Dedicated Virtual Space Supports Veteran and Active Duty Military Students

University College and Veterans Services at the University of Denver are excited to provide the Veteran Student Virtual Lounge to our veteran students.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic spurred the creation of a dedicated, online place to support both our distance learning and local military students. The lounge is a virtual space that allows veteran and active duty students and alumni to connect, access campus resources, and get information about current happenings across campus and around the country.

“The lounge offers a place for all GI Bill users to gather virtually. Inside there will be past orientations, a map where students can drop a pin to connect with one another locally, GI Bill users are free to run discussion boards and tap into one another’s experiences, and so much more,” said Damon Vine, director of DU Veteran Services.

University College has the highest concentration of enrolled veteran and active duty students. With the majority of our continuing education and professional courses offered online, the focus is always on creating meaningful connection for students.

“We value both their service and willingness to engage. We wanted to create a space of ongoing dialogue that veterans can check into and give peer feedback and resources, rather than navigating nonmilitary information,” said David Rossi, enrollment manager and University College veteran liaison. “The virtual lounge is an ideal way for local, national, and internationally stationed military member students to stay connected to DU and one another, especially as current events impact our capacity to connect in person.”

While the lounge is only open to military students enrolled in University College at this time, DU Veterans Services is hoping to implement a similar option for other colleges across the campus. 

“I think this project is an excellent move to more fully support our GI Bill users. It will offer our students the opportunity to connect with one another, to develop sustained relationships, and make our community much more inclusive for both our distance learners and on-campus students,” said Vine.

The Veteran Student Virtual Lounge is accessible via Canvas and will appear in the course containers for all veteran students currently attending University College.

A special thank you to Amy Smith, Allison O’Grady, Amy Smith, Andrea Gross, Damon Vine, David Rossi, and Victoria O’Malley for all your efforts in launching this resource for our veterans!