ACHE 86th Annual Conference and Meeting - October 14-16 2024

National University was founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Chigos, and serves active-duty and Veteran students from all branches of the military. The mission and vision are supported by the values of quality, innovation, collaboration, diversity, and access (National University, 2023). National University's holistic approach to student support, well-being, and success is called “Whole Human Education.”

As an online, military-serving institution, it is vital to understand the circumstances surrounding active-duty military students and veterans. Many of these students grapple with hidden triggers and disabilities stemming from their service, significantly impacting their learning experience. Recognizing these challenges, we prioritize a supportive and flexible learning environment that acknowledges the complexities of these hidden issues. This involves implementing comprehensive support systems, offering flexible scheduling options, and ensuring that faculty and staff are well-trained in sensitivity and awareness regarding military-related disabilities and triggers, including developing course content and materials with consideration for images, scenarios, or language that could inadvertently trigger stress reactions among students with PTSD or other trauma-related conditions. By recognizing and mitigating these triggers, we aim to create an educational setting where all students, particularly those from military backgrounds, can learn and thrive without fear of encountering unanticipated stressors.