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 for CVSC Outreach Specialist
steelel@ufl.edu
(352) 392-1278
Tim Hardin | Outreach Specialist
timothyhardin@ufl.edu
(352) 273-0874
Shawn Ham | Program Coordinator
Sham1@ufl.edu
(352) 294-3629

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

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Credentials and Courses

Presentations

Improve your ability to communicate big ideas to clients, teams, and execs by honing your presentation skills! Gain access to…

Networking & Outreach

Utilize practical exercises and advice from successful professionals to grow your network, build your professional community, represent your organization, and…

Clarifying Expectations

What questions do you need to ask to get the job done correctly? Improve your ability to communicate with your…

Goal Setting

Setting relevant and precise goals is a recipe for career success—but where do you start? Learn how to choose which…

Giving & Receiving Feedback

Feedback is a two-way street — this course helps prepare you to thoughtfully give and receive constructive feedback with team…

LinkedIn Overview

Learn how to harness all of LinkedIn’s features in order to optimize your job search, expand your network, and maximize…

Informational Interviews

Careers aren’t built alone! Informational interviews are a key tool in your professional toolbelt: learn how to leverage the peers…

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Explore the essential roles and functions you’ll be collaborating with at top companies, then dive into best practices for leading…

Requesting Time Off

Nervous about requesting time off from work? Not sure how to ask your manager? Get the essential information and templates…

Find Your Calling: Career Transition Principles for Returning Veterans

This course is a collaboration between FourBlock and Columbia University, powered by T-Mobile. The course will focus on the development…

Cover Letters

When used correctly, a cover letter can be a valuable companion to your resume. This course will provide the samples…

Interviewing

Prepare to ace the interview! Dive into interview fundamentals, secrets to making a great first impression on employers, and how…

Professional Writing & Organization

Take a deep dive into the unspoken dos and don’ts of professional communication with coworkers, customers, managers, and more! Then,…

Presence & Professionalism

Whether you’re in the office, joining a remote meeting, or attending a work event, how you show up matters! Demystify…

Getting to Know Your Manager & Team

Navigating a new workplace is a challenge. Start your new role with confidence by asking the right questions on (and…

Hiring Process & Offer Evaluation

Upgrade your hire-ability by demystifying the hiring process from application to offer.

Resumes

Get seen by employers and put your best foot forward in the application process by unlocking key hacks and tips…

Career Exploration

Finding your career path doesn’t have to be a headache! Learn the difference between constructive and overwhelming questions to ask…

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.