More than two dozen campus organizations were represented at the National Veteran Resource Center on Aug. 26 for the Veteran and Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair. The event helped make student veterans aware of the wide variety of campus offices, programs and communities available to military-connected students. These programs support students in the logistics of applying their federal education benefits, academically in pursuit of their personal goals, and can help military connected students work with other student veterans with similar experiences. Syracuse University is one of the only private schools rated by the Military Times that has a dedicated support structure for military-connected students entering higher education.
Veterans could connect with representatives from the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs (OVMA), “The Veteran and Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair was a great opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to this new class,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. OVMA is the front door to all military-connected students on campus. “It was also a chance for military-connected students to get an appreciation for the entire campus community that embraces them. Syracuse University is the best place for veterans because not only are there dedicated support structures, but there are tremendous organizations that every student on campus can benefit from. Many were represented and welcome military-connected students to participate, ” says Novack.
The Veteran and Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair.
The OVMA’s Office of Veteran Success (OVS), which helps veterans apply for and receive their federal education benefits, was represented. The OVS team provided welcome baskets filled with supplies to each of the new student veterans residing in campus housing as part of Operation Welcome. The Veterans Legal Clinic, which can help veterans deal with a variety of military legal issues with the aid of a student attorney, also took part in the fair.
Other examples of programs and communities represented were the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship, which helps all University undergraduates, graduate students and alumni apply for national scholarships and fellowships. Military-connected students have applied for and won several nationally competitive scholarships in recent years. Students could also learn about participating in Syracuse Abroad, which has over 100 programs in 60 countries.
The Campus Store, Food Services, Library and Hendricks Chapel were also in attendance to make new and returning military-connected students aware of their offerings and support.
The Veteran and Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair attracted more than 30 students representing all the branches of service. “Our student veteran population has grown exponentially in the last few years. We’re proud to welcome this class to campus and we hope they use the information provided to become fully immersed in the Syracuse University student experience,” says Novack.
