Strategies for Promoting Success of
Student Veterans with Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Classroom
Emily Cheng, MHS, CRC
Academic Advisor/Disability Services Coordinator
OSU-Oklahoma City
What is PTSD?
 The American Psychiatric Association (2000)
described PTSD as a collection of symptoms that may
occur after someone “witnesses, experiences, or is
confronted with an event that involves actual or
threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the
physical integrity of oneself or others” (American
Psychological Association [APA], 2000).
 The person’s response involved “fear, helplessness,
or horror” (APA, 2000).
Combat Stressors Faced by
Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans
Afghanistan
 84% received rocket or mortar
fire
 66% were shot at
 58% were attacked or
ambushed
 43% knew someone that was
killed or seriously injured
 39% saw dead bodies
Iraq
 89% received rocket or mortar
fire
 95% were shot at
 92% were attacked or
ambushed
 87% knew someone that was
killed or seriously injured
 95% saw dead bodies
Source: United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 2011
How Common is PTSD Among
Veterans?
 Occurs in about 11% of Afghanistan War Veterans and
20% of Iraq War Veterans (United States Department
of Veterans Affairs, 2012).
 Higher prevalence in Iraq War Veterans
 Suicide rate averages about 1 per day—highest rate
since Sept. 11 event (Pentagon, 2012)
Symptoms of PTSD
 Recurrent flashbacks of the event, may be
accompanied by physical symptoms (racing
heartbeat, sweating)
 Uncontrollable and frightening thoughts
 Avoidance of places and things that are reminders of
the event
Symptoms of PTSD
 Hyper-vigilance (feelings of tension, being “onguard”)
 Exaggerated startle response
 Detachment, estrangement from others
 Emotional numbness
Symptoms of PTSD
 Sleep disturbances
 Irritability, anger outbursts
 Often accompanied by depression, anxiety, or
substance abuse disorders
 Can be linked to traumatic brain injury (TBI),
symptoms may overlap
Academic Impacts




Difficulty concentrating
Information processing difficulties
Learning and memory deficits
Impairments in executive functioning (e.g., problem
solving, planning, insight/awareness)
Treatment
 Individual or group counseling
 Medication for co-occurring depression/anxiety
Strategies for Accommodating
Veterans with PTSD in the Classroom
 Extra time on timed exams/quizzes
 Consideration of extra time on individual
assignments/homework
 Permission to use a tape recorder during class
lectures
 Refer to tutoring resources in Student Success &
Opportunity Center
Strategies for Accommodating
Veterans with PTSD in the Classroom
 Considerations in attendance or make-up work
policies in the event of a medical episode or doctor’s
appointment
 Remind class of upcoming assignments, due dates
 Seating considerations
 Allow breaks as needed during class
 Allow student to stand in back of room—this is usual
military behavior when tired
Strategies for Handling Challenging
Students with PTSD
 Be calm and gentle, but firm in your approach
 Explain what they need to do to modify their behavior
(e.g., lower their voice, use more respectful
language)
 Approach student slowly from the front
Strategies for Handling Challenging
Students with PTSD
 Refrain from touching or bodily contact
 Can ask student to leave class if disruptive behavior
continues
 If student leaves class suddenly, do not follow them
On-Campus Resources
 OSU-OKC Veterans’ Services Center




Assistance with Veterans’ financial benefits
Peer support
1st floor Student Center, next to Admissions Office
Contact person: Loretta Hatchett
Veterans’ Services Coordinator
945-8692
loretts@osuokc.edu
On-Campus Resources
 OSU-OKC Student Veterans’ Association
Contact person: Rene Hurst
Faculty Advisor
945-3269
hurstn@osuokc.edu
 David Risinger
OSU-OKC Talent Search Director
945-9161
drrisin@osuokc.edu
Community Resources
 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi
Freedom program through the Oklahoma City VA
Medical Center
(405) 456-3214
 Oklahoma City Vet Center
1024 NW 47th St. Suite B (NW 47th and N. Western)
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 456-5184 or 877-927-8387
Community Resources
 Veterans’ Crisis Helpline
Voice: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
Text: send a message to 838255
Chat: visit http://veteranscrisisline.net