Our Community of Student Veterans
The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is a place created by and for UC Riverside veteran and military-connected students. It’s where you’ll find (and give) support, camaraderie, and understanding.
Drop by and take a break, access resources, study, and just visit with friends. Take advantage of the study lounge with computers, free printer access, blue books, and scantrons. Refuel with free coffee or snacks, and put your feet up between classes.
The VRC is also your connection to campus and community resources. Get guidance and help to access benefits, as peer-to-peer support, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help you get ahead.
Join the Student Veteran Organization (SVO)
Join the SVO and connect with Veterans, active duty, retired, Reservist, and National Guards. Explore current issues, share knowledge, and provide support. You can also get experience by helping the SVO host events such as the Military Ball, a military fitness challenge, barbecues, trips to local game shows, and more. Contact svo.ucr21@gmail.com to learn more.
SVO is a chapter of the Student Veterans of America®, which a network of nearly 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and three countries overseas representing more than 750,000 student Veterans.
Events
There’s always something fun and supportive happening at the VRC! Below are just some of our special events. To get notified of upcoming events, follow us @ucrstudentvets, join our Facebook Group, and engage on the UCRVRCSVO Discord channel.
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September
- New Student Veteran Onboarding (fall quarter) – This optional event is held before classes begin in September in the fall. Incoming Veterans and military-connected students are welcome. Topics include financial benefits, disability benefits, career preparation opportunities, and research tips.
- Warrior Scholar Project – This one-day, student Veteran-led “Boot Camp” introduces the skills needed to succeed in college.
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October
- VRC Open House – Get to know the VRC and its services during this walk-through breakfast. The campus is welcome, especially Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists, ROTC, National Guard members, and military-connected students.
- Women Veteran Social
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November
- UCR Army ROTC – Honor Veterans Day with a flag-raising ceremony, remarks from UCR’s chancellor, and free refreshments. This event is held in conjunction with student veterans, the local ROTC, and the staff/faculty Veteran and family group. View the video.
- Veteran Luncheon
- Veteran Ally Training Panel – A panel of Veterans gather to discuss their experiences serving in the U.S. Military and how that plays into being a student and a civilian.
- Veteran Advisory Committee Meeting
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January
• New Student Veteran Onboarding (winter quarter) – This optional event is held before classes begin in January in the winter. Incoming Veterans and military-connected students are welcome. Topics include financial benefits, disability benefits, career preparation opportunities, and research tips.
Contact Veterans Resource Center
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See Information
Veterans Resource Center
125 Costo Hall
Riverside, CA 92521
tamarat@ucr.edu | (951) 827-2099VRC Hours (Pacific Time):
Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.For questions about undergraduate admission, visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask or Frequently Asked Questions.
Contact the Director
Tamara (Tami) Thacker, M.Ed. (she/her/hers)
Director
U.S. Navy Veteran
tamarat@ucr.edu
Phone: (951) 827-2099
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tami is one of five advisors in the country to receive the 2024-25 Chapter Advisors of the Year Award from Student Veterans of America (SVA).
Additional Resources
You Belong at UCR
All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.
To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.