Perceptions of Military-Affiliated Students of a Campus-Based Veteran Center

Implications for Trauma-Informed Social Work

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/29250

Keywords:

Trauma, trauma-informed care, Military Social Work, Student Veterans, military-affiliated students, case study

Abstract

This case study examines the experiences of military-affiliated students—including veterans, National Guard, veteran alumni, and military-connected family members—at a university located in the western U.S., drawing on 61 semi-structured interviews conducted from a trauma-informed perspective. The study examines perceptions of institutional support, challenges, and recommendations related to the university’s veteran center. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants overwhelmingly viewed the Veteran and Military Center (VMC) on campus as a vital source of academic, social, and emotional support. Staff empathy, help with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and community-building were widely recognized. Challenges included age and cultural gaps, limited visibility, inadequate space and staffing, and uneven access to mental health services. Key recommendations from the study include expanding the VMC’s space and personnel, adding full-time licensed clinical social workers, and providing military cultural competency training for non-veteran students, faculty, and staff. Enhanced outreach, peer mentorship, and military-specific orientations were also suggested to improve support. Strengthening trauma-informed, culturally responsive supports can better facilitate military-affiliated students’ transitions into higher education and civilian life.

Author Biographies

Eugenia L. Weiss, University of Nevada Reno

Eugenia L. Weiss, PhD, PsyD, MSW/LCSW, MA, is the Associate Dean and Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno. A licensed clinical social worker and psychologist, Dr. Weiss brings 30 years of experience in clinical practice, program implementation, and evaluation. Her work focuses on Latinx populations, Veterans, and military personnel. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and books on military Veterans, higher education, and social work. She currently serves on the Sierra Nevada VA Steering Committee and the board of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, Northern Nevada Chapter. Her son is an Iraq War Army Veteran.

Michael B. Fileta, University of Nevada Reno

Michael Fileta, Ph.D., is Manager of Research, Evaluation, and Learning at the Nevada Partnership for Training, UNR. He has over 20 years of experience in applied research and evaluation, with expertise in culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Fileta has supported projects across education, health, and social services sectors, including federally and state-funded initiatives. He holds a PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University.

Chai Glenn-Cook, University of Nevada Reno

Chai Glenn-Cook, MPA, is Director of Veteran Services at the University of Nevada, Reno. With over a decade in the office, she is a dedicated ally and daughter of a Veteran. Chai holds a Master’s in Public Administration and has presented nationally on military culture and student support. She leads efforts to build inclusive campus engagement for Veterans and serves on the David J. Drackulich Art Heals War Wounds Advisory Board.

John Pratt, University of Nevada Reno

John Pratt, MA, is Assistant Director of Veteran Services at UNR and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. He has served the campus Veteran community for seven years, mentoring students, educating faculty and staff through VetSmart, and advising the Wolf Pack Veterans ASUN Club. He also leads the Nevada Veterans Alumni Chapter.

Angel Ardon-Elias, University of Nevada, Reno

Angel Ardon-Elias, B.S., is a Graduate Research Assistant in the MSW program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

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Published

2026-09-21

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Spring 2026

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Eugenia L. Weiss, Michael B. Fileta, Chai Glenn-Cook, John Pratt, Angel Ardon-Elias

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