Pre-Orientation is one of CARC's favorite events of the year, and students who’ve participated in the past say it is one of their highlights as well. There’s something special about getting to connect in a smaller group before everyone else arrives!
A veteran is a former member of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, National Guard and Coast Guard) who served on active duty and was discharged under conditions, which were other than dishonorable.
A veteran student (or student veteran) is an individual who is a veteran and is currently pursuing a higher education degree. A military-affiliated individual is any student who is currently serving on active duty, in the national guard, in the U.S. Reserve, a dependent spouse or dependent child, or a surviving dependent of a deceased service member.
This country, let alone Amherst College, would not be where it is today without the people who have served this country. Therefore, the CARC is a resource center for our student veterans so that they can be well-supported and set up for success at this institution. Additionally, the CARC provides programming for the broader campus community to learn more about the experiences of our student veterans both on and off campus.
To learn more about Amherst's past and present relationship with the military, read our "Veterans' Days" article in Amherst's alumni magazine.
All veteran students have access to the Veteran Student Lounge (Morris Pratt 005B), which is a space where veteran students can gather to rest and recharge on campus. It's a great study spot in between classes or a place to hang out with other veteran students.
Fall semester (annual)
Hosted by the Class & Access Resource Center every fall semester, the Veteran Community BBQ brings together Amherst College students, staff and faculty who have military experience for a community meal. All military-connected community members and friends are welcome!
Fall semester (annual)
A dinner, hosted by President Elliot, celebrating veteran students.
Beginning in Fall 2022, all first semester veteran students will be connected with a staff or faculty mentor as part of our new veteran mentoring initiative, the Veteran Education, Transition, and Support (V.E.T.S.) Mentor Program. Mentors are Amherst College staff or faculty members who have extensive military experience and who serve as a supportive person during the transition to Amherst.
Students meet with their mentors once a month throughout the first semester. Beyond the first semester, students may opt in to continue the mentoring relationship.
Since Memorial Day is recognized at the end of May after the end of classes, we commemorate the holiday before the semester ends with a Table of Honor display, hosted by the Amherst College Military Association, with support from CARC and Valentine Dining Hall.
The table of honor emerged from Vietnam War Veterans’ desire to honor their comrades that were taken as Prisoners of War (POW) or were Missing in Action (MIA). The manner in which this table is decorated is full of special symbols to help us remember our siblings in arms.
We invite the campus community to take a moment of silence today to remember and honor loved ones during your visit to Val.
Look here to see a photo of the Table of Honor in the spring semester of 2023.
Amherst College Military Association - contact Scott Hopkins, at shopkins24@amherst.edu or follow them on instagram.