Issue 61 | 11/15/24
Welcome Back!
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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.
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Upcoming Office Closures:
November 15 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM
November 28 – 29
December 24 – January 1, 2025
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Updates |
Undeclared and Non-Matriculated Students
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.
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UIC Student Veterans Affairs Updates |
Spring 2025 Enrollment Certifications
Spring 2025 enrollment certification processing begins on November 15 (Spring semester begins on January 13, 2025). Students who used GI Bill® during Fall 2024 and plan to continue GI Bill® in Spring 2025 are only required to upload a completed & signed advisor verification to be processed. If GI Bill® eligibility has changed since submitting a Certificate of Eligibility for Fall 2024, a new certificate or a screenshot of the current statement of benefits must also be uploaded.
New Spring 2025 students and first-time GI Bill® recipients are required to submit a 2024-2025 annual benefit form and must upload an advisor verification form to be processed. For step-by-step instructions, review the New Student Veteran Reservist and Dependent/Spouse To-Do List on our Benefits and Forms page.
| Graduation Ceremony Veteran Cords
Veteran students who are officially listed as Graduation Pending for Fall 2024 may pick up their graduation cord in the Císar Student Veterans Center located in SCE 2nd floor, room 248. Cords will be available for pick-up beginning on Monday, November 18 at 9:00 AM. Students will be required to complete a form at the time of pick-up. Congratulations to our graduating student Veterans!
According to the VA 38 U.S.C. § 101(2) provides: The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. Additionally, 13 CFR § 125.11 provides: Veteran has the meaning given the term in 38 U.S.C. 101(2). A Reservist or member of the National Guard called to Federal active duty or disabled from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty or while in training status also qualify as a Veteran. Consider obtaining an official Veteran ID card if you don’t have one. There are several types of identification cards to prove Veteran status. Learn about the different Veteran ID options.
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Stars & Stripes Friday Feature |
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Fabian Reyes
Fabian proudly served as a Hospital Corpsman with the Navy Combat Team, where he conducted electroencephalograms and held leadership roles at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA. As a healer and lifeline, he is deeply aware of the impacts of generational trauma and social stigmas surrounding mental health.
His professional interests lie in serving the public through non-profit
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Fabian Reyes
Fabian proudly served as a Hospital Corpsman with the Navy Combat Team, where he conducted electroencephalograms and held leadership roles at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA. As a healer and lifeline, he is deeply aware of the impacts of generational trauma and social stigmas surrounding mental health.
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organizations and regulated programs that benefit communities of all sizes. The goal is to create a collaborative environment where entrepreneurial minds can convene to share services, skills, and strategies to achieve collective goals and drive success. He also aspires to develop real estate properties that support his business vision. Fabian also plans to create his own clothing brand for adults regardless of gender.
His passion for representing Veteran and military-connected students is rooted in his deep patriotism for the United States and his commitment to uplifting minority voices. He aims to inspire others to embrace their heritage and acknowledge their unique backgrounds.
Fabian’s advice is to “Dust yourself off and keep pushing forward. You have a long journey ahead, and the only one who can truly save you is God — if you have faith. Act with integrity, embrace courage, and commit to what fuels your passion to succeed.” For Fabian, it is about finding peace within the hurricane. He hopes to create a space where others can innovate, experience joy, and feel safe knowing they are valued and respected.
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His professional interests lie in serving the public through non-profit organizations and regulated programs that benefit communities of all sizes. The goal is to create a collaborative environment where entrepreneurial minds can convene to share services, skills, and strategies to achieve collective goals and drive success. He also aspires to develop real estate properties that support his business vision. Fabian also plans to create his own clothing brand for adults regardless of gender.
His passion for representing Veteran and military-connected students is rooted in his deep patriotism for the United States and his commitment to uplifting minority voices. He aims to inspire others to embrace their heritage and acknowledge their unique backgrounds.
Fabian’s advice is to “Dust yourself off and keep pushing forward. You have a long journey ahead, and the only one who can truly save you is God — if you have faith. Act with integrity, embrace courage, and commit to what fuels your passion to succeed.” For Fabian, it is about finding peace within the hurricane. He hopes to create a space where others can innovate, experience joy, and feel safe knowing they are valued and respected.
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Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT)
The OBTT pilot program provides employment preparation, education, and opportunities to Veterans, soldiers currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses in an effort to maximize their career potential.
Student Veterans Affairs is also working to have a professional photographer available to take profile pictures. Continue checking UIC Connection for updates.
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📍 Císar Student Veterans Center – Flex Space |
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Find the Right Career
FourBlock’s Spring 2025 Career Readiness Program helps transitioning Veterans develop a relationship-based career strategy & build the right network to find new meaningful careers. Each week, participants connect with different companies to hear advice, discover new industries, and learn essential career-building skills. This semester-long program is offered at no cost. The application is open to post-9/11 Veterans, active duty, reservists, and National Guard pursuing or obtaining a bachelor's degree. DETAILS
For more information, contact Admissions@FourBlock.org
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| Team Navy will face off against Team Marines in the Championship round.
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| Men's Basketball vs. Saint Mary's (Minnesota)
Half-Time Veteran Salute |
Salute Navy Veteran and Entrepreneurship major, Fabian Reyes, during half-time while cheering on our Flames!
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| Student Veterans Benefits and Claims Clinic |
Representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration will be at Roosevelt University answering questions regarding filing for disability compensation claims. Registration is limited!
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Visit Us
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
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