In Fall 2019, Occidental formally launched its Veterans Program, an initiative that fosters a sense of community and provides affordable off-campus housing for student veterans and their families.
Our location in Los Angeles, part of the country’s largest regional population of veterans, positions the College to serve as both a home and a community for local veterans and military families.
Today’s veterans often leave the military without any plan for the difficult transition they face. This means they take on the challenge of finding housing and a new job, reconnecting with loved ones after long periods of separation and furthering their education—all at once. Veterans often express the need for more support in navigating this transition. The Occidental Veterans Program will provide veterans with what they are asking for: dedicated faculty, staff and a relationship-based community like the one they left that will provide an outstanding education, mentorship, stimulating programming and full-time student support.
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, student veterans contribute as much to the community as they receive. Veterans bring a global perspective, hard-won life experience and leadership skills, broad diversity and a commitment to service to campus. For their part, student veterans tell us that their Â鶹ÊÓƵ experience—which combines intimate scale with the infinite scope of the liberal arts—expands their worldview and helps them to express their individual needs and realize their full potential during a time of transition.
Our program is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for Occidental veterans, their families, and military-affiliated students. Coby Constantino ’22 serves as the coordinator of Veterans Programs at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Coby graduated with a bachelor of arts in sociology from Occidental and is a member of the school's Phi Beta Kappa chapter. With a rich background working with veterans through school programs and the American Legion, Coby is passionate about community service and is especially focused on supporting the Â鶹ÊÓƵ veteran community. Utilizing a holistic and client-centered approach, Coby aims to empower fellow student veterans, enhancing their academic and personal success through comprehensive and individualized support. Outside of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Coby is an occupational therapy doctoral student at West Coast University, married, and a devoted owner of a Labradoodle.
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, student veterans contribute as much to the community as they receive. Veterans bring a global perspective, hard-won life experience and leadership skills, broad diversity and a commitment to service to campus.
