About Portland State University SVA
Our Mission: Transition
At Portland State University, we believe that the end of your military service should mark the beginning of your next successful chapter. We know that veterans bring discipline, leadership, and unique perspectives to the classroom, but navigating the shift from military structure to the university environment—and eventually the civilian workforce—has its unique challenges.
The PSU Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a student-led chapter of the national Student Veterans of America organization. We exist to bridge that gap. We are dedicated to providing military-connected students with the resources, network, and community necessary to thrive academically and successfully transition into professional careers.
We are more than a club; we are your pipeline to post-graduation success.
Who We Are
We are a diverse and inclusive community representing every branch of service and eras ranging from recent transitioning service members to seasoned veterans returning to school.
PSU is a large, urban campus, and it’s easy to feel disconnected. The SVA serves as your "unit" on campus. We are an open door for
Veterans of all eras
Active Duty, National Guard, and Reservists
Military Spouses and Dependents
What We Do
We leverage our collective strength on campus to provide opportunities individual students often cannot access alone. Our focus is centered on three pillars:
1. Professional Development & Career Readiness Our primary focus is ensuring your degree leads to employment. We move beyond generic career advice by advocating for SVA members, facilitating one-on-one corporate mentorships through partners like American Corporate Partners (ACP), and hosting exclusive networking sessions with major employers like Nike, the City of Portland, and Multnomah County.
2. Community and Camaraderie We provide a space where you don't have to explain your background. Through formal monthly meetings and bi-weekly casual meetups, we offer a supportive environment to network, decompress, and connect with peers who understand shared lived experiences.
3. Advocacy and Navigation Higher education bureaucracy and VA benefits can be complex. We help our members navigate the university system, connect them with campus resources, and share knowledge on underutilized grants and scholarships to ensure you are maximizing your education benefits.
