Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
Advisor
David Weintraub
Committee Member
Andrew Lumpe
Committee Member
Kimberly Durham
Keywords
higher education, qualitative research, retention, student veterans, transition
Abstract
This qualitative case study explored the perceptions and experiences of student veterans regarding academic success strategies during their first year of college. The study was guided by three research questions examining perceived difficulties, needed support systems, and overall transition experiences. Five student veterans who had successfully completed their first year at a community college participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using multi-cycle coding procedures, including open coding, pattern coding, and cross-case analysis, resulting in the identification of recurring themes.
Findings indicated that participants experienced initial confusion related to institutional processes, challenges navigating educational benefits, and difficulty adjusting to differences between military structure and academic independence. Participants emphasized the importance of early communication of resources, consistent academic advising, peer support, and accessible mental health services. Additionally, participants described their transition as a developmental process involving identity reconstruction, increased independence, and the application of military discipline to academic tasks.
The results suggest that institutional clarity, structured onboarding, and veteran-specific support systems may enhance persistence among first-year student veterans. These findings contribute to the literature by providing qualitative insight into the strategies used by successful student veterans and offer practical implications for higher education leaders seeking to improve retention and academic outcomes for this population.
NSUWorks Citation
Vincent Ciarla. 2026. First-Year Academic Success Strategies for Student Veterans. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (1152)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/1152.