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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.
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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.
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Recent Posts
Utilizing Prior Learning Experience: How Military Training Can Translate to College Credit
Are you a military veteran looking to pursue higher education? Did you know that your military training and experience can be translated into college credit? Learn how to leverage your prior military learning experience to save time and money while earning your degree.
7 Things to Do in the SF Bay Area This Veterans Day Weekend
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.
Conquering Test Anxiety: Strategies for Successful Exam Preparation
Test anxiety can be a formidable adversary for students, often leaving them overwhelmed and unprepared when exam day arrives. However, many of the same strategies used for military training can be applied to your academic test preparation.
Understanding Your Options: Withdraw, Audit, Credit/No Credit, and Pass/Fail Status
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.
Getting Unstuck: Long and Short-Term Decision-Making Tools
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.
5 Tips for Transferring Your Military Board Interview Skills to the Civilian Sector
When interviewing for civilian jobs, it can often feel intimidating if you are just starting your job search. However, as a student veteran, you likely already have a similar experience in your service background: military board interviews.
9 Student Veteran Organizations and Resources to Build a Supportive Network
Building a solid and supportive network is crucial for success, and luckily, several outstanding organizations and resources are available.
Balancing Family Life and Academics: 5 Essential Tips for Military Students
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.
10 Tips for Student Veterans Preparing for a New Semester
Ten tips to help you excel in your studies and maximize your university experience.
Do You Know If You Are Enrolled in VA Health Care?
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.
Tap Into Experiential Learning Opportunities and Internships
The Importance of Networking for Veterans
Experts state that networking fills around 80% of jobs, meaning that these aren’t even posted as available in the first place. The adage, "It's not what you know, but who you know," may still have relevance today.
How to Leverage the Power of LinkedIn
How to Build a Compelling Resume as a Veteran
Even if you are still months or years away from graduation and entering the workforce, having an up-to-date resume is crucial for success. A resume is an opportunity to highlight your unique skills and experiences that are translatable into the language of the civilian job market.
Explaining GGU’s Academic Terms
GGU has three academic periods -- often referred to as trimesters -- Spring, Summer and Fall, and they each last 15 weeks.
Understanding Book Stipends and Your GI Bill®️ Benefits
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.
Memorial Day and The Last Full Measure of Devotion
For many Americans, Memorial Day is barely more than an observance of a federal holiday, a time to gather for a barbeque with family and friends and raise a glass for freedom. Even mainstream media can sometimes objectify the day with stock footage of flags on tombstones or with a televised reunion featuring a child throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game only to discover her redeployed parent hidden behind a catcher's equipment.
Summer Term: To Continue or To Take a Break?
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.
Military Appreciation Month
National Military Appreciation Month, celebrated every May, was introduced in 1999 to encourage US citizens to observe the month as a symbol of unity. Characterized by six national observances highlighting the extraordinary contributions of those who have served and sacrificed, each day offers a distinct significance.
Student Steps to Success: Getting Started
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.
The Office of Accessible Education works with students to make accommodations for students with disabilities, modifications or services.