About
The Office of Military & Veterans Affairs (OMVA) at Notre Dame embodies a multifaceted commitment to our military-connected students, faculty and staff, rooted in the core values of servant leadership and our university's ethos of being a "Force for Good." Our mission is anchored in fostering a robust, inclusive, and vibrant Notre Dame experience for all military-affiliated individuals, while relentlessly pursuing excellence in education and engagement within the military and veteran space.
The term "military-connected students" or "military-affiliated students" are individuals whose educational experience is shaped by their direct or familial connection to military service. This definition encompasses a wide range of individuals who are either actively serving, have served, or are part of families or programs associated with the U.S. Armed Forces. Specifically, military-connected students include:
- Active duty service members: Individuals currently serving full-time in any branch of the U.S. military.
- Veterans: Individuals who have previously served in the U.S. military and are no longer on active duty.
- National Guard and Reservists: Individuals serving in part-time military commitments, often balancing civilian employment or education alongside their military duties.
- Spouses of active duty service members, veterans, National Guard members, or reservists: These individuals often face unique challenges linked to military life, such as frequent relocations or deployments.
- Children of active duty service members, veterans, National Guard members, or reservists: These individuals often experience the effects of military life within their families, such as moves, separations, or reintegration challenges.
- ROTC mids and cadets: Students enrolled in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs who are actively preparing to serve in the military as future officers.
We operate on three foundational principles:
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Perpetual Gratitude: Since September 11, 2001, over 5 million veterans have served our nation, with thousands making profound sacrifices in the line of duty. At Notre Dame, we hold an eternal debt of gratitude to these men and women. The OMVA ensures that our appreciation is not fleeting, but rather expressed purposefully to enrich the lives of our military community and their families.
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Sacred Duty: Our bond with the military community is sacred, rooted in an unwavering commitment to honor and serve those who have defended our freedoms. Upholding this sacred trust is not just a societal obligation; it is a moral imperative. The OMVA embodies Notre Dame's enduring dedication to honoring the selfless service of our military members.
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Amplifying Impact: Notre Dame's commitment to our military community extends far beyond rhetoric—it is a pledge to continually elevate our standards of excellence and extend our support network. Through strategic initiatives and unwavering dedication, we strive to expand our influence and extend our reach in advocating for the needs of our military-connected students.
In essence, the OMVA serves as a beacon of integrity, resilience, and inspiration within our university community, embodying the values of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. We stand as a testament to Notre Dame's legacy of leadership development, global citizenship, and service to others, ensuring that military-connected students, faculty, and staff maximize their success and achieve their full potential.
