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Operation Compass: Military Panther Onboarding

Welcome to the Panther family. As Miami’s public research university, FIU is committed to supporting you through this next phase of your academic, professional, and personal development. Operation Compass is your guide to understanding and navigating your new life as a Panther. Through this experience, we hope you will begin to build community among fellow military Panthers, become familiar with the numerous resources available to you through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, and begin to leave your mark on the FIU student experience. We look forward to meeting you at the following engagements.

Fall 2024 Events

Tuesday, August 27
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Location: TWR 100

All Hands: Meet your VMA Cadre
An introduction to the dedicated Veteran & Military Affairs staff members who provide guidance, support, and encouragement to FIU’s military-affiliated students.

Thursday, August 29
Time: 12-2 p.m.
Location: GC 243

We’ve Got Your Six: Resource Fair
Meet the many campus and community partners who provide wraparound support, services, and resources to military veterans and affiliated students. Find out which establishments offer military discounts, and start building your FIU network for success.

Friday, August 30
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location: TWR 100

At Ease: SVA Welcome Social
Join the Student Veterans of America – FIU Chapter as the newest members of our FIU military community. Foster connections to help you navigate your first semester and beyond. 

Tuesday, September 3
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: TWR 100

Battle of the Branches: SVA Trivia Night
College isn’t just about academics – it’s okay to have some fun, too! Join the Student Veterans of America – FIU Chapter for a trivia night and build bonds with fellow students.

Thursday, September 5
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom 

Basic Training: Tips & Tricks for Using Your VA Benefits
VA education benefits are valuable assets to help military Panthers reach their goals. Knowing how best to maximize those benefits will assist in navigating financial hardships, mitigating distractions to achieving peak academic performance, and avoiding delays in graduation. Register online. 

Student Ambassadors

VMA Student Ambassadors guide incoming, military-affiliated students through the onboarding process as they transition to life at FIU. As peer mentors, they assist students with validating their military status to receive priority registration and tuition deferment. Student Ambassadors also guide students through the application process for federal VA education benefits and explain the related processes of benefits certification. Ambassadors meet new students where they are and provide mentorship and guidance throughout their time at FIU.

  • Ronald Blanco

    Ronald Blanco
    Student Ambassador

  • Gianni De Cotiis

    Gianni De Cotiis
    Student Ambassador

  • Christian Lozano

    Christian Lozano
    Student Ambassador

  • Wilson Meza Lopez

    Wilson Meza Lopez
    Student Ambassador

  • Farid Murad

    Farid Murad
    Student Ambassador