The ORP represents a new model of integrative support for veterans and military-connected students transitioning from active duty to pursuing a degree. It provides comprehensive support to address academic, financial, physical, and social needs, with a special emphasis on personal and mental well-being.
Five Pillars of Resiliency
Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) empowers its veteran and military-connected students to thrive and succeed as they embark on their academic journey. The ORP’s Five Pillars of Resiliency are the core areas of support and strength that assist our students to navigate challenges and rebound from potential adversity. Together, along with OVMA’s existing programs and resources, these pillars work as a holistic framework, emphasizing that resilience is not built through just one area of life, but through a nurturing balance across all pillars.
Emotional
Developing the self-awareness, confidence, and skills that support personal well-being and growth.
Emotional resilience helps Veteran and Military-Connected Students recognize their strengths, understand and manage their emotions, develop healthy strategies for well-being, and confidently pursue their goals throughout the Syracuse University experience.
Physical
Supporting healthy habits and practices that contribute to physical well-being and an active life.
Physical resilience helps Veteran and Military-Connected Students develop healthy routines through movement, fitness, nutrition, rest, recreation, and other forms of self-care that support learning, participation, and overall well-being.
Social
Building meaningful relationships, supportive connections, and a sense of belonging.
Social resilience helps Veteran and Military-Connected Students develop healthy relationships, connect with peers, build support networks, and actively participate in the academic and social life of Syracuse University.
Family
Strengthening the relationships and support systems that help students and families thrive.
Family resilience recognizes that the Syracuse University experience extends beyond the individual student. Veteran and Military-Connected Students pursue their education within the context of family relationships, employment, military service, and other important commitments and connections in their lives. Strong relationships and support systems help students and families remain connected, pursue their goals, and fully participate in the Syracuse University experience.
Spirtual
Developing a sense of meaning, purpose, values, and identity.
Spiritual resilience helps Veteran and Military-Connected Students reflect on what matters to them and explore the values, beliefs, experiences, and aspirations that give their lives meaning and direction. This may include faith, mindfulness, service, personal philosophy, or other sources of purpose and connection.
Building A Stronger Community
Together, the five pillars strengthen the Syracuse University community. ORP empowers Veteran and Military-Connected Students and their families to recognize their strengths, identify their needs, pursue their goals, and connect with the people, programs, services, and resources that support their success and well-being.
Together, the five pillars strengthen the Syracuse University community. ORP empowers Veteran and Military-Connected Students and their families to recognize their strengths, identify their needs, pursue their goals, and connect with the people, programs, services, and resources that support their success and well-being.