Services & Programs
- Student Development Funds
- Peer Navigator Program
- Appointments
The Peer Navigator Program is a peer-to-peer mentoring program designed to provide holistic support to student veterans through their journey at UC San Diego. Peer Navigators are experienced UC San Diego student veterans who provide one-on-one support, community connections, and resources for personal, professional, and academic success. Navigators will connect you with campus resources while working with you individually on setting and achieving your goals.
This service is currently only open for student veterans.
If you are not a student veteran and are seeking a peer to peer mentoring opportunity, please consider these resources:
Transfer Peer Coaching
International Peer Coaching
First Generation Peer Coaching
Our Peer Navigators are NASPA Certified Peer Educators trained through our College of Reading and Learning Association certified program. Peer Navigators also complete ongoing training and professional development opportunities throughout the year.
Need more information? Contact the Student Veterans Resource Center by email at svrc@ucsd.edu.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Marine Biology
College: Muir
Year: 4th year
Transferred from: San Diego Mesa College
Military Affiliation: Air Force Veteran
When I’m not studying, I can be found: Hiking in the local area, sitting at the beach, listening to Bad Bunny or J Balvin, playing Mario games on the Switch
Advice for student veterans: First off, believe that you deserve to be here! Second, don’t be afraid to ask for help – whether that be from us at the SVRC, from your instructors/TAs, or from fellow classmates. Plus, it can be a nice way to form connections with your instructors and meet new people. And lastly, go explore San Diego and the surrounding areas. It’s so beautiful here!
Name: Brandon Mariano
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Major: Political Science/International Relations
College: Marshall
Year: Junior
Transferred from: Irvine Valley College
Military Affiliation: Marine Corps Veteran
When I’m not studying, I can be found: At the skatepark, playing guitar, listening to music, hanging out with my family, watching sports or cartoons, listening to podcasts or playing with my roommate’s dog
Advice for student veterans: My advice would be to always adjust to every situation. Make daily schedules for yourself so that you can balance your everyday life with school and work. My biggest advice would be to find a hobby that you authentically enjoy (that is healthy of course) and immerse yourself in it. Having an activity that you enjoy and engage in can help deal with stress levels and gives you something to look forward to doing outside our responsibilities of school, work, family responsibilities, etc.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Major: Philosophy
College: ERC
Year: Fifth Year
Transferred from: San Diego Mesa College
Military Affiliation: US Coast Guard Veteran
When I’m not studying, I can be found: Reading, Writing, or Riding Motorcycles
Advice for student veterans: While there are a vast array of services offered to non-military affiliated students, there are exponentially more available to student veterans. Do as much research as you can as to what opportunities are out there and talk with both faculty and staff about your needs as well as your goals. Most of all, remember that most everyone employed by the school is invested in helping students succeed.
Why should I participate in the Peer Navigator Program
As a UC San Diego student you may have questions or want to build a community and connections on campus. Peer Navigators are here to support you! Peer Navigators are students just like you, who understand the unique experiences of transitioning from the military into higher education.
There are many reasons to participate, but here are just a few:
What is the time commitment
There is no official time commitment, but we do recommend that you meet with your Peer Navigator 2-3 times per quarter. Meetings times range from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Your coach will provide you with activities to complete that directly relate to your goals. Completing these before your meetings will be helpful for you and your coach to debrief and make next steps. Activities might include:
If you would like to schedule a meeting with a Navigator, please use the Acuity Scheduling tool. If these times do not fit within your schedule, please email svrc@ucsd.edu