We provide the educational resources to build bridges between military-connected populations and academic researchers interested in helping their communities.
Whether by convening academic audiences or delivering programming beyond the university’s traditional borders, Chez is committed to developing programs that orient research, resources, and influence towards new possibilities for public health. The Office of Research and Educational Programming provides educational programming to three audiences: field practitioners, course instructors, and Urbana researchers. These resources can be accessed through https://equip.illinois.edu (external audiences) or through Microsoft Teams (internal audiences, please contact mlots2@illinois.edu for access).
Field Practitioners
Our research creates real-world impact through collaborative research with campus and community partners, continuing a legacy of programmatic innovation for higher-education student veterans. In the curation of research activity, we place a special focus on research studies that have practical outcomes for student veterans in higher education. In this way, the Center is a place to explore innovative transitional methods, develop new technologies, test important questions, and discover treatments from various disciplines. We share our innovations in working with student veterans through professional development opportunities nationally with military student service providers.
Course Instructors
The Office of Research and Educational Programming supports the Military-Connected Ally Support Training (MCAST) program. This student-developed professional development series engages course instructors and the broader campus community in a dialogue to identify the strengths and challenges service members, veterans, and military family members face while pursuing their academic and career goals. Modules within this asynchronous program include slide presentations, interactive programming, student panels, and audience participation to engage all learning styles fully. MCAST allows participants to continue learning about specific issues students face, including diversity, health, and family.
Illinois-Urbana Researchers
We provide workshops that are designed to help researchers develop necessary cultural competencies for effectively engaging with this community in research. Workshops can be adapted for various audiences: students/class talks, academic professionals (i.e. Research Development Managers), research labs, or specific colleges/units/centers. Some examples of previous workshops include:
- Cultural competency for engaging military-connected populations in research.
- Crafting military benefit statements for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.
Current Course Offerings
Supporting student transitions, community building, and career readiness.
The Chez Veterans Center offers academic courses that support military-connected students in navigating the transition to higher education, building community connections, and preparing for future careers. These courses are offered in collaboration with the College of Applied Health Sciences and are designed to complement the Center’s wraparound support services, including academic and career coaching, mentoring, and wellness resources.
Building Bridges for Military Veterans and Reservists to Academic and Professional Excellence
Term A (08/25/25–10/17/25) | AHS 199-CV1 | CRN 54320
This first-year experience course is designed for student veterans and service members new to higher education. Students gain strategies for a successful transition to university life with a focus on cultural integration, self-awareness, goal setting, and resilience. The course blends flexible online coursework with a weekly 50-minute in-person session, scheduled individually with registered students.
Career Development for Military-Connected Students
Term B (10/20/25–12/10/25) | AHS 199-CV3 | CRN 68462
This course prepares military-connected students for career success, both in civilian and federal sectors. Topics include resume and cover letter development, interview techniques, networking, employee rights, and professional advancement. The course includes flexible online components and a 50-minute in-person session scheduled with each student.
Building Community Connections Through Civic Engagement for Military Veterans
Term B (10/20/25–12/10/25) | AHS 199-CV2 | CRN 54567
A second-year experience course focused on civic involvement, this course empowers veterans and reservists to apply their military experiences toward community leadership and service. Through volunteer opportunities and skill-building activities, students foster meaningful connections and a renewed sense of purpose. Includes a weekly 50-minute in-person session and online coursework.