Attitude of Viet Nam era Veterans upon entering and/or returning to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Abstract

In counseling Viet Nam Era Veterans, (VNEV) a generalized negative attitude was apparent, concerning aspects of college life, that was not noticeable among Pre-VNEVs.

A 21-item questionnaire was mailed to a 10% random sampling of VNEVs receiving the G.I. Bill at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL). 54 questionnaires were mailed to male veterans who ranged in ages from 18 to over 30. 33 questionnaires were returned by the deadline, thus constituting a 61% return.

The questionnaire was designed to assess VNEV attitudes pertaining to various aspects of campus life, including fraternities, instructors, curriculum, veteran?s services, activities and various other areas with which a VNEV might come in contact.

The Variables included in the questionnaire were age, grade, and marital status, interrupted college career and service and/or combat in Viet Nam. The questionnaire was further designed to measure positive or negative attitudes using a five-point scale.

The VNEVs? attitudes in all areas queried were essentially neutral, with t-test scores showing significant differences among the comparison relative to only three items: G.I. Bill benefits, compulsory physical education, and adjustment to civilian life.