Stay up to speed.
Lately on the Blog
Writing your first college paper after years in uniform can feel intimidating. Discover practical strategies to overcome academic self-doubt and translate your operational service experience into clear, professional writing.
Balancing coursework with unpredictable work hours, family obligations, or life transitions is challenging. Learn practical strategies to maintain academic momentum when your schedule is constantly changing.
In today's job market, practical capabilities matter more than institutional prestige. Learn how career-ready degree programs give transitioning service members and military spouses a direct advantage in the workplace.
Reaching the mid-year mark is a natural time to evaluate your career transition. Discover how taking small, practical steps today helps military-connected students build meaningful professional momentum before the year ends.
Need some help navigating the blog?
Benefits
This guide explains how military and VA education benefits may be used at Golden Gate University. It outlines common benefit types, basic eligibility considerations, enrollment certification steps, and GGU resources available to military-connected students seeking to understand their options.
Veterans returning to civilian life often use the GI Bill®️ to fund their education, but did you know additional scholarships are available to support your academic journey? Beyond the GI Bill®️, various organizations recognize the sacrifices made by our military personnel and offer financial assistance to help them achieve their educational goals.
The GI Bill®️ is a game-changer for service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life. It's a powerful tool that can pave the way for a successful career by providing educational benefits.
Embarking on the journey to higher education as a student veteran utilizing the GI Bill®️ is a big step. With many options available, selecting the right college is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your academic and personal success. Adopting a personalized approach to finding the college that suits your unique needs and aspirations is essential.
First-time university students often need help with the various grading options available in colleges and universities. Just as the military has its jargon and acronyms, navigating higher education well involves learning new academic and institutional vocabulary.
You've applied and been admitted to your program of choice. You have initiated your GI Bill®️ Benefits to cover your tuition and fees. Your military housing allowance (MHA) has been determined and approved by the VA. Before you begin your classes, there is another benefit that you can expect to receive: the book and supply stipend.
During the summer months, it might feel like you're approaching a crossroads – as it does for many student veterans. Do you continue your classes and maintain your scholarly momentum or need a break from classes and assignments? For this test, there is no wrong answer. However, there are three significant considerations to remember when determining if taking courses during the summer term is right for you.
Whether you are just in the information-gathering or consideration stages of beginning or restarting your education or confidently approaching the starting line, there are a few factors to keep in mind. To be successful, these five steps are crucial.
Miles is a commissioned officer in the National Guard with over 20 years of military experience. This post will discuss his role as the Military Student Onboarding Coach and how he supports military students at GGU.
Helpful Tips
You've crossed the stage, received your diploma, and now the real adventure begins – navigating the job market. Transitioning from college to the professional world can be exciting and daunting. However, you can pave the way for a successful career with a strategic approach and mindset.
Most students will feel stuck at some point during the educational process. Whether it's related to academic decisions, career choices, or personal life, many individuals find themselves at a crossroads, overwhelmed by the complexity of decision-making.
Student veterans often juggle the demands of coursework, assignments, and exams while maintaining family commitments. These five essential tips will help you navigate between your roles.
Ten tips to help you excel in your studies and maximize your university experience.
Bridget Leach, LCSW of the San Francisco VA Health Care System, shares about outreach, enrollment, and coordinating care in the Bay Area for Student Veterans.
Whether you are just in the information-gathering or consideration stages of beginning or restarting your education or confidently approaching the starting line, there are a few factors to keep in mind. To be successful, these five steps are crucial.
Meet Jenna Piva Laramie, the Career Programs and Outreach Manager at the Helen Diller Center for Veterans of US Military Service at Golden Gate University. Jenna has an 11-year military spouse background, and her experiences have led her to help military-connected students with their career development. In this blog post, we will get to know Jenna, her professional background, her connection to the military, and the services she offers specifically at the Diller Center.
Miles is a commissioned officer in the National Guard with over 20 years of military experience. This post will discuss his role as the Military Student Onboarding Coach and how he supports military students at GGU.
Huge list of scholarship opportunities for veterans, military spouses, and family members.
Community
Learn what makes a successful mentorship relationship for military-connected students at Golden Gate University. Discover practical mentorship strategies, communication tips, and networking guidance that support academic success, career development, and long-term professional growth through meaningful mentor connections.
At Golden Gate University, military-connected students don’t navigate higher education alone. From the Diller Center and Veteran Ambassadors to SVA, faculty, and peers, discover how a strong support network can guide your academic progress, professional development, and overall student experience.
After 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, Todd Farley began a new mission at Golden Gate University. Supported by GGU's veteran-focused resources, he's earning his master's in Human Resource Management and proving that military skills can lead to success in the classroom and beyond.
Mentorship works like compounding interest—small, consistent investments now yield long-term growth. Discover how student veterans can build a mentorship network that multiplies academic, professional, and personal success.
Finding the right mentor can be a game-changer for veteran students. Whether you seek academic guidance, career advice, or personal support, there are many ways to connect with mentors who understand your journey and can guide you to success.
Virtual communities offer invaluable support for student veterans. By participating in these communities, veterans can access academic support, peer-to-peer connections, and a sense of camaraderie. Whether through success coaches, mentorship, or social interactions, these communities help veterans navigate the challenges of academic life and achieve their goals.
Building a solid and supportive network is crucial for success, and luckily, several outstanding organizations and resources are available.
Learn why staying connected with your student veteran community over winter break supports well-being, continuity, and a smoother return to campus.
As the new semester begins, now is the perfect time for student veterans to find their campus community. Discover how joining a veteran student group can enhance your college experience in meaningful, practical ways.
Discover how veteran student organizations help build community, provide support, and create leadership opportunities for student veterans. Learn how joining or leading a VSO lets you give back and stay connected on campus.
Finding the right mentor can be a game-changer for veteran students. Whether you seek academic guidance, career advice, or personal support, there are many ways to connect with mentors who understand your journey and can guide you to success.
Virtual communities offer invaluable support for student veterans. By participating in these communities, veterans can access academic support, peer-to-peer connections, and a sense of camaraderie. Whether through success coaches, mentorship, or social interactions, these communities help veterans navigate the challenges of academic life and achieve their goals.
As veterans transition from military life to civilian life, many pursue higher education as a pathway to a new career. Adapting to campus life and the academic environment may seem daunting, but the journey can be fulfilling and successful with careful planning and the right mindset.
Embarking on the journey of higher education as a student veteran can be exciting and challenging. Unlike the typical high school graduate, you bring a wealth of life experiences, diverse perspectives, and a unique set of skills to the table.
You've crossed the stage, received your diploma, and now the real adventure begins – navigating the job market. Transitioning from college to the professional world can be exciting and daunting. However, you can pave the way for a successful career with a strategic approach and mindset.
The long-term impact of mentorship transcends the academic realm. Students who have benefited from mentorship often pay it forward, becoming mentors themselves. This perpetuates a cycle of support and guidance within the military-connected community, nurturing a culture of mutual assistance and solidarity.
If you are looking for things to experience and enjoy this Veterans Day weekend in San Francisco, you are in luck. Check out these fun and festive opportunities to enjoy the Bay Area and beyond.
GGU Veteran Alumni Stories
After 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, Todd Farley began a new mission at Golden Gate University. Supported by GGU's veteran-focused resources, he's earning his master's in Human Resource Management and proving that military skills can lead to success in the classroom and beyond.
Meet Taylor Siemen—a veteran, full-time employee, father, and GGU student in accounting and data analytics. Discover how he balances it all while using his experience to help fellow veterans thrive.
Golden Gate University is committed to supporting student veterans. Periodically, we share stories of distinguished alums who have connected their military service and higher education experience to continue contributing to their communities.
I attribute the MBA I received from Golden Gate University with contributing to me getting my final two positions—Deputy Auditor General of the Navy and Auditor General of the Army.
As a result of being named the Outstanding Graduate of the Masters Health Care Administration program in 1983, I was promoted to Colonel in 1989. After I retired from Active Duty in January, 1997 I was selected to be the Vice President of Clinical and Support Services at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California. All of these successes I owe to Golden Gate University.
I completed my MBA at GGU in 1972. Having earned a teaching credential in the meantime, I was hired by GGU to teach some undergrad courses at Travis. I managed to squeeze in the LSAT while back East, and after completing my tour of duty, Dean J. Lani Bader saw fit to allow me to enter the Law School. I earned my J.D. in 1980.
Dr. Roger Kemp, Adjunct Professor in the Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University, shares how he used his GI Bill®️ to open up opportunities in public administration and beyond.
Make sure these posts and others hit your inbox by subscribing.
Recent Posts
4 Veteran Organizations To Help You Grow your Network
Despite the time it takes to build a profile and connect with people – a social media network alone is not enough to make up for building relationships that can help your career progressions.
Things to Keep in Mind When Transferring College Credits
In a perfect world, transferring college credits would be as easy as looking at how many credits you previously earned.
Why do I Have to Take a Placement Test?
The purpose of a placement test is to gauge the math and English proficiency of incoming first-year students
The Importance of Physical Activity for Student Veterans
On top of improving your energy and lowering stress, physical activity can also help sharpen your memory.
What is the Veteran Ambassador Program?
The Veteran Ambassador Program is a work-study program run by the Department of Veteran Affairs and available at GGU.
Mental Health Resources for Student Veterans
Here are some mental health resources to help you, or a veteran that you may know.
Tips to Prepare You for Your Next Virtual Interview
Virtual interviews allow both the hiring manager and the potential employee to get a better feel for how they may work together, without costing anyone extra time or money.
The Legacy of 9/11 for Military Students
Thoughts from Jason Dempsey, the director of The Helen Diller Center for Veterans of U.S. Military Service at Golden Gate University to our student veterans.
Get the Most Out of Your Academic Journey with Marlena
Marlena knows firsthand how complicated educational benefits can be, but she also knows how to navigate them.
5 Benefits of Learning at Home: College Edition
Many students chose to learn at home because of the flexibility it allows, both for studying and for other important things in their lives.
The Difference Between Public and Private Nonprofit Colleges
What's the difference between for-profit and nonprofit schools? What does a private, nonprofit school actually mean? Here are the answers.
Hello from the Future: Chris Tilghman
As the operations manager, Chris spends a lot of time in "administrivia" making sure things move smoothly.
7 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Veterans
Like it or not, networking is part of the long game in the civilian world and you don't get a pass because of your veteran status.
Should You Read 'For Fun' While on Break?
Reading is important in the life-long pursuit of learning. But why you're reading may not matter quite as much.
Coffee and Connection: Kellie Artis
Kellie Artis wears many hats: digital community manager, military spouse and enneagram enthusiast.
Why You Should Visit GGU’s Free Legal Clinic
All veterans of all branches are welcome at the legal clinic, where the services are provided at no cost to the veteran.
5 Things You Need to Know About the 48-Month Rule
As the changes to the 48-month rule continue to impact eligible veterans, there will be questions — we have some answers.
What If Your GI Bill® Doesn't Cover Your Entire Education?
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️, the VA will pay for up to 36 months of educational benefits.
Want to Volunteer While Studying? Here's How To Do It
Volunteering while studying is a great way to learn about your professional field, expand your network and give you some experience.
The Importance of Reflection this Memorial Day
Memorial Day — the day we honor the memories of those who have died in the service of our country but may struggle with how to do so.
The Office of Accessible Education works with students to make accommodations for students with disabilities, modifications or services.