During the summer months, it might feel like you're approaching a crossroads – as it does for many student veterans. Do you continue your classes and maintain your scholarly momentum or need a break from classes and assignments? For this test, there is no wrong answer. However, there are three significant considerations to remember when determining if taking courses during the summer term is right for you. 

Gaining and maintaining momentum is crucial to completion.

You have likely heard of Newton's first law of motion: when an object is in motion, it stays in motion, but when a thing is at rest, it remains at rest. This law is also frequently valid for students completing degree or certificate programs. Once you have gotten into the student mindset, it is easier to keep moving forward in that direction than to keep making stops and starts. Studies have shown that students who progress more quickly through the curriculum are considerably more likely to complete their degrees than those who do not.

Summer classes help maintain personal balance throughout a program of study.

Student veterans balance work and family commitments in addition to school work. Completing the summer term offers personal balance and consistency by maintaining the same level of rigor and scheduling through the fall, summer, and spring terms of the academic year, c. Frequently rearranging work schedules or personal obligations might feel like a hurdle when focusing on completing your degree or program. GGU's terms are set up naturally this way for your convenience. 

Fall, spring, and summer courses allow students 15 or 7.5 weeks of instruction, including GGU's Campus Weeks built into the schedule. Students who constantly start and stop add another mental component to an already busy life. This rhythm can be draining. Burnout can result from not practicing a work-life-school balance, causing negative physical and psychological health issues. One way to maintain balance is to schedule a consultation with your Military Student Success Manager. If you are struggling with school or life-related stressors, GGU's partnership with TimelyCare's virtual well-being support is available to all students. 

Taking a break from your classes means a break in your benefits. 

Ensure that your financial snapshot remains consistent throughout your program of study by maintaining your Military Housing Allowance (MHA), if you're eligible, for the summer term. In short, if you are not full-time during the summer term and fulfilling the residency requirements for the course and the VA, you won't be entitled to receive your MHA during the summer months.   

When in doubt about BAH or general GI Bill®️ concerns, your VA School Certifying Official or the Veteran's Administration can help to clarify the matter. 

Be sure to attend GGU's upcoming Summer Events. 

Tuesday, May 16, 2023, GGU's Career Programs and Outreach Manager, Jenna Piva Laramie, is hosting a one-hour Lunch and Learn where she will share "4 Powerful Strategies for Military Students: Creating a Successful Career Path from Day One." Key points include successful resume creation, LinkedIn profile optimization, tips for building a robust network, and tools for leveraging experiential learning opportunities. 

Tuesday, June 20, 2023, GGU and The Helen Diller Center for Veterans of US Military Service present a Summer C Military Student Orientation. Incoming Golden Gate students who have served in the military or are military family members are invited to attend a virtual orientation to introduce the military support team and the veteran and military-specific resources available at GGU.