UND’s Student Success Center opened its Veteran’s Student Lounge on Thursday.

The center is located on third floor of the Memorial Union.

Even though it’s targeted toward military students, the space is open to all members of the university.

According to Veteran and Nontraditional Student Services Coordinator Jessica Rosencrans, anyone in the lounge will have access to school certified officials for assistance.

There will also be a bulletin board specifying military events either on campus or within the community. In addition, staff hope the comfortable sofas and chairs will create an ideal study space for students.

Rosencrans said the lounge was created because UND was  following other college’s footsteps. Veteran’s lounges are quite common, Rosencrans said.

The transition from military endeavors to college life can be difficult. College academics have proven to be incredibly stressful, so the lounge is meant to be a familiar, calming place for veterans.

“It opens the door for these students to ask questions that they may not feel comfortable asking others. It also allows them to find the resources that will assist them with the transition process,” UND student and army veteran Charles Pegg said.

Rather than feeling isolated, veterans will now have the opportunity to relate to their fellow service members and comrades in this environment.

Rosencrans said her wish is that these students will improve their academic careers from such a beneficial place. The lounge is designed to be quiet, resourceful and comfortable.

“(At the lounge) students can meet other like-minded students and create lasting friendships,” Rosencran said. “It is proven that students that have a positive connection to campus will do better academically.”

According to the National Student Center for Education Statistics, the completion rate for veterans is 8 percent lower than average college students. This statistic could relate to emotional stress which also contributes to poorer academics.

The creators hope the Veterans Student Lounge will become a place of mutual understanding and sensitivity. Brought together by shared experiences as well as experiences yet to come, this can be a common meeting ground for military students.

Kassidi Andres is a features reporter for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected]