UGA Online values military-connected students as a strong asset in our online degree programs. In an article published on Academic Impressions, experts Tanya Ang and Bruce Kelley explain why having military-connected students is such a strength at colleges and universities:

1. They are already the product of an intense educational experience

Because of the intense training they have been through, they have high drive and focus, and research done at Million Records Project indicates that military-connected students do just as well as — and sometimes better than — other students.

2. They bring experience with diverse perspectives

Ang writes that “many individuals who have served in the military have participated in some sort of multicultural training to help prepare for potential deployments or for being stationed in another country.” Additionally, many have had firsthand experience being in different countries and cultures.

3. They have mental nimbleness and resilience and are trained problem-solvers

Army leaders are trained in figuring out how to do things creatively and under pressure. This is a valuable skill, especially in the online classroom, because many online student veterans are balancing multiple time commitments including jobs, being on active duty or family obligations.

4. They are working toward a mission and are focused and driven

In the article, Kelley writes, “Military-related students can draw on their training for both discipline and work ethic.” Like the strength mentioned before, military-connected students have a strong work ethic as a result of their training.

5. They are service-oriented

As Kelley states in the article, military-connected students joined “the service,” so it’s only natural that certain service-oriented qualities carry over to their academics.  

This article has been adapted from an article on Academic Impressions.