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SVA Frequently Asked Questions

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Watch the 2026 State of SVA

SVA would like to extend its sincere gratitude to every student veteran, chapter leader, partner, speaker, and supporter who made the 18th Annual NatCon a powerful and inspiring experience for all in attendance.

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Mental Health Resources

Resources for student veterans, service members, military families, survivors, caregivers, and supporters.

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Chapter Guide

The SVA Chapter Guide is our definitive guide to planning, launching, operating, and sustaining a chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter Services

To arrange a chapter consultation, please complete the Chapter Consultation Request form under Contact SVA in the MySVA portal, or send us an email at [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, contact info, college/university details, and a quick note on why you are looking to chat with us.
To gather information about your college/university chapter status, please send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 202-223-4710 to go over your chapter’s information.
Contact your Student Life/Student Activities office on your campus to check for any sudden changes in your chapter’s status or leadership. Feel free to also reach out to us via 202-223-4710 or at [email protected] and we can assist you further.
Check out our Find A Chapter tool on our website to search if there is a Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter at your school. If you are unable to find your campus, please give us a call at 202-223-4710 or send us an email at [email protected] to verify your school’s chapter status. SVA also offers plenty of opportunities that are open to all students regardless of your school’s chapter status!
Limited offerings are available via the Student Veterans of America online store. We aspire to provide more swag options in the future.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) provides a wide array of benefits for veterans and military-connected individuals. Students and supporters offer a community that fosters connections, personal growth, and a sense of belonging during transition into civilian life. Through our advocacy efforts, you can actively influence policies and programs that directly impact your community. Access to valuable resources, mentorship programs, scholarships, and career counseling services empowers you to achieve your academic and professional goals. Engaging with SVA means being part of a network that prioritizes your success while contributing to a supportive and impactful environment for veterans.
To start a chapter with SVA, first set up a chapter consultation with a team member to go over any initial planning and questions. To set up a consultation, complete the Chapter Consultation Request form located in the "Contact SVA" section within the MySVA portal or reach us via email at [email protected].

These are the minimum requirements for recognized SVA chapters, please work with your campus to ensure that student organization guidelines are being followed:
- Official governing document or plan to operate your chapter such as your bylaws or constitution
- Signed letter of recognition from your school as a registered student organization
- Member of your college/university faculty or staff serving as the chapter advisor and registered in MySVA
- A student serving as a chapter president, and registered in MySVA
Here are a few effective ways to boost your SVA's visibility on campus:
- host impactful events that highlight the value your chapter brings to the military-connected population on campus
- team up with fellow student organizations; tap into popular social media platforms
- make the most of upcoming campus sporting events and campus activities

For tailored and creative strategies to promote SVA on your campus, we suggest a chapter consultation to address your specific chapter's needs. Set up a Chapter Consultation through the "Chapter Consultation Request" form under “Contact SVA” in the MySVA portal or send us an email at [email protected].
Student Veterans of America (SVA) encourages student chapters to actively engage with us at headquarters. By regularly keeping us informed about your chapter's events and initiatives throughout the year, we stay well-informed and can better support your efforts. Utilize the range of resources we provide, including scholarships, leadership opportunities, and programs designed for our student community.

Connect with us on LinkedIn and don't forget to tag us and use our hashtag #WeAreSVA, #StudentVeterans, and #SVALeads to amplify your organization's visibility. Your active involvement is vital to our collective success!
To secure funding from your local community chapter, consider these strategic approaches: engage with local businesses to seek sponsorships or donations; organize fundraising events like charity runs or "share-it" nights with local businesses; research grants and scholarships offered by local foundations; and connect with veterans' organizations, service clubs, and American Legion posts. Set up a consultation with one of our team members for further assistance in maximizing your chapter's fundraising potential!

To set up a consultation, complete the Chapter Consultation Request form located in the "Contact SVA" section within the MySVA portal or reach us via email at [email protected].
Securing funding for your chapter's participation in SVA programs can involve exploring internal fundraising events, tapping into university resources, approaching local businesses or other veteran serving organizations for sponsorships, or researching grants tailored for student veteran organizations. Other possible opportunities on your campus include collaborating with campus groups and alumni networks. We also encourage our chapters to use our fundraising guides for our annual National Conference. Please email [email protected] or call 202-223-4710 to set up a chapter consultation on funding for your chapter.
Regional Summits and our National Conference "NatCon" are great opportunities for chapter advisors to involve themselves in the military-connected community and establish stronger bonds with their students.

Getting Involved with Student Veterans of America

Student Veterans of America (SVA) is constantly seeking to grow our network of partners that share our common mission to support and transform our student veterans and military-affiliated students as they achieve their greatest potential. Our network of partners includes corporations, non-profits, and foundations that collaborate with and assist SVA in supporting our research, advocacy, and chapter programming efforts to build the skills and experience of student veterans. We would love the opportunity to discuss opportunities to partner together. Please reach out to us by filling out the Contact Us form on our website.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) can accept one-time or monthly donations online. If you are interested in larger gifts, please reach out to us by filling out the Contact Us form on our website.
SVA works to inform the public, stakeholders, policy makers, and others on the concerns of student veterans and military connected students through empirical research. By investing in research, SVA is filling the void in data collection showcasing student veteran success. We also use surveys and program evaluations for data collection and improving programs. SVA’s research team conducts an annual SVA Census and the Veterans Opinion Survey during election years. You can view all of our research and reports on our website.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) is looking for participants in current and future research that is used to protect and improve the Forever GI Bill, inform stakeholders and policymakers, and help veterans organizations improve their programs and services. Sign up to stay involved with our research efforts and lend your voice.
You can submit a policy suggestion or question HERE.

Advising Center

You can access APEX at apex.studentveterans.org, or from the MySVA homepage and also from the National Academic Advising Center page within My Success Hub. You must be registered for a MySVA portal account to log into APEX.
You can request a coaching session with an SVA Success Coach from the National Academic Advising Center page within My Success Hub in your MySVA portal account.
Visit the VA's Education and Training website for benefit eligibility and applications to begin using your benefits.
We recommend that you contact the VA directly for the most accurate and up to date information related to your specific benefits. The VA can be contacted via chat on their website or via phone at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551).
The Advising Center provides numerous academic resources to aid you in your journey to, through and beyond higher education. A suite of resources can be found on the Advising Center webpage, and within your MySVA portal on the My Success Hub page. SVA Success Coaches can also connect you to resources based on your goals through a coaching session.

Programs and Events

Student Veterans of America (SVA) offers a range of scholarships to support student veterans in pursuing their educational goals. These scholarships vary in criteria and eligibility, often focusing on academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and/or military service. SVA has had amazing opportunities in the past to offer scholarships in partnership with: RTX, Google, John Edelman, and Comcast NBCUniversal.

These opportunities aim to alleviate the financial challenges of education for veterans, acknowledging the wide range of disciplines they pursue. Be sure to check out our scholarship page or contact your local SVA chapter for information about specific scholarship opportunities available to you.
Whether you're kickstarting a new chapter or fortifying an existing one, Regional Summits provide invaluable tools, techniques, and tactics to strategically guide your chapter through the academic year. Network with your fellow peers and leaders, fine-tune your mission, and create a roadmap for recruitment, programming, and fundraising.

Who should attend? Chapter members, chapter officers, student leaders, military-affiliated students, and school faculty/staff serving in an advisor capacity are encouraged to attend our Regional Summits.
As the largest assembly of its kind, NatCon ignites a dynamic exchange of ideas, best practices, and invaluable networking opportunities among student veterans, military-connected students, families, allies, and esteemed partners. With over 1,600 chapters spanning the U.S., NatCon offers nearly 100 breakout sessions to elevate your journey, share successes, and discover new opportunities. Whether you're a chapter leader, employer seeking talent, or simply seeking camaraderie, NatCon is your gateway to tomorrow's leaders. Join us annually in January and be part of an inspiring legacy that propels you to reshape the future.

Who should attend? NatCon welcomes a diverse audience, including SVA chapter members and leaders, veterans, current service members, military-connected individuals, university staff, general supporters, corporate partners, and anyone seeking camaraderie and professional development.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) invites chapter members to come together and advocate in the heart of our Nation’s capital. Make your voice heard, connect with elected officials and witness SVA's policy priorities in action. Elevate your advocacy, network, and experience the energy of change with a packed schedule filled with policy engagement and fellowship.

Who should attend? SVA invites any chapter members interested in government affairs, public policy, and advocacy to apply to Washington Week.
For those selected to attend the Leadership Institute, Student Veterans of America (SVA) will fly you to Washington, DC to attend this immersive leadership experience to develop your core values and hone leadership skills. The application process is competitive; you will leave this experience with the tools needed to better serve others, a lasting network to support you, and an expectation to grow your impact on your campus, in your community, and for your country.

The end result is the development of your personal leadership ethos—that “force” that guides your beliefs, behaviors, and actions—as well as a tight-knit community of fellow chapter leaders and mentors to support your growth. All costs are covered for those who have applied and are selected to attend.

Who should apply? The Leadership Institute is open to all chapter leaders currently enrolled or those who have recently graduated. In general, SVA is looking for the following three core strengths in each attendee:

1. Growth Mindset: You’re a dedicated life-long learner who recognizes the need to sharpen skills not only in leadership but all aspects of life.
2. Humility: You’re receptive to discussing and adopting new concepts and leadership philosophies, even when they may challenge your own.
3. Collaborative: You believe strongly in working as a member of a team and adopting a mentality that is conducive to collaboration and sharing of responsibility.
To continue empowering tomorrow’s leaders, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) host the annual VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship, providing exemplary student veterans the opportunity to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill and in their community. This program has been held annually since 2014. Chosen Fellows will work with VFW and SVA staff on a shared policy priority.  Fellows will travel to SVA's NatCon and the VFW National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. in the year following their fellowship. During the VFW event, they will engage with Congress members, educating them on the challenges faced by today’s veterans. Fellows can also join VFW advocates from their respective states and form teams to directly meet with the leadership from the committees responsible for veterans’ issues, including the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.

Travel expenses will be covered for both trips to include airfare, hotel accommodations, local transportation to/from meetings, and a per diem allowance.

Who should apply? VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship opportunities are open to VFW members in good standing who are currently enrolled as students at accredited colleges and universities approved for GI Bill benefits. Visit vfw.org for eligibility and more information on membership. Student veterans enrolled at colleges and universities with active SVA chapters are also encouraged to apply.
Currently, SVA national does not provide funds or sponsorship for attending our programming. This is due to the extensive network of chapters spread across the country. While we do not offer this support at the moment, it is our aspiration to explore such opportunities in the future as we continue to grow and expand our resources.
Securing funding for your chapter's participation in Student Veterans of America (SVA) programs can involve exploring internal fundraising events, tapping into university resources, approaching local businesses or other veteran serving organizations for sponsorships, or researching grants tailored for student veteran organizations. Other possible opportunities on your campus include collaborating with campus groups and alumni networks.

We also encourage our chapters to use our fundraising guides for our annual National Conference (NatCon). Please email [email protected] or call 202-223-4710 to set up a chapter consultation on funding for your chapter.

Virtual Resources for Chapter Leaders

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recommends using Zoom, Slack, Discord, or Google Hangouts if your campus does not provide a virtual meeting solution. You can also host smaller group calls on Facetime.

Meetings should be productive, to the point and not waste time:
- SVA Chapter Members and Leaders often live busy lives
- Schedule meetings at a time when members can attend
- Have an alternative platform for those who can’t attend
- Consider privacy level
- Meetings open to the public should feel welcoming

Announce the meeting via email and social media
- Announcements should be short, visually appealing
- Send reminders the day before and one-hour prior to meeting
- Create and circulate a public and private meeting agenda

Start and end the meeting on time
- Appoint a time-keeper if necessary
- Build in breaks for long meetings
- Take and record attendance
- Make introductions when new members or guests are present
- Follow the agenda
- Establish what needs to be discussed
- Encourage open ended discussions
- Straw polls or a show of hands is an effective way to gauge how the group is thinking
- Always confirm when an issue is settled or tabled for a later date before moving on to next topic
- Summarize the decisions made and outstanding items on the agenda
- Verbally confirm any specific actions

Adjourn the meeting and announce the date and time of the next meeting
Join SVA's server on Discord: https://discord.gg/65R7uRUBpZ
The Veteran Wellness Alliance connects veterans who are experiencing challenges with their mental or brain health or facing struggles in their daily life with resources that will allow them to improve their wellbeing and live their best lives.
Establish a connection and learn from a mentor through an app like Veterati, a free online mentorship platform for service members, veterans, and military spouses: http://veterati.com/sva
Having and maintaining a regular and consistent presence through social media is a must for an SVA Chapter. During these trying times where we are encountering online courses, working from home, and social distancing, utilizing social media will be the key to keeping your chapter and your community connected.

Facebook Live: Provide Updates and Host Virtual Chapter Events
Facebook Live lets you livestream events, performances and gatherings on Facebook. Viewers can watch from a phone, computer or connected TV. Reactions, shares, comments, and other interactive features enable you to engage with your audience.

Instagram Stories: Provide a Snapshot, Conduct a Poll, and Keep Your Chapter Membership Encouraged
With over 500 million people posting 1 billion Instagram Stories every day, your chapter can certainly reach a wider audience and help others stay connected to opportunities, news updates, and any virtual or in-person events.
Veterans Benefits Administration continues to provide Veterans with benefits and services while shifting to a virtual environment in response to the Coronavirus. Many in-person services are already available over the phone or online, and VBA is expanding the use of existing technologies to remain accessible to Veterans, service members, and their families. Learn more. You can also read GI Bill updates.

VBA is also hiring. If you or someone you know is interested in a new career path, VBA offers many professional opportunities to both Veterans and civilians looking for new ways to serve. Careers offering competitive salaries, retirement plans, and paid leave are currently available.

VA One-Pager on GI Bill COVID-19 Protections (April 2021)

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

Educational and Career Counseling Program

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Program
Student Veterans of America (SVA) has partnered with LinkedIn to teach student veterans how to establish and define your professional identity, develop network relationships, build professional development opportunities, and conduct training to student veterans on how to leverage career success. We are also educating recruiters on how to tap into a larger pool of high achieving student veterans, promoting continued service of alumni through mentorship opportunities, and further solidifying SVA as a thought leader in the veteran career development space.

LinkedIn for Student Veterans Training Webinars - In this training you will learn how to tell your professional story and build an effective profile, build and maintain a professional support network, search and find jobs and internship opportunities, and maintain and advance your professional development.

Access to LinkedIn Premium and LinkedIn Learning - Access your 1-year free Premium Career subscription to help you get noticed by recruiters, build out your network, stay in the know on new jobs that fit with your skills, and easily apply for new opportunities.

LinkedIn’s Veterans Opportunity Report - Powered by LinkedIn data and insights, explores the current state of veteran employment and how challenging it can be for veterans to face the realities of not doing work that makes full use of their skills and abilities.

Jobs in Demand - Check the most current hiring needs and updates in the U.S.

How to Use LinkedIn - Tutorial on the basics of how to use LinkedIn.
January: Connecting with Other SVA Chapters
January 17th @ 6:00PM ET and January 18th @ 8:00PM ET

Connections make the world go ‘round. Without connections, how would we share our ideas, and feel supported? Being able to connect to the university helps us feel supported as students, and connecting with other local veterans can help us feel supported in our military identity. This How-To session will cover some ways to help your SVA chapter feel connected to other local SVA chapters, create joint events, and build the foundation for a strong SVA Community

February: Managing your Social Media and Digital Connection with HQ
February 21st @ 8:00PM ET and February 22nd @ 6:00PM ET

If you’re not a marketer or social medial guru, managing your chapter’s social media can be a bit intimidating. Come join SVA as we discuss some tips to help maximize your chapter’s social media presence to improve connections with your campus, other veterans, and SVA HQ! From little things like learning who to tag, what are hashtags, and showing the world what SVA members can accomplish, this How To will help your chapter’s digital footprint. And SVA HQ’s Marketing and Communication team will be there to offer their expertise!

March: Chapter Handover
March 20th @ 6:00PM ET and March 21st @ 8:00PM ET

Successful chapters have successful officer transitions! Join us to learn about how to manage your handoffs as your new executive board takes over! This session will have suggestions on what your chapter can do to ensure an easier transition as new leaders take their place. From reviewing roles and responsibilities to helping establish continuity, we’ll cover everything from the steps you can take leading up to elections all the way through the changeover period.

April: Telling Your Story
April 17th @ 8:00PM ET and April 18th @ 6:00PM ET

"So, what's your story?" They say that telling your story is the most important aspect of networking, interviewing, and even landing a job. Our story is our brand and our reputation, so let SVA help you put your best foot forward with this How To! In this session, we'll cover translating your military experience for civilian understanding and help you develop your own small elevator pitch. We'll also provide a template on expanding that pitch into a story! Whether you're a soon-to-be graduate, a current member, or an alumni member, join us in learning about how to talk about YOU.

May: MySVA
May 15th @ 6:00PM ET and May 16th @ 8:00PM ET

MySVA is a new Chapter Management system rolled out by SVA back in January 2022. Now, we thanks to advice and feedback from our chapters, we have added some incredible new updates to MySVA. If you missed the MySVA breakout at NatCon, then this is the place for you. Learn all the new features such as access to Mental Health Resources, the New and improved Career Center, and even how MySVA can help you throughout your entire higher education adventures and beyond!

Get Involved with SVA Today!

Since SVA’s founding in 2008, over one million veterans have returned home to pursue a degree using the GI Bill.

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