Collegiate Veterans Success Center
We’ve moved! We are now located in the Reitz Union, Student Engagement Portal Level 2, Room 2215.
Our Mission
The Collegiate Veterans Success Center is on a mission to serve UF student veterans, service members, and military-connected students. Our mission is to provide a space and community to help veterans and military-connected students engage with on-and-off-campus resources, receive transitional support, and connect with and support one another in a welcoming atmosphere.
What is a veteran student and why does it help?
Our mission is to empower your transition from military to college and help you thrive was you move from campus to career. This resource includes links to programs and services available to support your success throughout your academic journey and beyond.
We recognize that veteran students face unique transitions and challenges. This guide provides information and support you need to thrive academically and professionally.
You can find the corresponding pathways here:
This newsletter allows military-connected students and families to see updates and important information about on-and-off-campus resources and meet our students, staff, and alumni. All students are automatically signed up for the newsletter, while families may request to be added to the distribution list to stay informed.
Campus ESP is an online platform that is available through the Gator Family Portal. It allows the Collegiate Veterans Success Center to send messages that allow military-connected families to enhance the UF experience.
The Collegiate Veterans Success Center is committed to providing a place for students to relax, study, and access campus resources. We work to provide support and community for the University of Florida military affiliated community.
The Collegiate Veterans Success Center offers students:
- A comfortable lounge and quiet study space
- Computer lab with free color printing
In addition, the Collegiate Veterans Success Center seeks to support student veterans’ transition to the University of Florida. It provides a variety of education and social events, and one-on-one Veterans Affairs benefits counseling, and referral to campus and community resources.
NEW Location: Reitz Union, Student Engagement Portal Level 2, Room 2215
Did you know?
UF is recognized as a Purple Star Campus! The Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program designation demonstrates UF’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students, including specialized services and resources.
Giving Opportunities
The CVSC, located in the Reitz Union, Room 2215, serves the 700+ military students at UF by providing a designated location on campus for students to study, meet with campus resources, and to support each other in a relaxing space.
DonateFall 2026 Events
Aug 4
Time TBD
Birthday Celebration: U.S. Coast Guard
Reitz Union Room 2215 | Stop by our the Collegiate Veterans Success Center to celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard! Have a cupcake, learn about our military, and compete in trivia.
Aug 18
5:30 PM – 7 PM
Online Student Welcome
Zoom | Our annual welcome event is a student-led initiative that greets new veterans and military-connected students with an introduction to campus resources and a connection with peers.
Aug 19
11 AM – 1 PM
Student Welcome/Open House
Reitz Union Room 2215 | Our annual welcome event is a student-led initiative that greets new veterans and military-connected students with an introduction to campus resources and a connection with peers.
Sept 18
Time TBD
Birthday Celebration: U.S. Air Force
Reitz Union Room 2215 | Stop by our the Collegiate Veterans Success Center to celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Air Force! Have a cupcake, learn about our military, and compete in trivia.
Oct 1
4 PM – 7 PM
Veterans Resource Fair
Reitz Union Ballroom | This event brings together UF students, faculty, staff, veterans, service members, and military-connected individuals to explore the resources, support services, and opportunities available throughout the Gainesville community.
Oct 13
Time TBD
Birthday Celebration: U.S. Navy
Reitz Union Room 2215 | Stop by our the Collegiate Veterans Success Center to celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Navy! Have a cupcake, learn about our military, and compete in trivia.
Nov 7
Time TBD
Saluting Those Who Serve
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | This football game is an annual event hosted by the University of Florida Athletics Department to honor and show appreciation for members of the military, veterans, and first responders.
Nov 10
Time TBD
Birthday Celebration: U.S. Marine Corps
Reitz Union Room 2215 | Stop by our the Collegiate Veterans Success Center to celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps! Have a cupcake, learn about our military, and compete in trivia.
Nov 13
Time TBD
Annual Veterans Reception
Location TBD | This special event is dedicated to honoring the dedication, sacrifice, and service of our veteran and military-connected students at the University of Florida. It’s a time to come together as a community to express our deepest appreciation for their commitment to our country and their pursuit of higher education.
Dec 20
Time TBD
Birthday Celebration: U.S. Space Force
Reitz Union Room 2215 | Stop by our the Collegiate Veterans Success Center to celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Space Force! Have a cupcake, learn about our military, and compete in trivia.
Military History at UF
The University of Florida’s long military history is rooted in the Morrill Act of 1862, designating the University of Florida as a land grant institution. The original mission of these institutions was to teach agriculture, military tactics, and mechanical arts in addition to classical studies. Today, UF is proud to count approximately 2000 veterans, active duty members, and dependents among our undergraduate and graduate students.
During both world wars, the all-male University of Florida saw its enrollment plummet, and the campus became a military camp. In 1917, when the United States entered World War I, 274 of the 434 men enrolled and went to war. During World War II, historians estimate as many as 10,000 UF students served, causing a radical impact on campus as many faculty joined up in addition to the students. In addition, hundreds of soldier-students from across the nation were assigned to the University of Florida. Stengel Field, now Butler Plaza Shopping Center, became the training grounds for 3000 aircrew trainees. UF lost 401 students during World War II, including football players, student government officials, and other campus leaders.
After World War II, UF saw a swift and significant enrollment as many service members returned home. The University scrambled to build three makeshift communities to house over 1,000 residences. Flavet Villages was constructed so quickly for students it initially included travel trailers and reused military barracks.
The University of Florida is proud of its military tradition and seeks to ensure our veterans and service members are recognized and welcomed on campus. Corry Village is named after William Corry, UF student body president who died in World War II. Century Tower is dedicated to the UF students who died in World Wars I and II. The Collegiate Veterans Success Center, established in 2015, is honored to continue the tradition of military support to meet the needs of UF veterans, service members, and their families.
Contact us!
If you are looking to reach out to the Collegiate Veterans Success Center, you can call us directly at (352) 294-7244 or send us an email at vetsuccess@ufsa.ufl.edu.