Veterans and Military Student Services Center to offer faculty/staff training program

This article was updated on Feb. 14 to include information about the new refresher course.

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

In addition, a new self-paced online refresher course has now been added for those who have already completed the Landing Zone training.

The Landing Zone program has proven to be very valuable and more than 350 veteran advocates across OHIO’s campuses have already completed the training.  

The training program was created to assist individuals who are committed to providing resources and aid to veteran students at Ohio University. The program seeks to provide its participants with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by veteran students, GI Bill® implications on course selection, discussion of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) impacts on learning, and resources to assist this special 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 veteran student panel question and answers 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: PTSD/TBI and Resources 4 Vets — Provides an understanding of PTSD and TBI effects on student veterans, discussion of potential signs, and how to assist student veterans with each. This session will also highlight internal and external resources available to veterans, provide web-based assistance, and answer any additional questions regarding student veterans.

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

Zone 5 online refresher course now being offered

For those who have already completed Landing Zone Training, Ohio University now 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 Spring Semester sessions

Spring 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, Feb 26: 12–1 p.m.
• Zone 2 - Wednesday, March 5: 12-1 p.m.
• Zone 3 - Wednesday, March 19: 12-1 p.m.
• Zone 4 - Wednesday, March 26: 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.