoft Teams.

The Landing Zone program has proven to be very valuable, and more than 400 veteran advocates across OHIO’s campuses have already completed the training.

The training program was created to assist faculty and staff who are committed to serving our student veterans at Ohio University. It helps participants understand the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning from military service to college life, including differences between military and academic cultures, GI Bill® implications for academic advising, and potential physical, mental health, and adjustment challenges that may affect learning. The program also highlights key resources available to assist this student population. 

The training is four hours in duration, broken down into four one-hour blocks to facilitate college or departmental scheduling. Each training session builds upon each other. The sessions, named Zones, will run on Wednesdays during the lunch hour via Microsoft Teams.

• Zone 1: Military 101 — Looks at various military terms, rank structure, and differences in military culture and academic culture, while it also dispels common myths about veterans.
• Zone 2: OUr Veterans in Transition — Breaks out national veteran student characteristics, Ohio University veteran characteristics and Ohio University student veteran transition experiences. This session also features a student veteran panel question and answer session.
• Zone 3: The GI Bill® — Details the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) organizational structure, student veteran success programs, differentiating types of VA educational benefits, and VA regulation implications/challenges for students.
• Zone 4: Student Veteran Wellness — Provides an overview of the challenges that can affect student veterans, including mental health (e.g., PTSD), physical injuries (e.g., TBI), financial pressures, academic difficulties, and behavioral changes that could surface in classroom interactions or feedback. Participants will learn how to recognize potential signs, respond with understanding, and connect veterans with appropriate resources and support.

The program invites faculty and staff to show their support for veterans by attending these training sessions to help improve understanding of student veterans and enhance their educational experience.

Zone 5 online refresher course

For those who have already completed Landing Zone Training, Ohio University offers a self-paced online refresher course. This convenient option allows faculty and staff to revisit key concepts, stay updated on new developments, and reinforce their commitment to supporting military-connected students.

Whether you are new to the program or looking to refresh your knowledge, these training opportunities are vital in fostering a welcoming and informed campus community for those who have served.

For more information or to sign up for the course, contact the Veterans and Military Students Service Center or go to this registration page.

Register now for Fall Semester sessions

Fall semester 2025 sessions are outlined below. If colleges, departments, or regional campuses would like to schedule specific training dates, please contact Ray Dixson in the Ohio University Veterans and Military Student Services Center at 740-566-VETS (8387).

All training times are noon to 1 p.m. It is recommended that participants take the training in order, but they can attend as available. Missed Zones can be taken at a later time.

• Zone 1 – Wednesday, Sept. 24: 12–1 p.m.
• Zone 2 – Wednesday, Oct. 1: 12–1 p.m.
• Zone 3 – Wednesday, Oct. 8: 12–1 p.m.
• Zone 4 – Wednesday, Oct. 15: 12–1 p.m.

Registration is required to receive the professional development pathway credit and the Microsoft Teams link.

Faculty and staff can register here for the classes.

Faculty and staff will receive credit in the Ohio University Professional Development Pathways (PDP) program as part of the relationship building concentration.