Green Zone Training: Supporting Veterans and Military-Connected Students

Monday, November 9, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Online
Faculty, Staff

Green Zone Training at Grand Valley State University is a professional development program designed for faculty and staff to strengthen their understanding of the experiences of student veterans and military-connected students. The training highlights the transition from military service to higher education, explores the challenges and strengths veterans bring to campus, and introduces the university and community resources available to support them, including those offered through the Peter Secchia Military & Veterans Resource Center. Delivered in a one-hour virtual format, Green Zone Training provides a focused, interactive learning experience. Participants gain practical strategies to create a welcoming and supportive environment by building cultural awareness, practicing empathetic communication, and learning how to effectively refer students to appropriate resources. While not intended to prepare participants as counselors, the training equips them to serve as visible allies who understand the unique needs of military-connected students. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion and are designated as Green Zone Allies. They are provided with both a physical sticker for their office and a digital version for use in course syllabi or email signatures. These markers serve as visible symbols of allyship, signaling to student veterans that the individual has completed specialized training, is approachable, and is committed to connecting them with the support they need. Green Zone Training reflects GVSU's commitment to creating a veteran-inclusive campus one where military-connected students are understood, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.

Learning Outcomes - Participants will be able to:

Develop a greater awareness of military culture and student veteran experiences
Recognize barriers to academic and personal success for military-connected students
Learn how to connect students with appropriate university resources and services
Gain confidence in serving as a supportive ally and advocate on campus

Presenters:

Shane Scherer (He/Him/His), Director, Military & Veterans Resource Center

Location Information

Registration on Workday Learning is required to receive a Zoom link.

Contact Information

Inclusion & Equity Institute

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 616-331-4111

Share this event

This event was added to the calendar by Emmanuel Amankwah (amankwem@mail.gvsu.edu) on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 and was last updated on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 2:41 p.m.

Events