Invisible Cultural Barriers: Contrasting Perspectives on Student Veterans' Transition

Abstract

In this interpretative phenomenological study, the implicit cultural values and expectations embedded in faculty/staff's perceptions and how they functioned as a hidden curriculum against student veterans' smooth transition into higher education were analyzed based on in-depth interviews with 20 student veterans and 9 faculty/staff members. By clarifying faculty/staff's points of misunderstanding/misjudgment and the consequences of hidden curriculum as experienced by student veterans, we offer a culturally sensitive perspective on student veterans' challenges during transition. Practical implications for institutions and university employees seeking to support the civilian reintegration of military veterans are also provided.