Student Veteran Organizations
Penn State offers a military- and veteran-friendly culture and we are honored to support the outstanding individuals who have served or are serving in the U.S. military while pursuing higher education. We are committed to helping service members achieve their educational goals, and have several student veteran organizations you can be a part of.
Student Veteran Clubs and Organizations
Student veteran clubs and organizations have been established to create a social group that can perform community service projects, advocate for veterans, and help student veterans integrate into both professional and social networks.
The various clubs throughout the Commonwealth have been created to help veterans and service members surround themselves with people who have had similar life experiences. The clubs are community-driven as each campus has its own way of giving back, whether it be a fundraiser for a 5K, participating in Toys for Tots, or handing out Halloween candy to local children.
Student veteran clubs and organizations are located at the Abington, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Lehigh Valley, Shenango, University Park, York, Pennsylvania College of Technology campuses as well as online at our World Campus.
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Several Penn State student veteran clubs and organizations are affiliated with the Student Veterans of America and are chartered SVA chapters.
SVA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on addressing the needs and concerns of American military veterans in higher education. SVA is best known for being an umbrella organization for student veterans’ groups that advocate for improvements in veterans’ educational benefits.
SVA organizations are located at Berks, Fayette, Mont Alto, Shenango, University Park, York, and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Penn State University Veteran Organization (PSUVO)
PSUVO is a Penn State social organization for veterans. Student veterans help new student veterans navigate through the world of academia while maintaining the camaraderie of the military. The assistance provided helps to maximize their time academically, professionally, and personally. PSUVO is located at University Park.
Omega Delta Sigma (ΩΔΣ)
ΩΔΣ is a national co-ed veterans fraternity that is leadership- and service-based. The organization provides student veterans and service members help with the transition process, promotes volunteerism within the community, and offers both professional and social networking. ΩΔΣ organizations are located at University Park, Altoona, and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Chi Gamma Iota (XGI)
XGI is a scholastic honor society and co-ed fraternity that is open to veterans as well as active and reserve service members. XGI helps to make a smooth transition for fellow veterans and service members as they pursue higher education and achieve a stronger future for themselves and their families. XGI is located at Penn State Harrisburg.
Military Service Organization (MSO) – Online
The Military Service Organization (MSO) is our online military-connected student community for Penn State World Campus students and is directed towards the mutual aid, the social and intellectual growth, and the preservation of the common interests of students in our communities who are veterans, servicemembers, military spouses, and allies of the U.S. Armed Forces. The group also promotes social, educational, and professional networking among its members.
Military Law Caucus
The mission of the Military Law Caucus (MLC) is to organize and support all law students and students of international affairs who are veterans or current members of the United States Armed Forces who are interested in pursuing legal careers in the military, as well as students who are passionate about veterans’ rights. MLC seeks to promote and raise awareness of the career possibilities found in the United States Armed Forces as well as partner with veterans’ organizations that seek to educate the public on veterans’ affairs and provide veterans legal assistance.
The MLC welcomes all students with an interest in the military, military law, veterans’ affairs, or global strategic policy. The MLC is located at Penn State Law and Dickinson Law.
Student Veteran Centers and Lounges
University Park:
Located in the Ritenour Building on the University Park campus, the Student Veteran Center is a 6,300 sq. ft. dedicated space where all veteran services and programming are in one place.
Other Penn State Campuses:
Other Penn State campuses also have dedicated spaces for student veterans that range from study lounges to meeting spaces for veteran social organizations.
The campuses with student veteran centers are Abington, Berks, Dubois, Fayette, Harrisburg, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, York, and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Check out the Find Your Campus tool to learn more.