Faculty & Staff resources
Advice and guidance on things like current data on veterans at UW–Madison, active duty policy, how UW–Madison defines our veterans, and how to best support students.
Veterans at UW–Madison
2020 Data
887
Student Veterans
2,004
students who are children or spouses of veterans/current service members
670
students using a GI Bill
Active duty policy
The policy from the Office of the Provost applies to all enrolled UW students who are called to, or already on active U.S. military service.
Definitions
Our definitions
We use the term “student veteran” to describe students who are veterans of the U.S. military under the federal definition or currently serving in the armed forces. The needs of these various students can vary, but further dividing the community is not necessary for providing adequate support or enhancing the student experience.
We use the term “military-connected student” to describe all students we serve. This population includes student veterans along with children and spouses of current or former members of the U.S. military. “Military-connected” does not include all ROTC students, but cadets and midshipmen may also identify as former military or family members.
Federal definitions
Veteran – a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
Armed Forces – the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, including their Reserve components
Reserve Component – the Army, Naval, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard Reserves and the Army and Air National Guard of the United States
Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations – 38 CFR 3.1(d)
Recommended reading
-
The Hard Path From Afghanistan to the Classroom
-
National Veteran Education Success Tracker (pdf)
-
Combat in the Classroom
-
War, Trauma, and the Writing Classroom: A Response to Travis Martin’s “Combat in the Classroom”
-
The American Veteran Experience and the Post-9/11 Generation (pdf)
-
VETWAYS: a great list of additional scholarships
Report an issue
Student of Concern
When you are concerned about a student’s well-being or know a student who may need additional support.
Harassment/Discrimination Concern
Including slurs, degrading language, epithets, graffiti, symbols, assault, microaggressions, and harassment.
Other Incidents
This could include a student that you are concerned about, hazing, stalking, or a missing student.
Supporting students
Classroom resources
Supporting students experiencing issues involving misconduct, how to talk to students you are concerned about, addressing disruptive behavior, and verbal de-escalation.
Getting students involved
Match student passions with opportunities to get involved and to grow their leadership skills at UW–Madison.
Finding community
Students have many ways to connect with others who share their goals, attitudes, and interests – as well as opportunities to expand their horizons.
Be well
Viewing health and well-being through personal physical health, mental health, and connection to a safe campus where all students can thrive.
Contact
University Veterans Services
716 Langdon Street
301 (3rd floor)
Madison, WI 53706
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Appointments & Drop-in Services
Spring 2026 Drop-in Schedule
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays:
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Drop-ins are always welcome during drop-in days, but appointments are encouraged.
Please visit our Contact page to make an appointment with a member of our staff.