top of page

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Gradient background 2.jpg

"50- YEARS OF INNOVATION"
SUPPORTING SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES

Did you download our mobile app? Click here for instructions. If you have the app, make sure to update or click on "switch conference". 

A Military Learning and Employment Record - The Ultimate Civilian Job Search & Career Asset

Dave Wengel, CEO of iDatafy
Lauren Runco, Director of Strategy

Learning and Employment Records (LERs) allow institutions to stand behind individuals to record their knowledge, skills, abilities and credentials on a verifiable record. With emerging tools, these records help veterans plan their post-military careers, document their talents, and become discoverable to employers based on their abilities. Learn how MilGears is helping veterans turn their military paperwork into a digital LER, and how SmartResume helps them turn that into an elite job search asset.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

A Practical Guide for helping loved ones heal after trauma

Shawn Banzhaf (SFC Army, Ret.)
MA Sociology
Associate Director Student Success and Academic Innovation
Pat Tillman Veterans Center, Arizona State University

The Five Ls book and this talk is primarily designed for partners and allies for those who are caught up in someone else's PTSD. The learner I' m talking to is usually the spouse or partner or friend of the one whose relationships and lives changed after the traumatized person came back from war (or whatever events they experienced) and they are seeking to do something to help. Learn more at shawnbanzhaf.com

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

A System-level Approach to Scale the Mapping of Military Competencies to College Courses

Runco, Lauren, M.S., Director of Strategy and Growth, SOLID, LLC
Deal, Sarah, Ph.D, Senior Researcher, DVP-PRAXIS LTD
Wood, Tobias D, Associate Director, Career Technical Education, Kansas Board of Regents

Discover insights on the implementation of competency-based education and the creation of a scalable model for mapping military competencies to college courses, highlighted through a review of Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) work with the Military Credentialing Advancement Initiative (MCAI). By leveraging state and institutional commitment, providing infrastructure support to colleges, and utilizing existing transfer articulation policies, KBOR documented military competencies and awarded college credit toward 36 programs across the state's universities.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Academic Institutional (AI) Portal and Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) - Leveraging Technology to Support our Military Community.

Michael Allen, Director – Education and Training Programs, BAM Technologies and Kendall McAree, Managing Partner, BAM Technologies

The Academic Institution (AI) Portal assists our Military Community by providing educational information to the following members: Air Force, Civilian Acquisition Workforce, and Military Spouses. Recent changes to the AI Portal and AFVEC will be discussed as the Air Force looks to continually improve and automate functionality to make processes easier for the Airmen, Education Centers and our Academic Institutions. The AFVEC serves our Military Community by providing one-stop-shopping for educational needs.

E - Envisioning the Future: Technological Innovation and Business Analytics for Quality Education and Employment

Addressing Service Member and Veteran Barriers to Careers in Teaching through Innovative State Partnerships

Dr. Quarells, Taheesha, Director, Troops to Teachers Program, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
Dr. Quarells is a U.S. Army veteran with over 20 years of experience in expanding academic and career development opportunities for military members, veterans, and minorities. She has served in numerous roles at the local, state, and federal levels of government serving military members and veterans in the areas of employment, vocational resource development, employer services, education counseling, education program and project management, and strategic planning. Dr. Quarells currently applies this combined skillset to help service members and veterans become certified K-12 school teachers as the Director of the Troops to Teachers Program at DANTES.
Dr. Quarells has experience as both an active duty military and veteran student while completing her Bachelors in Health Education from the University of West Florida, Masters in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.

The COVID-19 Pandemic exacerbated the teacher shortage crisis across America. However, while states and school districts are clamoring to fill open teacher vacancies, unique barriers exist for service members and veterans interested in meeting the need and filling those jobs. This session will help attendees understand what those barriers are and how partnerships between the Department of Defense's Troops to Teachers program and state departments of education are addressing those barriers.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Advantages of Competency-Based Education for Military Students

Jeff Harley, PhD
Rear Admiral, US Navy (ret.)
Director, Military Engagement
Western Governors University

Learn how Competency-Based Education can help military students earn their degrees in less time. Competency-Based Education measures skills and learning rather than time spent in class. Students move through courses as quickly as they understand the material. It is ideal for military students as they can accelerate through coursework by using their knowledge and experience to their advantage. WGU pioneered Competency-Based Education 25 years ago and has the most experience in delivering this model of all academic institutions today.

E - Envisioning the Future: Technological Innovation and Business Analytics for Quality Education and Employment

Assisting our military students: Maximizing non-traditional credit and decreasing the time to meet educational goals.

Abby Dolan, Registrar
Rebecca Jones, Associate Vice President, Center for Student Success
Brittney Drake, Associate Vice President, Student Finance
Christina Hoang, Vice President of Admissions

Trident University International's goal is to help our students achieve their educational goals by launching our Fastrac program. Fastrac gives multiple options to students to complete their coursework faster through many different options: Challenge Exams, Sophia courses, CLEP, Prior Learning Assessment, and transfer credit. To better serve our students and support them on their path to graduation, the operational teams have developed a series of trainings for all teams to ensure alignment across the university.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

California MAP Initiative: Maximizing College Credit for Veterans at 55 California Community Colleges and Beyond

Lee, Samuel, Ed.D., Chief Ambassador, California MAP Initiative
Nelson, Terence, M.A., Director Academic and Institutional Partnerships, California MAP Initiative
Gloria, Calin Klein, B.S., Project Expert, California MAP Initiative (Navy Veteran)
DeAsis, Mark, M.S., Dean of Enrollment Services, Norco College

The Military Articulation Platform (MAP) Cohort of 55 California Community Colleges is changing lives by awarding up to 30 units of credit for prior learning (CPL) to veterans--preserving a year of benefits while easing transition stress and increasing equitable access, retention, and completion (+17%), all leading to 4-year completion with existing 36 months of benefits. Briefing covers Initiative strategy, outcomes, plans to scale statewide and beyond, and a demonstration of MAP processes and CPL transcribing.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Community College of the Air Force Demystified

Dr. Cherilee Walker
MSgt Andy Mohammed, USAF

CCAF leadership and faculty will provide and overview-level description of CCAF's make up, history, and programs for attendees unfamiliar with the institution. Presenters will also focus on intermediate learners by transitioning to an explanation of recent policy and degree structure changes, and finally, proposed future initiatives and new programs. After the presentation phase, the CCAF presentation team will conduct a question and answer session using a panel of experts from both faculty and institutional leadership.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Community College of the Air Force Today, Tomorrow, & Beyond

MSgt Ian Rowswell, USAF
TSgt Tate Young, USAF
SSgt Ashley Sherry, USAF

CCAF leadership and faculty will provide targeted information for Air Force and other DoD academic advisors regarding recent policy changes, innovations and added services. Topics covered will include the new student information system, the debut of the Military Technology and Science Management (MTASM) degree, and the addition of an institutional e-transcripting service. CCAF faculty will also conduct an expert Q&A session to answer persistent and emerging questions of advisors and stakeholders.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)

Judith Davis Program Analyst

"CAP is a centrally funded DoD program to accommodate federal employees with disabilities and wounded, ill, and injured Service members in accessing information and communication technology. DoD has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires DoD to provide accommodations to employees with disabilities and make its programs and activities accessible to these employees as well as military retirees, military dependents, and members of the public with or without disabilities.

CAP serves both the civilian and military workforces within DoD. By providing assistive technology and services to our DoD customers, CAP helps the DoD make their work environments more accessible to people with hearing, visual, dexterity, cognitive, and communication impairments.

CAP works closely with DoD to make a positive impact on the employment of people with disabilities by:

Conducting needs assessments to identify the most appropriate solution for each individual requesting an accommodation and assisting with the accommodation process.
Buying accommodations to make computer and telecommunications systems accessible to employees with disabilities, as required by public laws.
Assisting with the recruitment, placement, promotion, and retention of people with disabilities.
Providing expertise in solving accessibility problems through the use of software, hardware, and other assistive technology.
Providing guidance on creating an accessible computer and telecommunication environment within your agency.
Funding sign language, oral and tactile interpreting services for job related training courses lasting two days or longer, but not to exceed two weeks.
Travel reimbursement for personal assistants"

C – Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Creating an on-base Credentialing Assistance Program

Vrbanac, Mary, MS, Education Services Specialist, NGB-TXARNG
Spinazzola, Liliya , MA, Senior Director, UT-Austin
Berlad, David, PMP, MS, Business Development Manager, UT-Austin

A case study creating a partnership with the University of Texas at Austin-Extended Campus and the Texas Army National Guard using the Army's Credentialing Assistance Program. Attendees will learn how to create a successful on-base credentialing assistance training program. In addition, attendees will learn the requirements of developing and approving an MOA, best practices learned, and pitfalls to avoid.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Military Student

Kendra Thomas, Ed.D., Senior Director of DEI HR Initiatives, Southern New Hampshire University

DE&I aren't new terms or a way of life, yet it can be challenging to have difficult conversations about lived experiences, biases, and being othered in educational and professional spaces as a military student. The military student will be centered in online and ground campus settings, highlighting the many benefits of DE&I in higher education and how administrators, staff, and faculty can individualize the military student experience while focusing on scalability.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

DoD Institutional Compliance Program Update: Navigating the ICP

Anthony Clarke, DoD Voluntary Education Programs
Scott Flood, Associate Director, Guidehouse, LLP

The ICP continues to mature and evolve, while maintaining the consistency and transparency that have been its since its inception. This presentation will briefly review the overarching philosophy of the ICP, and provide examples of what's expected of the participants that will make the overall process more effective and efficient for all.

R - Reinforce Accountabilities and Expectations: Policy and Regulation Implementations

Emotional Intelligence: The X Factor

Garcia, Hector, Ed. D, MS, Associate Dean of Graduate Criminal Justice Programs, Southern New Hampshire University

Emotional Intelligence (EI) resides in the space where cognition and emotions intersect and is
instrumental in developing strategies to realize a more fulfilled and meaningful life. EI can help us navigate conflicts, manage stress, develop resilience, communicate better, and help us understand our emotions and how to use them productively. This interactive session affords you the opportunity to identify and reinforce your EI strengths while setting goals and strategies to address your EI limitations.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Expanding Opportunities for Service Member Success: Data and Lessons Learned from the ACE Military Guide

Mr. Doug Johnson currently serves as the DoD Military Training Evaluations Program Manager, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Mr. Johnson manages the outcomes and success of the Military Training Evaluation Program (MTEP) and oversees the successful implementation of data modernization and interoperability with key stakeholders. Mr. Johnson is a retired Navy Commander and spent over 31 years serving in a variety of education and training leadership roles. Mr. Johnson holds BS in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, Columbia and MBA from Trident University. Additionally, he holds both the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certifications.

Ms. Michele Spires, assistant vice president for ACE Learning Evaluations, brings years of wide-ranging experience in post-traditional and workforce education. She is actively engaged in tackling critical topics from the evaluation of educational experiences that occur outside the traditional classroom, credit for prior learning, military culture, digital transcripts, competencies, credentials, transfer credit, and trends related to workforce education and training. She coauthored, Recognition of Learning Across Military and Corporate Settings, served on the steering committee for Digital Promise�s Learning and Employment Records (LER) for Equity and continues her role with the George W. Bush Institute�s national higher education task force. Connecting individuals to education and career pathways is her passion!

Now that the ACE Military Guide has been modernized to streamline credit for military learning practices nationwide, what's been learned in the past twenty months? What is the data starting to tell us? This next evolution in military student support allows you to maximize results for learners and foster clearer pathways to higher education for adult learners. Join us for short demonstration of the system's capabilities and let's discuss lessons learned from the data!

E - Envisioning the Future: Technological Innovation and Business Analytics for Quality Education and Employment

From TA to CA to VA. Military Enlistment to Transition; Student Recruitment to Student Retention.

Dill, Shelby, M.S., Education Services Officer, USCG Base Galveston, TX
Henry, Theresa, M.Ed., Regional Education Services Officer, USCG District 9, Base Cleveland, OH
Kelly, Bonnie, M.S., Ph.D., Education Services Officer, USCG Aviation Training Center Mobile, AL
Stancliff, Debra, M.S., Education Services Officer, USCG Sector Buffalo, NY

What are the questions to ask? Compassionate career support and transition services tap into specific pulse points.? The payoffs are consequential successful outcomes for military personnel using Tuition Assistance (TA), Credentialing Assistance (CA), or Veteran's Affairs (VA) benefits.? Understanding these elements will provide insight for colleges to connect with and retain talented service members. Takeaways include a quick, strategic advising paradigm for military counselors and suggestions for capstone assignments/courses to set academic programs apart.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

From training to thriving: Utilizing cyber learning to retain Service members

Bloor, Christopher, Iona College, Federal Sales Director, Pearson VUE

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that personnel needs for information security analysts will increase by 35% by 2031. But because cybersecurity skills are constantly evolving, long-term job satisfaction can be hard to find. In this session, attendees will explore long-term career planning and competency mapping solutions that can help Service members plan successful careers. The session will also discuss assessment structure and planning, including identifying and assessing aptitudes and alignment to industry standards.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Future: DoD Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) System Modernization

Dr. Irina V. Rader
Mr. Eddy Hattabaugh, Senior Chief (AC/AW/MTS), US Navy (retired)
Mr. Marc C. Eckardt, Captain, US Navy (retired)

The Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DoD MOU) system was built in response to the 2014 Principles of Excellence (PoE) and has gone through several changes over the years. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Voluntary Education (VolEd), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), and Vantage Point Consulting (VPC), have been developing plans for a modernized platform using new technology. The intent is to inform DoD MOU Partnership community about upcoming system changes, and begin to have robust discussion about DoD MOU future.

E - Envisioning the Future: Technological Innovation and Business Analytics for Quality Education and Employment

Heroes to Hospitality: Your Recipe for Success - Competency-Based Progressive Career Pathways

Walden, Sr., Edward L. Ph.D., CMSgt (Ret), Director, Professional Advancement, NRAEF
Small, Derek, Director, USN, (Ret), Military Programs, NRAEF

This presentation will showcase the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's (NRAEF) successful career pathway program for transitioning servicemembers. Based on industry-developed competencies, a transitioning service member can have a path to follow to begin a new career while completing a Registered Apprenticeship Program, as well as earning college credit that applies towards post-secondary degrees. Utilizing DoD SkillBridge, nationally recognized credentials, and DOL-approved Registered Apprenticeship Programs, the NRAEF's program can be replicated in any industry.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition
A � Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Innovations in Credentialing and Credit for Prior Learning for Academic and Non-Academic Credentials

Acevedo-Moyer, Susan Ed.D, Director of Research and Analysis, SOLID
Andree, Casey M. Ed., Instructional Designer, Education Design Lab
Carrick, Gardner, Vice President, The Manufacturing Institute
Mackenroth, Amy, Senior Managing Director of Workforce Development, Dallas College
Phillips, Tom, Director, United Services Military Apprenticeship Programs

Academia, employers, training providers, and others continue to see the value and growing demand of innovative and alternative short and long-term credentials. This session introduces initiatives that encourage the adoption of all learning counts, such as the validation of soft/human skills, creation of badges that account for partial skill attainment towards a credential, credit for prior learning, and the development of training programs that allow an individual to receive on-the-job training and academic credit simultaneously.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Innovative Perspectives & Approaches that Allow Veterans to Flourish

Due, Jonathan, MA, Executive Director, Center for Military Transition - William & Mary
Crace, Kelly, Ph.D., Assoc. VP for Health & Wellness - William & Mary
Jenkins, Brian, BA, Executive Director - Armed Services Arts Partnership
Tiffany Fields, MA, Transitioning Service Member

How do institutions of higher education partner with non-profits, state agencies, and federal and military entities to maximize opportunities for veterans to flourish in their next chapter of service?
Please join wellness and career professionals from the College of William & Mary as well as the award-winning non-profit, The Armed Services Arts Project in a discussion of best practices for cross-institutional collabroation that creates meaningful connections and real opportunities for transitioning service members.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Innovative coaching and funding model to improve Ohio National Guard student outcomes.

Jessica Hector- The Ohio State University (BA), AVP Partner Success, InsideTrack
Marchem Pfeiffer- Cleveland State University (B.A.) and The University of Akron (M.A.), Education Services Officer, Ohio National Guard
Jared Shank- Wright State University (B.A., M.S.), Senior Director of Military and Apprenticeship Initiatives and Special Projects, Ohio Department of Higher Education
David Merriman-Cleveland State University (M.A.), Director of Cuyahoga County Health & Human Services
Sarah Walton-Syracuse University (B.A.), Director, Third Sector
Simone Gross-Columbia Law School (JD), Director, Maycomb Capital

This session will discuss the design and launch of an innovative coaching project aimed to improve student outcomes in certificate, 2 year, or 4 year educational programs for recipients of the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program who reside near/in Cuyahoga County or attend a Cuyahoga County institution. Led by InsideTrack, the project will offer coaching services to qualifying ONGSP recipients to drive persistence and completion outcomes through a Pay for Success performance model.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Job Corps 101; Understanding its function and its role as an authorized program of WIOA

Amanda Gordon, Director of Outreach and Admissions & Career Transition Services
Apryl Simmons, Director of Workforce Development
Belinda Shields, Vice President Human Resources
Ramon Serrato, CEO Serrato

Learn about the purpose and history of the Job Corps and how the Job Corps, a federally funded program, participates with state and local government workforce development plans to support industry workforce demands.  This session will also provide an understanding of how Job Corps functions in its phased career development system, provide an understanding of the available training programs offered among the 121 Job Corps Centers across the US and Puerto Rico including how Job Corps provides opportunities for colleges and industries to partner and help and support students to continue their lifelong learning career choices and goals.      

A – Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

MilGears: Supporting Military-Connected Students

Boring, Keith - Director, Navy Credentialing Programs, US Navy
Detrick, Rita - MilGears Project Owner, SOLID

MilGears is an application powered by the Services Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) platforms where Service members and veterans explore and plan for their career and credentialing goals. This session will provide you with an overview of the platform and walk through the Engage My Career (EMC) tool. EMC can be used to connect users to relevant and customized pathways. See how MilGears can be leveraged for career and education guidance, planning, and decision making.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Military Benefits Advising - Helping Our Students Navigate the Benefits Process at NU

Karla Payne - Associate Director - Military Benefits Advising, EdD Candidate Organizational Innovation, National University

This session will present the development and implementation of the Military Benefits Advising Team, to provide clear concise assistance to the military-affiliated students at National University. The presenter will discuss the planning, organization process and training of the new Military Benefit Advising team.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Modernizing Military Education with Strategic Thinking & CPI at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine

Lazarus, Melanie, EdD, MPH, Dean, United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine
Rosciszewski, Heather, NC, MHA, BSN - Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Through a unique combination of academic-based strategic thinking and military-based continuous process improvement practices, the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) has implemented a revolutionary strategic plan to modernize its educational offerings, improve functionality of academic support, and optimize knowledge delivery. These initiatives coalesce to demonstrate how military education services have been updated through collaborative efforts using academic and industry best practices.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Monthly Housing Allowance , Limitations When Serving Veterans Solely Online, Is it Time for Change?

Cheryl Dowd; JD, MS, BS; Senior Director, State Authorization Network & WCET Policy Innovations; WCET-WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies
Russ Poulin; MS, BS; Executive Director; WCET-WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies
Shannon Riggs; MA, BA; Executive Director of Academic Programs and Learning Innovation; Oregon State University

Attendees will learn of the history of Veterans access to Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) when using G.I. Bill education benefits. The history will inform a discussion about the impact and limitations when serving Veterans participating in educational programs solely by distance education. Looking to the future, the panelists and attendees will consider whether there is a need for a revision, and if so, how and to whom should Veterans and institutions advocate for a change.

R - Reinforce Accountabilities and Expectations: Policy and Regulation Implementations

People-first strategies for innovation | Ensuring military professional success in service & beyond

Brown, Jessica, MBA/MPP, Dir. of Partnerships, Faethm by Pearson
Gasca, Leti, Future of Work Insights Team Leader, Faethm by Pearson

As AI and robotic technology continue to take hold across industries, defense departments worldwide are struggling to understand its implications on their mission and how they can support their involved personnel in this evolving and uncertain future. Join us for this session where predictive analytics firm Faethm by Pearson shares how military organizations are leveraging tech-informed platforms to increase force retention, improve mission success rates, and shift Service members into roles needed for the future.

E - Envisioning the Future: Technological Innovation and Business Analytics for Quality Education and Employment

Poor Leadership is Not the Problem...Four Other Things You Need to Know About Actualizing Culture Change

Chris Armstrong, Co-Owner and Chief Content Officer of Veritas Culture and Vince Brantley President, Co-Owner and Chief Technology Officer of Veritas Culture

Every year in every DoD and IC organization, the survey's go out, the results come in, the working groups stand up, and "solutions" are deployed. And yet, we deal with the same concerns year after year after year. That's right. The same concerns and the same survey-working groups-"solutions" cycle. But why? What are we missing? Chris Armstrong and Vince Brantley studied this phenomenon across dozens of DoD and IC organizations over a 9-year period and uncovered some very telling and root-focused problems and solutions. What is more, their root-focused findings have been the basis for hugely successful culture change efforts across more than 200 organizations.

R – Reinforce Accountabilities and Expectations: Policy and Regulation Implementations

Promoting Work-Based Learning Credentials for Transitioning Service Members and Veterans

Moderator - Lutz, Lisa, MPA, President & CEO, SOLID, LLC.
Swift, Roy, PhD, Executive Director, WorkCred
Mackenroth,Amy Senior Managing Director of Workforce Development, Dallas College
Belcaster, Elizabeth, CEO, EMB Consultants
Sadlier, Jeremy, Executive Director, American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA)

Work-based learning (WBL) programs (e.g., internships, residencies, pre-apprenticeships, and training to placement programs) provide individuals with structured opportunities for skills development within a workplace setting. WBL programs are particularly beneficial for transitioning service members and veterans to learn how to apply their skills in the civilian workplace. Learn about WBL and the need to develop of a national standard to establish WBL as a form of credentialing and ensure the quality of these programs.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Providing Greater Access to Credit-by-Examinations (CBE) for the Prepared Service Member

Hilgeman, Rebecca, BS, AI Portal/Prep-a-Thon Program Manager, DANTES
Schwantz, Matthew, MBA, Credit-by-Exam Program Manager/COR, DANTES

Historically, DANTES has provided access to CBEs to service members worldwide in test centers on and off-base. Collaboration with testing agencies College Board and Prometric, these exams are now available using remote testing platforms. Ensuring service members are prepared for degree relevant exams, DANTES is helping military and civilian educators host preparation events. Prep-a-Thons generate excitement and reinforce effective study practices as a key to success. Learn how to host a remote Prep-a-Thon today!

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Providing Training, Career Opportunities, and Employment for Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses

Brigman, Bill, M.A., M.S., Program Manager and Senior Analyst, SOLID
Schaub, Gary, Ph.D., Representative of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training (OSD)

Interest and participation in the DOD SkillBridge program is continually on the rise, providing a host of new opportunities for service members in their last 180 days of service. Get an inside perspective on the program, how it helps transitioning service members learn industry-specific skills and find employment while still on active duty, and highlight current SkillBridge partners. Experts from the various military services will be available (as possible) to assist with questions.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Setting the Record Straight: Debunking Myths about Veteran Entrepreneurship

Mirza Tihic, Ph.D.
Professor of Management & Entrepreneurship Research Fellow
College of Professional Studies
Syracuse University
Rosalinda Vasquez Maury
Director of Applied Research
DAniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Syracuse University

We provide a data-driven series of analyses to debunk persistent and inaccurate myths in media and public debate about veterans and their entrepreneurial efforts, abilities, and emotional states. Our data reveals a complex and nuanced picture of veterans' contributions to our society, and where retiring the broken hero myth is warranted. The intent is to inform policymakers, practitioners, and educators about these inaccurate myths and pave the road for effective policies and practices.

R - Reinforce Accountabilities and Expectations: Policy and Regulation Implementations

Supporting Credentialing Opportunities for Service Members by Leveraging Innovations in Credentialing and Career Pathways

McVicker, Melora, Deputy Division Director, Credentialing, DOD
Johnson, Jim, Navy OPNAV?N13M7,?U.S. Navy
Boring, Keith, Navy Credentialing Program Director, U.S. Navy
Talley, Mike, Navy COOL Program Director, U.S. Navy
Phillips, Tom, USMAP Director, U.S. Navy
Deon Boyce, Credentialing Program Manager, U.S. Marine Corps
Sophia Sweeney, Credentialing Assistance and Army COOL Program Manager, U.S. Army
Mike Reynolds, US Coast Guard?COOL Program Manager, U.S. Coast Guard
Jason Smith, Director, Air Force COOL Program, U.S. Air Force

Non-degree credentials are increasingly used in the workforce to signal an individual's skills and qualifications. Participation in the services credentialing programs (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) and United Service Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) grows as opportunities expand. Civilian credentials earned through these programs connect to other credential and career opportunities, supporting professional development in service and employment post-transition. Learn about these programs, their funding, how they've expanded, how they complement other opportunities, and new website features.

C- Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

Supporting Deployed Military Students at Contingency Locations

Dean, Laura, Central Command (CENTCOM)/Africa Command (AFRICOM) Contracting Officer's Representative & DANTES European Advisor, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

The Contingency Area Education Support program helps service members access educational opportunities in forward deployed areas within the Central Command (CENTCOM) and Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility (AOR). Learn how educators provide services while enabling deployed students to complete academic degrees and professional development goals.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

The Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program- Providing Soldiers the ability to earn industry recognized professional credentials, certifications and licenses.

Steve Clair, BA Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Development, Credentialing Division Chief, ACCESS ArmyU
Sophia Sweeney, MA Organizational Leadership, Credentialing Assistance & Army COOL Program Manager, ACCESS ArmyU

The CA Program provides Soldiers the ability to earn professional credentials, including civilian certifications and licenses. This line of effort is constantly evolving through the expansion of civilian credentialing opportunities to validate Soldiers professional skills, training, and work experiences. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the CA Program, updates on the increased popularity, participation, and success from the initial Limited User Test (LUT) in 2019 through Army wide implementation in 2020 to current.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

The George W. Institute Institute's Veterans, Military, and Families (VMF) Multi-Pronged Approach to Optimizing Veteran Success in Post-Secondary Education and Beyond

Wendy Ann Lang , Lead George W. Bush Insitute's Higher Education Task Force/President/Founder Operation College Promise (OCP)

The George W. Bush Military Veterans and Family initiative combines the work of three Task Forces; Higher Education, Employment, and Health and Well-Being to optimize the success of veterans as they transition to higher education and beyond.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

The Navy's Voluntary Education-Innovation and Virtualization for On-demand Access

Rhodes, Jacqueline, Masters, Future Operations Director, Navy College Program
Greenlund, Mollie, Lieutenant Commander, USN, Director, Navy College Program
Dickey, Leslie, Masters, Communications Progra Manager, Navy College Program

The Navy College Program has made the largest transformational change since its inception in 1974, going completely virtual. We will present the benefits for on-demand access to Sailors world-wide, utilizing technology for a one-stop-shop for off-duty development opportunities. We will also discuss Navy College's new Fleet Engagement Teams; their roles, responsibilities and interactions with Navy Commands and Academic partners.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

The Office of Accessibility -A Culture of Inclusivity"

Jackson, Michelle,MBA/MSP Phd Doctoral Candidate, Asst. VP of Student Affairs, Alliant International University
White, Kienda, M.Ed, Accessibility Service Coordinator, Alliant International University

How to engage all campus constituents to create a culture of connectedness, inclusiveness and trust across the campus community for students with accessibility needs.. This practice promotes the well-being and success of all students through enhancement of accessibility support, effective transaction, understanding the invisible and visible accessibility needs and academic support

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

The Role and Effects of Entrepreneurship on Veterans' Transition, Well-being, Education, and Social Support

Mirza Tihic, Ph.D.
Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Research Fellow
College of Professional Studies
Syracuse University
Rosalinda Vasquez Maury
Director of Applied Research
DAniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Syracuse University

This presentation shares outcomes and takeaways of 2020-2022 annual National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurship completed by 2,600 veterans. The results indicate that veterans who engage in entrepreneurial activity are more likely to continue their education, report better well-being, experience fewer challenges during the transition, and have strong social support. Participants will gain knowledge and understanding of resources, tools, and programs needed to establish and/or enhance campus-based resources and services, and policies critical to veteran entrepreneurship.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

This Must Be the Place: Vision, Innovation and Technology Transforming Student Services and Creating Community

Barbara Kent, MPA, Director, Eastern Kentucky University, Office of Military and Veterans Affairs &
Dr. Dallas Kratzer, Senior Fellow in Policy Development, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

The military community is a microcosm of American society, reflecting unique elements of diversity among active and former servicemembers, spouses and children. This session focuses on why academic institutions need to recognize the diversity of this population to identify needs and effectively leverage existing resources and technology for seamless delivery of services and programming to create a sense of place and belonging, leading to higher positive outcomes in their transition, retention, graduation, and post-graduation success.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Transition Assistance Program: the process, the curriculum, and the tracks

Manyx, Melinda MA, PMP; Policy and Curriculum Program Manager, Military-Civilian Transition Office, Department of Defense
Kaiser, Jayne, MA; Senior Curriculum Specialist, Military-Civilian Transition Office, Department of Defense

Working with Service members as they transition into the collegiate environment can be difficult, especially if you are unaware of the information received during transition. This session is designed to remedy the issue and make you an informed student advisor. During this session the basic process of TAP will be explained, the mandatory modules will be reviewed, and we will take a deeper dive into the module designed to assist Service members seeking higher education.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

US Army Soldier for Life: Advancing the Cause of Mil-Connected Students

COL David Grant, Director, Soldier for Life
MAJ Jenna Russell, Education Director, Solider for Life
MSG James Wire, Education Advisor, Soldier for Life
General Officer, TBD

What is the Army doing to help military-connected students succeed in higher education? What changes have resulted from the pandemic? How are Army Leaders developing, implementing, and reenvisioning services and resources for military-connected students? The US Army Soldier for Life program Team has these answers, and more. Through discussion and Q&A, leaders from Soldier for Life present updates, changes, and a way-ahead for the future of military-connected students.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Upgraded ArmyIgnitED Portal - Leveraging Technology to Support Soldier Education

Jacqueline Smith-Morris, Army Postsecondary Program Manager, ACCESS, ArmyUniversity

The Upgraded ArmyIgnitED, which includes the Academic Institution (AI) Portal, was leveraged using the existing Air Force platforms to provide an improved information system capacity to perform the government's oversight of the Army Tuition Assistance management for worldwide operations. Changes will be discussed and demonstrated illustrating the continuous improvement and automation the upgraded system provides to all stakeholders.

E - Envisioning the Future: Technological Innovation and Business Analytics for Quality Education and Employment

Veterans, Don't Do College Alone! Go with a POSSE of 10 Veterans!

Kalisch, Eleni
Juris Doctorate
Senior Advisor for Veteran Recruitment
The Posse Foundation

The Posse Foundation offers the only college access program for Veterans to pursue their bachelor's degree in a cohort or posse of 10 Veterans. Learn how Posse identifies post-9/11 Veterans for its program, how Posse's partner colleges select Veterans for the program and guarantee that tuition is covered for all four years, and how Posse's 200+ Corporate partners support Posse alumni.

A - Advancing the Cause: Academia, Government, and Corporate Innovations for Education and Marketability

Well-being in Non-Traditional Settings

Winget, Nicole, J.D. Assistant Dean, Campbell University

How do you offer well-being services and events to students, staff, and faculty in a non-traditional environment? This presentation will discuss the importance of well-being, discuss tangible ways to build sustainable programs, and how to implement them in our current environment.

C - Compassionate Services: Academic, Well-being, Career Support and Transition

bottom of page