7 Chapter Onboarding SVA is made up of Chapters on campuses around the country and world. While the staff at the National Headquarters office, located in Washington, D.C., is responsible for network-wide programming and services, advocacy, and research, the Chapters create the “boots on the ground” impact that is so crucial to the enhanced experiences of veterans in higher education. National Headquarters welcomes potential chapters to apply to join the national network and contribute to the mission of SVA. This section describes the benefits, the minimum standards, and the application for participation. The focus thereafter is on the roles within the Chapter. Chapter Leaders provide effective management for their Chapter, and advisors are a vital asset to a Chapter for university support. These leadership roles are important to the success of your Chapter, allowing for continuity and long-term success. Just like any other student organization, Chapters require support from the university administration and faculty to meet the potential impact a Chapter can bring. Benefits The Chapter network grows relationships like none other. Built on a camaraderie established through military service, the connections made through the Chapter network are rich and meaningful and they have positively impacted a generation of student veterans already. Chapter membership offers a unique access to this global network of like-minded student veterans, families, supporters, and allies in programming, advocacy, research, and more. Chapters are also uniquely positioned to benefit from guidance from the nation’s top individuals in various industries. Through affiliation, Chapters and their members have access to the following resources, opportunities, and programming: • The use of the SVA name, seal, logo, and branding in accordance with usage policies to demonstrate the Chapter’s affiliation with a global network of student veteran success. • Access to the opportunities provided to Chapters via strategic partnerships, including programming, internships, events, certificate programs, webinars, scholarships, and careers. • Access to leadership and professional development curricula and programs, including Washington Week, Regional Summits, the Leadership Institute, NatCon, and other programs developed with SVA partners, such as the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship. • Engagement in online networking and support forums, including the Chapter Leader Forum (Facebook) and the Student Veterans Professional Development Community (LinkedIn). • Advocacy support related to student veteran issues on campus and at the campus, local, state, and national level. Campus support includes connecting Chapters with local networks, working with campus administrators, and providing resources that support working with student government. On a national level, support includes direct policy advocacy for various relevant legislative issues. • Access to the Chapter Toolkit to be used as a guide when applying best practices for managing your Chapter. The founders of SVA believed student veterans already paid their dues through their sacrifices of serving in our nation’s military, and this continues to guide the SVA philosophy to this day. There are no dues or fees associated with SVA membership. Individual Chapters may enact due or fee policies on their own but are encouraged to avoid any policies financially inhibiting any student veteran from membership and participation. Chapters should check with their institution of higher learning before implementing any dues or fees to ensure practices consistent with the rules of their university. Chapter Requirements As a student group that is tied to both the university (or college, or school) as well as your National Headquarters, Chapters must meet four (4) criteria for inclusion:
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