by Latosha R. Henderson

Re-Defining ‘Military-Friendly’ in Higher Education: A Call for Real Change

For years, colleges and universities have proudly labeled themselves as “military-friendly,” but what does that term truly mean? On March 5, 2025, I had the privilege of leading a Careers and Coffee Chat hosted by HigherEdMilitary to explore this very question. The discussion was both eye-opening and urgent: Are institutions genuinely supporting military-affiliated students, or has “military-friendly” become just another buzzword?

In my latest article for HigherEdMilitary, Re-Defining “Military-Friendly” in Higher Education, I examine how colleges often claim the title without being held accountable for real, tangible support. We tackled some tough questions: Why do so many institutions fail to accommodate military-affiliated students’ unique needs? Why do credit transfer issues still force military spouses and service members to restart their degrees after every move? And if veterans and military-affiliated students contribute an estimated $1 billion annually to higher education, why aren’t those funds reinvested into resources that truly benefit them?

Beyond the Buzzword: A New Definition of Military-Friendly

During our discussion, one thing became clear: The definition of “military-friendly” must evolve. A truly military-friendly institution doesn’t just seek a designation—it actively works to remove barriers for military-affiliated students. In my article, I propose a new standard:

A military-friendly institution actively supports the academic, professional, and personal success of military-affiliated students by providing tailored resources, implementing flexible policies, and fostering an inclusive campus environment.

This means institutions must do more than just offer surface-level support. Instead, they should provide:

• Flexible academic structures that accommodate frequent relocations and deployments.
• Financial policies that fill gaps in GI Bill® coverage and offer additional aid.
• Dedicated faculty and staff trained in military cultural competency.
• Accessible housing and childcare options to support military families.
• Veterans resource centers that foster belonging and connection.

Read More & Join the Conversation

If colleges and universities are serious about serving military-affiliated students, they must move beyond marketing strategies and commit to real change. My article delves into the challenges, the financial realities, and the necessary steps forward.

📖 Read the full article here: HigherEdMilitary – Re-Defining “Military-Friendly” in Higher Education (Henderson, L.)

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does military-friendly mean to you? How can we hold institutions accountable? Let’s continue this conversation and push for the change that military-affiliated students deserve.