The primary mission of the Student Veteran Association (SVA) at Duke University is to serve the needs of students with prior or current military association, their families, and dependents. Thus, we aim to develop and implement support activities to better assess, promote, and represent the interests of this population within the University community. Membership is open to all Duke students, faculty, and staff who support of primary purpose: this includes student veterans, those affected by a loved one’s prior or current military association, and those interested in our effort. Most important, all members of the SVA agree to honor the following principles:

1. The SVA provides assistance to those with prior or current military association. It does so irrespective of disability, nationality, political conviction, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, veteran status and characterization of service determined by any governmental agency.

2. The SVA observes neutrality and impartiality on issues outside the organization’s primary purpose. Our organization has no official position on any other issue or cause. Official SVA statements regarding policy and activity related to our primary purpose will be transparent and accessible to the public.

3. SVA membership is fully inclusive, free and voluntary; members remain free to join other associations in accordance with their own conscience.

4. The SVA provides access to public information only. It does not provide advice of any kind (i.e. financial or legal); and cannot be held responsible for actions of an outside agency.

5. In accordance with principle two, the SVA does not endorse or oppose the doctrine of any outside organization. Our organization expressly wishes to remain free of any controversy.

6. An SVA member’s association with another organization does not imply official partnership or endorsement by the SVA; nor does the absence of an SVA member in another organization imply opposition.

7. All programs and projects undertaken by the SVA are based solely upon our assessment of the need as it relates to our primary purpose.

8. The SVA provides information about and coordinates activities with outside organizations to make use of existing infrastructure and programs. In accordance with principles two and seven, cooperation does not imply endorsement.

The SVA charter is based upon the SVA charter at the University of Texas, Arlington.  It takes the charter of Doctors without Borders©2006 MSF as its model, and incorporates principals similar to those expressed by John Rawls (Law of the Peoples©2001 Harvard).

Want a great leadership experience?  Meet fellow vets, get involved, and maximize your benefits by joining The Student Veteran's Association at Duke University!  Join DukeVets.