With over 2,000 military-connected students attending MSU, there are many opportunities to get involved and find community with your peers. We highly encourage students to pursue co-curricular learning opportunities by joining registered student organizations (RSOs). MSU has over 1,000 different RSOs! If you can't find one you like, we make it simple to start your own. You can learn more about RSOs and MSU using the link below, but this page will highlight a few ways veterans can find community here.
Click here to learn about Registered Student Organizations
Student Veterans of America
The Michigan State University chapter of the SVA is dedicated to providing academic, social, and professional support opportunities to military affiliated students and their families. The MSU SVA is an RSO and a member of the Council for Advocacy of Marginalized Students (CAMS).
Current Leadership
President - Kyle Hiner
Vice President - Jeremiah Velez
Secretary - VACANT
Treasurer - Alexander Schmitz
Interested in Joining?
Membership is open to all Michigan State University students who have an interest in supporting the needs and interest of student veterans on our campus.
Law College SVA
The Law College SVA exists to provide academic, social and professional support and opportunities to military-affiliated students and their families.
Current Leadership
President - Kirsten
Vice President - OPEN
Secretary - OPEN
Treasurer - Anthony Ramirez
Interested in Joining?
Membership is open to all MSU College of Law students regardless of veteran status.
Click here to email the Law College SVA
PEER ADVISORS FOR VETERAN EDUCATION
Make difference. Find Your Community. Support Your Fellow Veterans.
Transitioning from military to college life comes with unique challenges—but you don't have to do it alone. Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) is a peer support program designed to help student veterans successfully transition to college life. The program Pairs incoming student veterans with trained Peer Advisors—fellow student veterans who understand the unique challenges of adjusting to academic life after military service.
Through PAVE, Peer Advisors:
✔ Help new student veterans navigate campus resources
✔ Offer guidance on academic, personal, and professional challenges
✔ Foster a sense of belonging and community
✔ Connect students to on- and off-campus support services
PAVE at Michigan State University
Since 2016, Michigan State University's PAVE program has been a leading veteran transition support initiative, helping student veterans as they transition the military-to-college life. Through Peer mentorship, community-building, and resource navigation, PAVE at MSU has helped hundreds of student veterans find success both in and out of the classroom.
Our Impact
- 21 dedicated Peer Advisors have volunteered their time to support fellow student veterans
- Over 500 student veterans have received personalized guidance and connection to essential resources.
- We've cultivated a strong and supportive veteran community where Spartans with military backgrounds can thrive
How the Program works
Incoming student veterans are matched with a trained Peer Advisor, who serves as a mentor throughout their transition to college life. Peer Advisors check in regularly, offer guidance, and connect mentees with academic, career, and wellness resources to help them navigate their Spartan journey.
Opportunities to Get Involved
There are multiple ways to engage with PAVE at MSU:
- Become a Peer Advisor: If you're a student veteran who wants to make a difference, consider becoming a Peer Advisor. You'll receive training, leadership experience, and the opportunity to support your fellow veterans.
- Request a Peer Advisor: If you're a new or returning student veteran looking for guidance, PAVE can connect you with a Peer Advisor who understands the challenges you may face and can help you succeed.
- Join PAVE Events & Activities: Throughout the year, PAVE hosts events designed to bring student veterans together, foster connections, and provide professional development opportunities.
About the National PAVE Program
The Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) program is a national initiative designed to empower student veterans through peer support and mentorship. Developed by M-SPAN (Military Support Programs and Networks) at the University of Michigan, PAVE was created to address the unique challenges that veterans face when transitioning from military service to college life.
Mission & Goals
PAVE’s mission is to enhance student veteran success by fostering peer-to-peer connections, improving access to resources, and creating a strong sense of belonging on college campuses. The program is built on the belief that student veterans can best support one another, using shared experiences to navigate academic, personal, and professional challenges.
The program’s key goals include:
✔ Improving student veteran retention and graduation rates
✔ Building a supportive community of military-connected students
✔ Increasing awareness and access to campus and community resources
✔ Developing leadership and mentoring skills among Peer Advisors
National Reach & Impact
Since its launch in 2012, PAVE has expanded to 21 colleges and universities across the United States (PAVE, 2025), creating a nationwide network of student veteran support. Through this network, thousands of veterans have found mentorship, resources, and community, strengthening their ability to succeed in higher education.
Some highlights of PAVE’s national impact:
- Over 39,000 student veterans served across participating institutions
- Over 2,200 trained Peer Advisors providing mentorship and leadership
- Strong collaborations with university veteran resource centers, student veteran organizations, and community partners to enhance student success
By participating in PAVE, MSU joins this larger effort to empower student veterans, ensuring they have the tools, support, and community needed to thrive.
CURRENT PAVE TEAM
Advisor - Kyle Hiner
Advisor - Jeremiah Velez
