Save Veteran and Affiliated Services at UT Austin

As an active duty military member, going to college in my 30’s…”non-traditional” doesn’t even fully capture the experience for others like me. This space was a haven for us. It was a space for us to relate to others as much as it was for them to relate to us. The staff was able to assist us with the unique difficulties we encounter. We don’t need special treatment, but we deserve the same equitable treatment as any other student on campus that has unique needs for their educational pursuits.

My husband was in the Army and did a tour in Vietnam. Knowing how these veterans were treated on returning to the US he would be appalled and so angry that this was happening. And so am I. Shame on UT for doing this and shame on us if we let it happen.

Veterans deserve support that’s available and accessible to them

This is an anti-patriotic action to segregate military services from the student body. It also appears to be a forceful takeover of government funded developments for subversive activities.

UT has become a top school for taking care of veteran students. I hope the Dean and Registrar were just unaware of the importance of SVA and the military student space when they made these decisions. I'd like to believe that they will reconsider once they have a better understanding of the background.

The people that served our country need to be served.

Not funding Veterans’ education is wrong!!!

Egregious slap in the face for vets and education.

Protect our Veterans like they protected us.

US Navy Veteran here

Having been an older student i completely understand the difficulties of college life surrounded by a very young population. Although I am not a veteran, and have never given all for my country, I can not imagine a University such as UT Austin doing something to undermine the support structure these brave men and women need desperately. This petition is so important it should be shared with local civic and political leaders to give these students a true voice.

Please help our veterans. Without them we would not know what "Let Freedom Ring" stands for.

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I'm puzzled as to the decision to do anything to minimize the Veteran Services office at the Flagship University for the State of Texas. The previous Director had attained some of the highest accolades in the Country and the programs started gained National attention to the University of Texas for it's commitment to Veterans and our military partners in the community, namely Army Futures Command. The University also has produced some of the finest military officer ever to include 3 Medal of Honor recipients, numerous General/Flag Officers to include ADM McRaven and LTG Magruder, as well as hundreds of others that have had impressive careers in such areas as a Blue Angel pilot and Army Special Operations Aviation pilot participating in some of the nation's most important missions in the Global War on Terrorism. Any degradation of the commitment to our Veterans at The University most not happen.

VMAS has greatly helped me with my transition to UT, and it is very unfortunate to hear that the organization is losing their physical space. It is essential that veterans attending UT are able to access resources concerning mental health, transitioning, support programs, as well as a physical space to go to for these resources. I hope this petition forces the university to reconsider this decision and take appropriate action to properly support veterans transitioning into college life.

This is unacceptable for the university administration to force us out

I have gone to the VMAS office several times for assitance with school matters that only VMAS personnel would help me with. We need a dedicated space.

1 year ago Featured

I’m not a veteran, but I stand with those who are. Spaces like the Veteran Services Center are essential for healing, community, and support. Moving it isn’t just a logistical change — it’s a disruption to a lifeline. Please protect this safe space for those who’ve already sacrificed so much.

Keep UT the #1 school for vets in Texas

When we say “Don’t move the Veteran Services Center,” we’re not just protecting a room. We’re defending a lifeline. To most people, it’s just another office on campus. But to those of us who’ve worn the uniform — who’ve gone to war, who’ve lost brothers and sisters, who’ve endured trauma in silence — it’s more than four walls. It’s a safe haven. A place to breathe. A quiet shelter from the noise, the stares, and the unspoken gaps between our experiences and the lives of our younger classmates. You might not understand why this space matters. But if you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in a crowd, or like your pain had no place to land, then maybe you