Student-Veterans
The Veterans’ Office offers specific guidance and support for veterans and management of veteran benefits. There is also a lounge which can be used for relaxation and study space.
Location: Cedar Rapids- Main Campus
Rubric for Evaluation
Rating Scale:
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- 3 – Excellent. This resource goes above and beyond in this area.
- 2 – Adequate. Efforts are being made but more could be done to make it more accessible.
- 1 – Insufficient. This resource is not accessible in this way.
- N/A – not applicable for this resource.
| Current Use/Reflection | Notes |
| Who is the target audience for this resource? | Veterans and military connected students |
| What are the services being offered by the resource? | Help with the GI Bill education benefits, ArmyIgnitED, INGSS and any committee services that the student might need. Kirkwood scheduling, services, financial aid |
| Are there known barriers or stigma that may prevent students from accessing the resource? | I am helping the students get funding so they are usually excited to see what they will receive |
| Is there any data available regarding student perceptions/use of this resource? | None that I am aware of |
| Rating | Notes | |
| Physical Accessibility | ||
| Is the physical location accessible to the student population it serves? | 3 | I am located in Iowa Hall 2nd flood – close to the VA lounge |
| Are the resource’s visual images adequate in clearly communicating services, etc.? | 3 | Veteran Services is posted on the signage for the office |
| Wayfinding signage leading to the resource is visible, high contrast, and easy to identify. | N/A | Provide any recommendations for additional signage or wayfinding materials that may prohibit students from easily finding the resource. |
| Scheduling/Time Accessibility | ||
| Do the resource hours and timing of programming meet student needs? | 3 | I am available 8-4:30. I make myself available to the students at all times and I make accommodations to meet with them if they have special circumstances. |
| Does the resource offer an on-demand option for face-to-face and online students? | 3 | Are students able to get an “on demand” response or assistance when needed?
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| Do students have the ability to easily self-schedule at a time convenient for them? | 1 | Does the resource have use Calendly or other scheduling software to allow students to self-schedule? What is the current process for student scheduling? |
| Digital Accessibility | ||
| Are available online resources easy to locate and user-friendly? | 3 | Resources are on my webpage and I go over them in our first meeting. |
| Are necessary print resources available in digital formats? | 3 | I have multiple handouts |
| Collaboration Support | ||
| Does the resource help students communicate, collaborate, work, or share information about academic content? | N/A | How does the space foster student-student collaboration? This may be through specific programming, spatial design, in person, or online formats.
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| Multilingual Accessibility | ||
| Does the resource currently provide or have access to translation tools or reference materials in commonly spoken languages by Kirkwood ELLs? | N/A | This does not apply to discipline specific materials. Is the resource information available in multiple languages?
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| Does the resource use clear language and avoid jargon? | N/A | Are there words/phrases that might be confusing to students?
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| Feedback | ||
| Is there a system in place for students and staff to provide feedback on services? | 2 | Via email |
| Is there a process for periodic reviews of the resource and ongoing improvement? | 3 | I am audited 3 times a year. State, Federal and VA |
| Inclusivity | ||
| Does the resource actively engage with traditionally underserved populations? | 3 | How does the resource make an effort to engage with students of underserved populations? This may include students with disabilities, students of color, international students, low income, students with children, students who identify as LGTBQ, etc. |
| Does the resource take measures to ensure traditionally underserved populations feel welcome? | 3 | I am in the DEI suite, I speak at all students and I have international students in the National Guard |
| Are there events and activities that promote inclusivity? | 3 | I bring in outside resources, Veterans Club |
| Are staff trained in cultural competence and inclusivity? | 3 | I attend 4-5 conferences a year and this is covered at each conference |
| Communication/Marketing | ||
| Which channels of communication are used to share services/programs | 3 | I post information in the VA lounge and I email the VA students monthly with news and updates |
| Is there a proactive strategy in place to ensure students and faculty are aware of resource materials/events/opportunities? | 3 | I communicate directly with the VA students |
| Does the resource market itself to students appropriately? | 3 | Are there opportunities to more effectively market this resource to students? This might include opportunities for collaboration, alternate channels of communication, etc. |