Australian Catholic University has launched twin apps to help veterans harness their strengths and thrive through higher education.
Innovative web application Five2Study was jointly developed by ACU and RSL Queensland thanks to funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs Wellbeing Grant 2022-23. Service2Campus was developed under the Department of Veterans Affairs Wellbeing Grant 2023-24.
The first apps of their kind in Australia, Five2Study and Service2Campus support veterans and their families while they pursue their journeys beyond the Australian Defence Force.
"If you haven't studied in a while, university can present a few hurdles," ACU Student Veterans Services Manager, Student Experience Aaron Cornwall said.
"What these apps do is remove those jitters. They offer comprehensive support, right from the moment you ponder 'Is uni for me?', to the day you graduate."
Transitioning out of the ADF can be a daunting process.
The challenges veterans face can be unique, with many experiencing physical and psychological stress, social problems and logistical roadblocks as they adapt to a new environment.
They often fail to recognise the strengths and skills developed during their military careers, assets that are highly valued in academia and by future employers.
Five2Study can help them leverage their leadership, resilience, teamwork, and strong work ethic to reduce the stresses of higher education.
Its interactive resources provide a comprehensive toolkit including tips for academic writing, time management, note taking, reading techniques and planning.
How to use AI and a powerful interactive referencing engine are among its many tools.
It also goes beyond that to coach veterans juggling their new work/life commitments while keeping on top of their own physical and mental health.
Developed by ACU, Service2Campus can be of assistance when a veteran, or their family, is considering what the steps to transition might look like.
"It tackles questions like is uni for me?," Mr Cornwall said. "What can I study? What support is available? How do I apply?
"You're not the first veteran to experience a little self-doubt. But if you explore the app, accept the challenge and bite off one job at a time, you'll find you already have the skills you need to thrive."
ACU's Student Veteran Services team works behind the scenes on a network of supports, including the Veteran Entry Program and Veteran Transition Program, a bridging course that introduces veterans to academic skills needed to thrive at university.
In 2021 ACU completed a credit mapping framework that empowers veterans to thrive by formally acknowledging rank and training completed during their service their university degrees.
