Veterans and Military Student Services Center offering Landing Zone Training for faculty, staff during spring semester

The Ohio University Veterans and Military Student Services Center will offer its Spring 2026 Landing Zone Training series to faculty and staff interested in strengthening their ability to support student veterans and military-connected students across the University.

Landing Zone Training is a four-part professional development program designed to increase understanding of military culture, the student veteran transition to higher education, and the unique academic, administrative and wellness considerations that may affect this population. The training is offered virtually through Microsoft Teams by the Veterans and Military Student Services Center during lunch hours and is open to all Ohio University faculty and staff.

The Landing Zone program has proven to be highly valuable, with more than 400 veteran advocates across OHIO’s campuses already completing the training. Participants consistently report increased confidence in working with military-connected students and a deeper understanding of the resources available to support them.

The series is organized into four one-hour sessions, known as “zones,” with each session building on the previous one. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions for the most comprehensive experience. New this year, participants must register for each zone separately (through each link below). In previous years, participants were able to register for all four sessions at once.

Zone 1: Military 101

Wednesday, Feb. 18, Noon–1 p.m.

This session introduces military culture, terminology, rank structure, and common myths about veterans. Participants will gain foundational knowledge to better understand students with military experience and how that background may influence classroom and campus interactions.

Zone 2: OHIO Veterans in Transition

Wednesday, Feb. 25, Noon–1 p.m.

This session explores the characteristics and transition experiences of student veterans. It will feature a student veteran panel, offering faculty and staff first-hand insight into navigating higher education after military service.

Zone 3: The GI Bill

Wednesday, March 4, Noon–1 p.m.

Participants will learn about the structure of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA education benefits, and key regulations related to the GI Bill. The session highlights how academic policies, enrollment decisions, and administrative processes can directly impact student veteran success.

Zone 4: Student Veteran Wellness

Wednesday, March 18, Noon–1 p.m.

The final session focuses on student veteran wellness, including common challenges such as mental health concerns (including PTSD), physical injuries (such as TBI), financial pressures, and academic stress. Participants will learn how to recognize potential concerns, respond appropriately, and connect students to campus and community support resources.

Zone 5: Online Refresher Course

In addition to the full training series, the Veterans and Military Student Services Center also offers a Landing Zone Refresher course for faculty and staff who have previously completed the program. The refresher provides updated information, reinforces key concepts and highlights changes to policies, benefits and campus resources that impact military-connected students. It is designed to help returning participants stay current while continuing to build their confidence as veteran advocates.

Ohio University serves a large and diverse population of student veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military-connected dependents. Landing Zone Training equips faculty and staff with the tools and context needed to foster inclusive classrooms, supportive advising environments and effective campus partnerships.

Faculty and staff may register for individual sessions or the full series using the links above. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch, listen to the sessions while they eat, and ask questions as needed.

For more information about Landing Zone Training or services for military-connected students, contact the Veterans and Military Student Services Center at veteranscenter@ohio.edu. 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) or via email at rdixson@ohio.edu.