1. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Robert Stewart MBA, GCDF
Career Development Specialist &
U.S. NAVYVeteran
Western Michigan University
Utilizing Transition
Theory in Order to
Maximize Student
Veteran Support

2. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Veterans Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP99qL2Ww0c

3. N.K. Schlossberg Overwhelmed: Coping with life’s ups and downs. Lexington, KY: Lexington Press, 1989.
Transition
Nancy Schlossberg defines transition as “an event or nonevent
that results in change.” (1989) (roles, daily routines and/or
personal relationships)
Event
• Something that happens; being
accepted into school, getting married,
being promoted
Nonevent
• Something that was expected to happen
but did not; graduating from college,
divorce, losing job due to downsize

4. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
The 4 S Model
Veteran
Situation
Self
Support
Strategy

5. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
The 4 S Model cont.
Move In
• Situation
Move
Through
• Self
• Support
Move
Out
• Strategy

6. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Table Exercise
Situation:
•Severity/Amount of Change
•Timing – Expected or Unexpected
•Control/Options
•Other Factors
Self:
•General Outlook on Life
•Veterans Locus of Control
•Stress Management/Assertiveness
•Resilience/Adaptability
Support:
•Family/Friends
•Money & Material Resources
•Other Agencies & Referrals
Strategy:
•Different Perspective
•Inner Development of Resources
•Additional Support/Agencies
•Next Steps
•Time Frame
4 S Model

7. • Read & discuss the scenario of **** in a
group.
• Utilize the 4 S model. Take notes with the
worksheet provided. Follow this order:
1. Situation
2. Self
3. Support
4. Strategy
• Share group findings
Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Table Exercise

8. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Partner Exercise
Partner up for roleplay!
One person will play the role of the veteran:
• Read the scenario before you begin.
• When you are ready, read the script aloud to your
partner.
• Try to remain true to the script.
The other person will play the role of the facilitator:
• Listen carefully to the statements being made by the
veteran.
• Use the 4 S Model worksheet to assist the veteran to
move in, move through, and move out of the transition.
Both roles be ready to share your observations with the group.

9. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Closing Thoughts
Situation Self
Support Strategy

10. Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Questions?
Thank You!

11. References
• Military Transition To Civilian Life (2014, May 5). Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP99qL2Ww0c
• Schlossberg, N.K. (1989). Overwhelmed:
Coping with life’s ups and downs. Lexington, KY:
Lexington Press
Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth
College of Business, Western Michigan
University