Honoring service, building community: Supporting military-connected students at UC Santa Cruz

At UC Santa Cruz, military-connected students bring valuable experience, leadership, and resilience to the classroom and the broader campus community. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is dedicated to ensuring those students—and their families—feel supported, connected, and empowered throughout their UCSC journey.

The Veterans Resource Center serves as a welcoming space for all military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, dependents, ROTC cadets, and Department of Defense personnel.

“Our mission is to honor service while supporting success,” said Jerry Cabilatazan, Veterans Resource Center coordinator. “Whether you’re transitioning from military to academic life, balancing family responsibilities, or preparing for life after graduation, we’re here to make sure you have the tools and community you need to thrive.”

Comprehensive support for military-connected students

The Veterans Resource Center offers a full range of programs and services designed to help students reach their academic and personal goals, including:

• Priority enrollment: Veterans, active duty service members, and those in the reserves receive first-choice enrollment, ensuring access to needed classes—whether or not they’re using VA benefits.
• Veteran Benefits Services: The VRC partners with the Registrar’s Office to help students navigate state and federal benefits, tuition assistance, and monthly housing allowances. School Certifying Officials are available for drop-in virtual advising and can answer questions about eligibility or paperwork at vets_benefits@ucsc.edu.
• Personalized academic and transition support: The VRC team helps students map out their academic goals, connect with campus resources, and adjust to university life.
• Community and connection: Through events like beach bonfires, trivia nights, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day celebrations, workshops, and socials, the VRC fosters belonging and camaraderie among military-connected students.

“Military-connected students often juggle complex transitions coming from service, managing families, or returning to higher education after time away,” said Cabilatazan. “The Veterans Resource Center is here to remind them they’re not alone and that their experiences enrich the UCSC community.”

Supporting veterans from admission to graduation

The Veterans Resource Center supports military-connected Slugs at every stage, from prospective students exploring UCSC for the first time to graduates preparing for their next steps. The team guides students through each step of the process, including admissions, financial aid, and educational benefits activation, ensuring a smooth transition into university life.

Once enrolled, students can access additional support through campus partners such as Career Success, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Disability Resource Center (DRC), and Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), as well as community organizations like Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz, CalVet, and the Santa Cruz County Veteran Network.

Showing up for veterans during the government shutdown

The Veterans Resource Center’s commitment to student support extends well beyond day-to-day services. That commitment is especially evident in moments of challenge, like the current federal government shutdown, which has had a direct and significant impact on some veterans in the UC Santa Cruz community.

Delays in military Basic Housing Allowance (BHA) and CalFresh benefits have created real hardships for veterans and their families, affecting rent payments, access to food, and financial stability. In response, the Veterans Resource Center and the Dean of Students Office, both part of the Division of Student Affairs and Success, have joined with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to provide immediate support and connect affected veterans with vital resources.

“These delays aren’t just an inconvenience; they’re disrupting people’s daily lives,” said Jerry Cabilatazan, Veterans Resource Center coordinator. “This is exactly why spaces like the Veterans Resource Center exist to ensure that when our students face challenges beyond their control, they don’t have to face them alone.”

Military-connected students experiencing delays in BHA benefits are encouraged to contact the Veterans Resource Center or the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to request emergency aid, while those affected by CalFresh delays can reach out to the CalFresh team via email.

For more information and a full list of available resources, visit Student Resources for the Federal Government Shutdown.

A community that understands

At the heart of the Veterans Resource Center’s work is a belief in the transformative power of higher education. The center provides a space where military-connected students can connect with peers who understand their experiences, seek guidance from staff who specialize in veterans’ support, and find a sense of belonging on campus.

“Every student’s path looks different, but what connects them is a shared commitment to growth and service,” said Cabilatazan. “We’re proud to be part of their journey—helping them build on their strengths, achieve their goals, and continue leading with purpose.”

Connect with the Veterans Resource Center

Location: Bay Tree Building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Email: vets@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 459-5899
Instagram: @ucscveterans
Appointments: Schedule via Slug Success

A closer look: definitions and details within this story

Veterans Resource Center: The Veterans Resource Center—part of the Division of Student Affairs and Success and the Student Success and Equity unit—is dedicated to supporting military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses and dependents. The team provides personalized guidance to help students transition to academic life, access military and VA benefits, connect with the military-connected community, and find people who understand their unique experiences.

Student Success: Regardless of their entry point, each individual is entitled to transformative experiences. Students have the opportunity, privilege, and access to engage in learning and unlearning various definitions of achievement. We are responsible for creating the conditions for students to achieve their self-determined goals, experience validation, develop as contributing members of the community, and expand their possibilities.

UCSC’s Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) encompasses nearly 800 professional staff and 1700 student staff spanning five major units. Our division cultivates an equity-centered environment that fosters scholars and change agents. To learn more, visit our website and follow @ucsc.dsas on Instagram.

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