The Student Veteran Organization is a student-run organization where those participating can implement changes on campus. This unique organization consists mainly of the Veteran and Military-Student Cohort. This population includes veterans of all branches, army national guardsmen/reservists, military family members, and ROTC Cadets. The SVO’s goals are the pursuit of professional development, networking opportunities, and the social welfare of military students on campus.
Readers, if you are wondering why you have not heard of the Student Veteran Organization until this semester, you’re not going crazy. This organization was an unfortunate casualty of the pandemic. Due to social distancing precautions, among other factors, this organization was informally disbanded in 2020.
School Certifying Official Tristan Stone recounts attempting to gather meetings after the pandemic only to discover,
“Membership fell off as students graduated.”
Thankfully, the SVO was reinvigorated as new staffing and student population grew- along with the desire to make their presence known on campus! The introductory meeting occurred in January.
“This past session was more informative to let our members know what's coming down the pike and to gain more ideas of what the member body wants to achieve.”
They have made great progress so far, and a few of what were once ideas are now events occurring soon (that you do not want to miss).
What changes or ideas have the students discussed so far?
The upcoming DAR Yard sale
Painting the USCA horse statue
Fee allocation for the student veteran organization
The “Not All Heros Wear Capes” ICE event
Leadership positions within the Student Veteran Organization
During school hours the Office of Veteran and Military Student Success is responsible for benefit processing. As an office, they greatly value input and student’s desire to take the rein on topics such as events, networking opportunities, and the overall exchange of ideas. Ultimately the SVO is an opportunity to get involved on campus. The VMSS has hosted many events and if you want your input heard more frequently, this is the place to go. The middleman is gone and it’s up to you to speak up!
Student Veteran Organization meetings occur in Penland 107, come to the VMSS office to see when the next one is!
