Professional Development

At UC San Diego, we are committed to supporting all of our military-connected students as they transition from military service and college life to successful civilian careers.

We understand that professional development is crucial to achieving these goals, which is why we offer funding opportunities exclusively for our veteran and military-connected students.

Our professional development funds provide financial support for these students to attend conferences, workshops, and other professional events that will enhance their skills and knowledge. Students can apply for up to $500 a year to cover expenses such as registration fees, travel costs, and accommodations. Learn more here!

We also offer a range of additional opportunities to further your professional development, including:

• Lunch and Learns: Enhance your knowledge and skills through interactive sessions with industry experts during our Lunch and Learns hosted in the SVRC.
• Career Launch: Take advantage of our Career Launch program, designed to provide you with valuable insights and resources to kick-start your professional journey.
• Student Employment Opportunities: Explore various part-time job opportunities tailored to students, helping you gain practical experience while pursuing your studies.
• VA Work Study: For any students using federal education benefits, our VA Work Study program offers a supportive pathway to transition into the workforce, supporting your education with hands-on job experience. Students using VA Work Study are paid state minimum wage, untaxed. 

Community Appreciation Events

Each of these offerings adds a unique dimension to your experience with us, fostering a vibrant and supportive community that extends beyond the classroom.

• Veterans Week: We take pride in our veteran and military-connected student community, and we honor their service through our annual Veterans Week celebrations. Our week-long event features various activities such as workshops, guest speakers, film screenings, and networking events, all designed to highlight the experiences and contributions of our students. The week culminates in a ceremony to recognize and honor our veterans and military-connected students. We invite all members of our community to join us in recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of our students. Check out our site for the schedule of events for this year's Veterans Week celebration.
• Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony: Every May, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of our servicemen and women during our Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, as we come together to reflect and honor their memory by planting flags outside of the Student Center.
• Military Connected Graduation Celebration: An annual celebration honoring and celebrating the achievements of our military-connected graduates, recognizing their dedication and resilience.
• Have a Great Summer: As the academic year draws to a close, we wish you a wonderful and rejuvenating summer break with an afternoon picnic, complete with lawn games, raffles, and free gifts! 
• 25+ Mixers with Triton Transfer Hub: Connect, socialize, and forge new friendships through a dynamic series of over 25 mixers hosted in collaboration with the Triton Transfer Hub, tailored to enhance your university journey.

Keep track of our upcoming events by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on Instagram, and checking out our events page!

Student Health and Wellbeing

We are dedicated to the well-being of our veteran and military-connected community. The following initiatives underscore our dedication to ensuring your holistic growth and resilience during your time with us:

• CAPS Support Forums: Psychologists from CAPS hostweekly military-connected student support forums in the Student Veterans Resource Center. These forums create a confidential haven where students can connect with peers and receive comprehensive support from trained professionals.
• Fuel for Finals: Energize your exam preparations with our Fuel for Finals initiative, when we provide hot food and snacks all week long to support you to navigate the challenges of final exams confidently.
• Grocery Program: We understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle. Our in-center Grocery Program offers a convenient way for you to access nutritious food options while you're hanging out and maintain your well-being throughout your academic journey.
• Colleges United in Fighting Veteran Suicide: We stand together in fostering awareness and support for our veterans. Through a partnership between the VA, CSU San Marcos, Mira Costa College, and Palomar COllege, we develop innovative ways to educate our campuses about the prevalence of veteran suicide and community-based interventions to put in practice in our student centers. Through this coalition, we strive to create a compassionate and vigilant community that prioritizes the mental health and wellness of all. Read more here!