Veteran and Military Connected Students

Welcome to the Veteran and Military-Connected Students Community at the University of Florida! This community provides curated resources designed to support your unique transition from military service to academic and professional life.

This community is filled with essential information for your career and professional development. Take the time to explore the articles, blogs, and resources, which offer insight into making the most of your UF experience. Engage with military-friendly student organizations, connect with fellow veterans and military-connected alumni, and leverage labor market data to power your career planning.

Veteran & Military-Connected Students Resource

The Collegiate Veterans Success Center (CVSC) is a resource for any military-connected student. The CVSC provides a safe space where students are free to connect with one another, utilize our resources, and ask the questions necessary to navigate through their college journey and beyond. Here at the CVSC, we welcome you with open arms and strive to make your experience at UF one in which you are comfortable and equipped to take on the challenges that may arise as a military connected student.

The CVSC Mission: The CVSC serves student veterans and military dependents at UF by providing a designated location on campus to study, meet with on and off campus resources, and to spend time with and support each other in a fun and relaxing space.

Since 2013, the CVSC has long since expanded and improved to:

· Serve as a central point of contact for veteran students

· Exist as a beneficial approach to helping military connected students navigate campus

· Remained critical to building a strong support program for veteran students

The CVSC remains committed to strengthening the capacity of its services at UF to address the stressors that may be a hindrance to student success, by continuing to grow our veteran student services. We want to be able to continue many of our great events and activities, as well as continue to engage veterans and military affiliated students to help address academic, financial, physical, and social needs.

Linda Steele | Associate Director- CVSC | steelel@ufl.edu | (352) 392-1278
Aurora Turmelle | Program Coordinator, Veteran Success | Auroraturmelle@ufl.edu  | (352) 294-3629
Kelvin Woodward | Outreach Specialist, Veteran Success | Kelvinwoodward@ufl.edu | (352) 273-0874

The CVSC is also honored to serve as the host site for the UF Veterans Affairs Vet Success On-Campus Counselor!

The CVSC is located at 418 Yon Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611.

• Head towards Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gate 14.

• Once at gate 14, enter the glass door within the brick wall leading to the elevator lobby.

• Take the elevator to the 4th floor.

• When exiting the elevator on the 4th floor, make a right and locate Room 418. The first door on the left side of the hallway.

PURPLE STAR CAMPUS

In 2024, the University of Florida received the distinction of being named a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus. Once given the purple star campus distinction, it is maintained at the university for three academic years. By getting this award, UF is now recognized as a college that demonstrates a commitment to supporting military members and their families.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GRANT AWARDEE

The CVSC received the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success grant for the 2023-2026 cycle. The grant encourages model programs to support veteran student success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of veteran students.

Within our grant Objectives we strive to:

Objective 1:

Establish a single point of contact veteran program coordinating with comprehensive support services for veteran students

Objective 2:

Expand veteran services and engagement to improve veteran enrollment, persistence, and retention and progress to graduation

Objective 3:

Train faculty and staff on military cultural competency and trauma-informed education

Spring Events for Arts, Communications, Media and Marketing Students

Hey Gators! 🐊 
 
Your future self will thank you for what you do this spring. C3 has the employers, preparation, and support to help you take the next step!  

The Agency Open House  

Monday, February 16th | 6-8 PM 

The Agency, Weimer …

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
Read more

Career Showcase Is Over. Now What?

Next Steps to Turn Conversations Into Opportunities

Career Showcase doesn’t end when you leave the O’Connell Center – in many ways, it’s just the beginning. What you do after the event can make a big difference in turning conversations into …

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
Read more

RESCHEDULED to FEBRUARY!! Discover STEM Pathways with the CIA – Info Sessions & Office Hours

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will be on campus for two days of Employer Engagement events aimed at students exploring STEM and technical career pathways. Please help us spread the word to students in your networks who may be interested …

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
Read more

Spring Break Career Trek to Greater Fort Lauderdale

Spend Spring Break gaining real-world career exposure in one of Florida’s fastest-growing innovation hubs.
This immersive career trek will connect UF students with industry leaders across South Florida through hands-on experiences designed to support career exploration, networking, and professional growth.

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
Read more

Career Clarity – Finding Your Path Starts Here

Are you feeling unsure about your career direction? Wondering how to choose a path that fits—not just your résumé, but your values, identity, and life story?
You’re not alone. Career indecision and career-related stress are among the most common struggles …

By Peggy Rios
Peggy Rios
Read more

Sidebar

Credentials and Courses

Career Resources

The UF’s Counseling & Wellness Center (CWC) invites all enrolled students to explore our wide range of group counseling opportunities—designed …

Your next move is to use My Next Move for Veterans, a tool from the U.S. Department of Labor that helps …

Oplign is a job intelligence platform designed to help veteran job seekers by translating their military skills into civilian-ready terms and …

Contact & Location

Phone
352-392-1601
Address

J. Wayne Reitz Union
Suite 1300
PO Box 118507
Gainesville, FL 32611-8507

Career Service Hours

Monday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

We are located on Level 1 of the Reitz Union.