Student Veterans of America – UNL Chapter

About the SVA

The Student Veterans of America was founded in 2007 by a retired Navy Captain, who wanted to increase support for student veterans by partnering with other departments on campus, as well as community organizations (such as the Lincoln Veterans Administration) in order to assist veterans from enrollment right through to graduation.

Our purpose, as the UNL Student Veteran Organization, is to help student veterans achieve their educational goals at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln while providing an environment in which student veterans have the opportunity to socialize with one another. We pride ourselves on the resources we've accumulated in order to help you through any challenge you may encounter as a student veteran.

As a result of the variety of men and women from every branch of the military, from recently separated to active guard and reserve members, to OIF/OEF/OND combat veterans, each with their own unique experiences to bring to the organization, you will find that we offer a camaraderie and understanding that you can't find anywhere else on campus! By promoting camaraderie within the UNL SVA, we encourage the development of a strong social network that will extend beyond your time as a student at UNL.

The transition from military life to student life can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. Student veterans who have a support network earn higher grades and are more likely to graduate and by joining UNL SVA you become part of our network of support in which we encourage you to take advantage of every resource and opportunity we have to offer.

Membership Eligibility

Membership shall fall into the following categories:

Active

Any student enrolled in at least one credit with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who is:

• Active duty (all branches of the military, reserves, and National Guard).
• Veterans (anyone with prior service who was discharged with an other than dishonorable discharge)
• Family members including parents, children, spouses, siblings, and partners.

Honorary Members

Any member that does not meet the above eligibility requirements may be considered for membership. This includes the faculty/staff and current enrolled students of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who support those serving or have served in the Armed Forces.

Elected Official Positions

President

Jenalee Wimer

The President shall preside over all UNLSVA and Executive Committee meetings and consult regularly with the faculty advisor

Vice President

Caleb Alexander

The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President and oversee committees.

Treasurer

Brett Klein

The Treasurer shall collect and disperse all funds, report regularly on UNLSVA financial state to the Executive Committee, raise funds, & develop an annual budget.

Secretary

Makinsey Lonergan

The Secretary shall record and distribute minutes of meetings to all members and the faculty advisor within one week of the meeting, maintain a membership roster, notify members of meetings, and record members' attendance at meeting toFaculty/Staff Advisor.The Secretary shall also maintain all membership information and manage external communication.

The Faculty/Staff Advisor

Joe Brownell

The Faculty/Staff Advisor(s) shall maintain communication and meet with the officers regularly; maintain awareness and approval of all financial expenditures; ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.