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We provide several ways to get involved on campus. Check out some of our upcoming events and Empower and Thrive Peer Mentoring.

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UF Military Connections Welcome

Online Student Welcome – August 18 | 5:30 PM – 7 PM | Via Zoom

Student Welcome/Open House – August 19 | 11 AM – 1 PM | RU 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.

Image of the Century Tower in the background, with foliage in front and purple flowers.

Veterans Resource Fair

October 1 | 4 PM – 7 PM | Reitz Union Rion Ballroom

This event provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with Gainesville and UF veteran community resources and a way for you to connect directly with veteran and military-connected students and community members.

Annual Veterans Reception. Image of someone speaking on stage, with others sitting at tables and watching the speaker.

Annual Veterans Reception

Nov 13 | Time TBD | 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.

Image of the American Flag being held by UF staff and students during a UF football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Saluting Those Who Serve

Nov 7 | Time TBD | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

This is an annual event hosted by the University of Florida Athletics Department during a Football Game to honor and show appreciation for members of the military, veterans, and first responders. This game typically features special pre-game ceremonies, tributes throughout the game, and recognition of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to serving the community and the nation. It serves as a platform to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these individuals and to celebrate their service and dedication. This event includes fundraising efforts and partnerships with charitable organizations that support veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Image of the Reitz Union Bowling Alley.

Stars & Strikes

During the Fall and Spring semesters | Reitz Union Game Room

Purple Star Family Bowling Event

This is a family friendly event that is free for veteran and military-connected students and their families and provides an opportunity to build community, strengthen connections, and engage with other military-connected families in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants enjoy bowling, games, and time together while learning more about campus resources and opportunities available through the CVSC and Campus Partners.

Image of the Century Tower in the background, with foliage in front and purple flowers.

Military Branch Birthday Celebrations

U.S. Army – June 14
U.S. Coast Guard – Aug 4
U.S. Air Force – Sept 18
U.S. Navy – Oct 13
U.S. Marine Corps – Nov 10
U.S. Space Force – Dec 20

Stop by the CVSC to celebrate the birthdays of all six military branches. Enjoy a cupcake, learn about our military, and compete in trivia!

Close up of student painting some pottery and wearing a UF sweatshirt.

Painting with Veterans

In collaboration with campus and community partners, a free painting workshop is offered to bring together veterans and military-connected students with local veterans in a creative and supportive environment. Participants may choose to keep their artwork or donate their completed pieces to local veteran organizations, including the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center.

Workshop dates and registration information will be announced through the CVSC SITREP newsletter and Gators for Good.

Employer Info Sessions

In collaboration with the Career Connections Center, the CVSC helps connect veteran and military-connected students with employer information sessions and campus recruiting opportunities.

As employers schedule visits to UF, veteran and military-connected students may be invited to attend sessions designed to share information about career pathways, internships, full-time employment, and organizations seeking the skills and experiences that veterans and military-connected students bring.

These sessions provide an opportunity to learn about current and future job opportunities, connect directly with recruiters and employer representatives, explore career fields that value military experience, leadership, teamwork, and service, ask questions about hiring timelines, application processes, and workplace culture, and build networks before graduation.

Empower & Thrive Peer Success

The Empower & Thrive Peer Success Program connects veteran and military-connected students in their first or second semester at UF with trained peer success coaches to support a successful transition into college and onward toward career readiness. This program blends guidance with community building to help students feel connected, prepared, and confident. Whether you are a residential or online student, we are here to help you create connections that make UF feel like home.

EMPOWER

Transition from Military to College

– Explore academic preparedness and study strategies.
– Navigate campus resources and support systems.
– Manage health, wellness, and work-life balance.

THRIVE

Transition from Campus to Career

– Apply life design principles to career planning.
– Showcase skills Gaines from military service, campus involvement, and work experience.
– Develop professional branding and communication strategies.
– Network and build meaningful connections.