33 the Chapter Advisor, this is often not the case, and so a relationship with this group benefits by added support. Student Life Staff Many Chapters are governed by a student life office or a student affairs office. The staff of these offices are an invaluable resource not simply for helping to recruit student veterans, their families, and allies into the Chapter, but in engaging in mission-driven and student-centric programming. For example, the Office of Student Life at Tallahassee Community College “provides opportunities for students to get involved, develop/enhance leadership skills, and provides support services to assist students with getting the most of their college experience. We strive to engage students in meaningful experiences through campus activities and events, student clubs and organizations, Student Government Association (SGA), leadership retreats/trainings, and volunteer opportunities.” Relationships with these offices help in identifying potential members, but also allow the curated programming for Chapter Members, and members of that specific university’s student body. President/Chancellor While not a relationship built for recruitment, having the understanding and support of the leader of your university can prove immensely beneficial. This kind of support can trickle down from the top office to other areas on campus so that student veterans are an integral part of the campus community instead of perhaps a separate group of adult learners. Additionally, the presence of the university President or Chancellor at a Chapter event may solidify the credibility and legitimacy of the Chapter to other groups on campus. Faculty Groups Administrators are not the only professionals on campus with their fingers on the pulse of student life on campus. Faculty groups, particularly if a veteran faculty group exists, are an excellent place to tell the story of student veterans on campus and dispel any misinformation and stereotypes that may exist about the population. Engaging with faculty groups can open doors for honors work, study abroad opportunities, or research opportunities that may not have otherwise been promoted to student veterans. Additionally, faculty with veterans in their classrooms may point them to the campus Chapter if they have a better idea of what the Chapter is and does. Member Engagement and Recruitment The success and stability of a Chapter relies almost entirely on its membership. The Chapter President could have a close relationship with the University President, but without a Chapter membership, without student veterans, their families, and allies participating in and benefiting from Chapter programming, there is no Chapter. Member engagement and recruitment is quite literally what sustains and grows the Chapter. Additionally, the social support that is provided by engagement with a Chapter is shown to increase graduation rates among student veterans. Member Engagement There are many ways to engage with Chapter Members. No two Chapters are alike, so no two engagement strategies can be alike. Chapter Leaders must meet their membership where they are; that is, they must communicate to members to ensure relevant and effective programming as well as ensure that all members feel valued and encouraged to participate in Chapter programming and in Chapter Leadership opportunities as well.
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