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At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, military-affiliated students are met with a comprehensive support system designed to ensure they thrive academically and personally. Whether transitioning from military life to the classroom or balancing family and studies, SIUE Military and Veteran Services (MAVS) stands ready to offer personalized assistance.

"We start assisting students before they even submit their admissions application," said Telisha Reinhardt, assistant director of MAVS. "We inform them of the education benefits they may qualify for, offer student veteran-led tours, and host events and trainings that speak to the unique experiences of our servicemembers and veterans."

One of the first places military-affiliated students visit is the Military and Veteran Resource Center (cleverly referred to as MAVRC), a strategically centralized “base” in the Morris University Center, home to the student union and heart of the campus. Military students receive guidance on everything from admissions to navigating their education benefits.

Beyond the basics of transitioning into academic life, MAVS works closely with local veteran organizations to support students and their families.

"We have strong relationships with veteran organizations in the Metro East area, so if a student or their family is facing difficulties, we’re able to connect them with resources," said Reinhardt. "We keep contact information for these organizations readily available."

Creating a sense of belonging goes beyond individual support— it involves building a community. SIUE’s chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA) offers students the chance to connect with peers who understand their experiences.

"The SVA is student veteran-led, providing a space for mentorship and support," said Reinhardt.

MAVS also fosters connection through a variety of events and activities, including the MAVRC Book Club, Green Zone Training and the popular "From Uniform to University" panel discussion. The Green Zone Training provides an opportunity for civilians on campus to learn more about military culture and recognize the challenges that veterans and military families face when integrating into a civilian environment.

"These events are designed to bring people together and increase awareness of military experiences that many have never considered," said Reinhardt. "We want to go beyond the stereotypes and truly connect with those who have served."

The success of SIUE’s military-affiliated students is also supported by collaboration with other campus services. From vocational progression to learning support, MAVS works hand-in-hand with departments like the Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support office (ACCESS), the Career Development Center (CDC) and Counseling Services to address the unique needs of veterans, active-duty students and their families.

"Military students have diverse needs, and we depend on the expertise of our campus partners to assist us in serving this population," said Reinhardt. "This collaboration is essential to ensuring we provide the best support possible. The staff at ACCESS and CDC are amazing. ACCESS is quick and efficient with setting in place the accommodations that students need to be successful in their academic journey. Their staff will address any barrier that could prevent a student from achieving their goals here at SIUE. And CDC is skilled in helping veterans translate their military training into civilian terms, making it easier to navigate the job market."

With the proximity of Scott Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood, SIUE is nourished by a military-supported local economy. At SIUE, non-civilian students can feel confident that an academic salute is returned with pride. As a military student or a veteran student, you belong here.

This article is part of the "You Belong Here" story series, which showcases the remarkable journeys of SIUE students as they strive to achieve their academic, personal, and professional aspirations. Through this series, we aim to highlight the diverse experiences and achievements of our students, showcasing their resilience, determination, and growth.

By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire current and prospective students, as well as the wider community, to recognize that SIUE is a place where dreams can be realized. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment empowers our students to flourish academically, personally, and professionally.

Photo: Servicemembers enjoying a break between classes. Photo by Howard Ash.