UNC Expands Military and Veteran Student Success Center

SCHOOLS

By Tyria Bourda
Correspondent

CHAPEL HILL – Situated in suite 1310 of the Student and Academic Services Building South on the UNC Chapel Hill campus, the new Military & Veteran Student Success Center is now open. This center is designed to support military families adjusting to the area and to welcome veterans, active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, reservists, dependents, spouses, and ROTC cadets. It offers various amenities and resources, including a spacious lounge, a galley, study areas, academic and career workshops, peer advising at the front desk, and numerous social and wellness events throughout the year.

“Being able to find those places of connection, of support, of camaraderie outside the classroom-that’s the kind of sense of home we’re trying to create for them,” said Desiree Rieckenberg, UNC Dean of Students. “We know our military and veteran students need that type of support to not only do well academically but to thrive holistically.”

The university’s initiative aims to enhance access to the center’s resources while fostering a sense of community and support for student-veterans. The space is intended to serve as both a student lounge and a resource hub. The center’s objective is to create an inviting environment where military-affiliated students can relax, study, or engage in conversations with peers who share similar life experiences. Additionally, the center will accommodate VA counselors and is projected to assist around 2,500 military-affiliated students.

Rob Palermo, the program director, informed UNC Chapel Hill University news that over the years, it became clear that military families had specific needs, and establishing this center was a logical step to address those needs. To provide better support for students and their families, undergraduate academic advisers and Veterans Affairs counselors will be available at the center several days each month. This initiative will help student veterans and their dependents plan their schedules and better understand their benefits.

“We want military-affiliated students and families to know that there is a place for them at Carolina. They need a place where they can build community with one another. That’s what we’re here for.”

Photo courtesy: Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill

Saywonza Cuevas, the program coordinator, mentioned to University News that in their previous location, they often felt isolated. However, in this new facility, they can attract more outside visitors to offer their services.

“The space gives them a place to hang out and learn about the benefits they can be receiving. Older student veterans might see current career opportunities or new technologies and think that there’s not place for them there. But by bringing in military dependents, who are often younger, they can begin to talk through peer support groups and find unique connections to help one another.”

With the center’s expansion, two new programs have been introduced to support military students and their families. The Boot Print to Heel Print program is a signature onboarding initiative designed to assist transitioning veterans and active duty students from the admissions process through the conclusion of their first year. This program is available to newly enrolled, readmitted, or deferred enrollment students who are active duty, veterans, reservists, or members of the National Guard. It provides student veterans with the opportunity to learn how to effectively use the numerous resources available to ensure their success at Carolina, develop essential classroom skills, connect with fellow military-affiliated students on campus, and meet members of the campus-wide Veterans Resource Team.

Photo courtesy: UNC University News, (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Additionally, the success center offers Green Zone training for faculty, staff, and students interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the student-veteran experience and how best to support this unique community. The program’s objectives include educating members of the Carolina community about the specific issues and concerns faced by veteran and military students, as well as identifying individuals who can assist this population. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to offer a sympathetic ear and help veteran and military students identify and connect with the appropriate resources.

The Center operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m. for student use. Professional staff are available for both virtual and in-person appointments. To schedule an appointment, or send an email to dos.mvss@unc.edu, or call 919-962-9640.

Tyria McCray-Bourda is a story-driven journalist whose work has previously appeared in The Carolinian newspaper in Raleigh. Attaining a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University, she has the distinction of having interviewed President Joe Biden when he was a candidate on the campaign trail, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press