In this inspiring episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira welcome Patricia Wei, the Director of Veteran Outreach at Yale University, to discuss the transformative integration of military veterans into the world of higher education. Patricia shares how Yale has cultivated an inclusive and supportive environment for veterans, with a growing presence of 46 enlisted veterans in its undergraduate community and 130 veterans in its graduate programs, amidst a total student population of around 13,000.
Patricia dives into her personal journey of working with veterans, starting as the Director of Admissions for Yale’s Eli Whitney Students Program, which is tailored for non-traditional students. She highlights how the program has evolved to support veterans with unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, emphasizing their significant contributions to Yale's academic and social fabric.
The conversation also explores the wealth of resources Yale offers veterans, including the Yale Undergraduate Veteran Society, the Student Veterans Council, and a brand-new veterans’ lounge. Patricia discusses Yale's partnerships with organizations like Service to School and Warriors Scholar Project, which provide guidance and preparation for veterans navigating the application process. She stresses the importance of veterans not self-selecting out of applying to prestigious institutions, sharing actionable advice on academic readiness, such as leveraging community college courses to demonstrate recent educational performance.
Listeners will also gain insight into how Yale fosters a sense of community for veterans through initiatives like the Fall Welcome barbecue, Veterans Day ceremonies, and other events organized by dedicated staff members. Patricia sheds light on the comprehensive support system that includes tailored advising, flexible programming, and facilities designed to ease the transition to college life for veterans balancing family and work responsibilities.
Addressing misconceptions about veterans in Ivy League institutions, Patricia and Shawn discuss Yale’s proactive efforts to champion multi-generational diversity and foster a culture where veterans' life experiences enrich the broader student body. The episode wraps up with an encouraging message for veterans considering higher education and a reminder of the immense value they bring to academic institutions like Yale.
Whether you're a veteran contemplating your next step or simply interested in understanding how universities can better support non-traditional students, this episode is packed with actionable advice, insights, and inspiration. https://www.yale.edu/ https://admissions.yale.edu/veterans #vetsos ##VeteransInEducation #YaleUniversity #MilitaryToCollege #HigherEducationSupport #VeteranSuccess