History of Center
The McCord-Herbst Student Veteran Center at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) was established in 2016 to provide essential support and resources for military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these individuals during their transition to college life, UCCS created the center to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. The center is named in honor of two distinguished veterans, Clancy Herbst and Charlie McCord who had an unwavering commitment to honoring those who have served.
Since its inception, the McCord-Herbst Student Veteran Center has become a vital hub for military-affiliated students, offering a range of key features designed to enhance their academic and social experience. The center includes a quiet and comfortable lounge area, providing a space for relaxation and connection with peers. It also houses the USAA Workforce Computer Lab, equipped with technology to assist students in their academic pursuits and career preparation. Additional amenities include study areas, coffee and snacks, and resources for educational benefits counseling and processing. The center's staff and student employees are all military-affiliated, and dedicated to helping are military-affiliated students navigate their college experience successfully.
Message from our Director
Dear Military-Affiliated Student,
On behalf of the entire Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA) Office at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), I extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to you! We are honored that you've chosen UCCS to pursue your academic goals, and we are deeply committed to supporting your unique journey.
Our office operates under a guiding principle we call the TARGET Value Framework, which is central to everything we do. TARGET represents our unwavering focus on your Transition, Access, Readiness, Growth, Engagement, and Transformation, all leading to your Success.
- Transition: We ease your transition with tailored orientation, one-on-one counseling for benefit utilization and academic planning, as well as workshops addressing the adjustment to civilian life and study skills.
- Access: We ensure equitable access to university resources through a central hub providing information on military-specific financial aid, mental health support, and tailored academic advising. We also streamline admissions and advocate for supportive policies.
- Readiness: We equip you with resources for your academic success, as well as use those resources to enhance your skills, connect you with tutoring, and provide guidance on university procedures.
- Growth: We support your personal and professional development through skill-building workshops, career counseling leveraging your military experience, and connections to experiential learning opportunities.
- Engagement: We foster community through social events and collaborations with campus organizations, celebrating military culture, and building connections. Our alumni network offers mentorship and support.
- Transformation: We continuously improve our programs based on your feedback and best practices to ensure our support remains relevant and effective, empowering you to achieve your goals.
Beyond the principles of the TARGET framework, our office provides a range of direct services to support you. These include:
- Assistance with VA education benefits (e.g., GI Bill®).
- Guidance through the military-affiliated admissions and enrollment process.
- Connections to tailored academic advising.
- Referrals to mental health and well-being resources.
- Support in accessing financial aid and scholarships.
- A dedicated space for connection, study, and resource access.
- Advocacy to ensure your needs are met.
We are a dedicated community here to support you. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. We look forward to being part of your success at UCCS.
Warm Regards,
Crista Hill
Director, Veteran and Military Affairs Office
University of Colorado Colorado Springs