Our History:
For years, there have been certifying officials on the UW Seattle campus approving benefits for thousands of veterans, active duty/national guard/reserves service members, and dependents who attend classes. These certifiers have done and are doing a wonderful job at processing the paperwork required for these students to attend the University of Washington. However, there are programs and services needed for student veterans that they do not have the time to provide. The Student Veteran Life office was created to fulfill this need after student veterans came forward in the form of the Registered Student Organization known as Husky United Military Veterans (or HUMV) to request such an office. The administration responded.
Student Veteran Life was established in 2015 as a unit for student veterans founded by student veterans. Our office is home to a staff of skilled veterans who can help you navigate the University of Washington. From campus locations to student resources, we are able to serve student veterans at any point in their college experience. Student Veteran Life is also a great place for veterans to study, grab a free cup of coffee, use the printer, or just hang out and meet other veterans. On average, the office sees 20-30 veterans per day, a number that is continuously growing! As an organization, we make it our mission to reach our new student veterans within their first 90 days on campus. In doing so, we hope to maintain communication throughout their time here, ensuring that they leave the UW with the most positive experience and a diploma in hand.
Our Pillars:
Whole Veteran Initiative
This effort offers hands-on, direct services to student veterans in an interactive way. This includes mental health therapies, art courses, and service dogs, as well as mindfulness, through yoga and meditation classes. We also focus on the body, as a measure of whole health, including outdoor recreation and rec sports teams for overall health.
Community Engagement
We are working to build a long-term community of Husky veterans through regular communications and mentorship. Through our annual events on campus, we celebrate our veterans and recognize the unique accomplishments of military veterans in their service to our country. The SVL team also works tirelessly to build relationships with internal and external constituents which allows us to maintain an evolving understanding of the veteran community both inside and outside of the UW.
Advocacy
As part of the SVL mission, we work to ensure that the unique needs of student veterans are represented in all facets of campus life. Through our advocacy, we work to ensure that student veterans are understood and supported by those who work with and educate our student veterans.
Beyond the U
This program is designed to ensure that our students leave the UW prepared for their next steps as a Husky alumn. Through Beyond the U, student veterans can get information and help with find their next careers, connecting with other Husky alumni veterans, and engage with their community outside of the UW.