Issue 71 | 5/16/25
Welcome Back!
|
|
|
Hello, I’m Dr. Mia Garcia-Hills, Director of UIC’s office of Student Veterans Affairs. I am the daughter of a Korean War Veteran, the niece of a World War II Veteran and the proud aunt of two generations of Army and Air Force service members. I graduated from UIC in 2001 and am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the University that helped make my college dream a reality.
Student Veterans Affairs provides our military-connected community
|
| |
|
with a welcoming and supportive environment via the Císar Student Veterans Center. We provide resources, assistance, and programming to ease the transition to academic life and promote academic success. Stars and Stripes will help you stay up to date with Federal policies, UIC Student Veterans Affairs news, events, and announcements. We thank you for being part of our community and hope you enjoy reading our newsletter. Archived newsletter editions are available on our website.
|
|
|
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Updates |
Free Mental Wellness App for Veterans and Families
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has partnered with Innerworld to offer Veterans and their families free lifetime access to a virtual mental wellness app. Innerworld provides a supportive, anonymous environment with over 100 weekly events, including mental health sessions and social activities. Topics covered include depression, anxiety, trauma, and the transition to civilian life. Veterans can also apply to become trained guides and lead support groups.
This initiative makes peer-led mental health support more accessible through virtual communities.
|
Empowering Women Veterans
The VA offers a step-by-step guide to help women veterans, families, and survivors access the benefits and services they've earned. Whether you're transitioning from military service or looking to learn about available resources, this guide breaks down the process.
|
UIC Student Veterans Affairs Updates |
Important Dates for UIC Students
-
May 19: Grades available via my.UIC.edu
- May 19 - June 6: Degrees will be posted to Student Records
|
Don't Forget Your Applications For Next Year
Fall 2025 enrollment certification processing begins on June 15. All students must submit the 2025-2026 Annual Benefit form, which will be released soon. However, you may begin submitting your Advisor Verification form using the Upload Advisor Verification and Other Forms, provided you have registered for classes.
|
Undeclared Majors
Undeclared
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree may not have to declare a major before their junior year at some schools. The student cannot be certified beyond his or her sophomore year unless a major is declared. Only “General Education” courses can be certified prior to the declaration of a major.
Non-matriculated Students (38 CFR 21.4252 (L) (2) and (3))
VA defines matriculation as being formally admitted to a college or university as a degree-seeking student. VA educational benefits cannot be paid to non-matriculated college or university students unless they are pending admission to your school. In that case, they can be certified for two quarters or semesters. The student can be certified beyond this two-term limit only if the student is admitted to your school as a degree-seeking student, irrespective of the number of credits taken.
|
Navigating Veteran Benefits
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs provides a comprehensive overview of the services and benefits available to veterans and their families throughout the state. It covers a wide range of support areas, including education and training programs, employment resources, healthcare, entrepreneurship opportunities, and legal aid. Veterans can also find information about accessing military records, receiving credit for military learning, and obtaining state licenses based on their service experience. The site highlights special programs such as Veterans’ homes, burial and survivor benefits, service animal resources, and military discounts. Additionally, it offers guidance on permits, war participation bonuses, and connects users with statewide Veteran organizations and local Veteran Service Officers for personalized assistance. Overall, the site serves as a centralized hub for navigating the many benefits Illinois Veterans have earned.
|
Summer Session Full-Time Status
Being a full-time student is determined by the total number of credit hours you’re enrolled in over the entire summer, regardless of whether you enroll in the 4-week session only, the 8-week session only, or both sessions.
Undergraduate students must be registered for at least 6 credit hours in the summer to be considered full-time students.
Graduate students must be registered for at least 5 credit hours in the summer to be considered full-time students.
|
|
|
Stars & Stripes Friday Feature |
|
|
Billy Triphahn
Billy Triphahn is a proud Chicago native and a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He enlisted in 2009 as an Aviation Ordnanceman and left for basic training just six days after graduating high school, driven by a desire to serve his country and challenge himself beyond his comfort zone. From 2012 to 2013, he was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
|
| |
|
After returning home in 2014, Billy joined the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) community, where he quickly became a leader among student Veterans. He served as both Treasurer and President of the Student Veterans Association, where he organized community and campus events, championed resources for fellow veterans, and worked as a Peer Integration Advisor through the VITAL program at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.
Billy earned his Criminology, Law and Justice degree in 2017 and has remained deeply involved in the Chicago Veteran community. He went on to pursue his MBA at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and now works as a Business Consultant. He credits both his military service and his time at UIC for instilling the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that have shaped his professional journey.
|
|
|
| Veterans Resources & Job Fair |
📍 122 S. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60603
The Department of Veterans Affairs will be at National Louis University to share information on healthcare and benefits. It’s also a great chance to connect with employers like the U.S. Postal Service, Hilton Chicago, Pipe Fitters Local Union 597, Chicago PD, and more!
|
|
|
| Chicago Veterans Ruck March |
📍 Centennial Park, Evanston, IL 60201
Ruck for a Purpose, whether you’re Rucking for yourself, a loved one, a friend, a fellow service member, or in honor of someone who is no longer with us. This is more than just a walk; it’s a day of unity, reflection, and action.
|
|
|
| EWF First Annual MURPH Challenge & Festival |
📍 901 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL 60608
Join Esprit Wellness Foundation this Memorial Day weekend for a powerful day of fitness, community, and remembrance. Whether you're taking on the MURPH Challenge or enjoying the festival, this free event honors our fallen heroes and supports local veterans.
|
|
|
The Císar Student Veterans Center (CSVC) is located on the second floor of Student Center East (SCE) room 248. Go through the Inner Circle food court, turn right (west) at the entrance to the Wellness Center, go past the Wellness Center front desk down the hall through the Commuter Student Resource Center, and you will see the CSVC entrance on the back wall.
Check out this step-by-step guide to the center: VIDEO
Císar Center Summer Hours:
Monday through Friday (by appointment only), 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Contributing Editor: Nicolle Velasquez
|
|
|
828 S Wolcott Ave | Chicago, IL 60612 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to mia123@uic.edu.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
View this email online.
|
|
|
|
