Issue 84 | 6/5/26
Welcome back, Flames!
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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 a welcoming and supportive
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environment for our military-connected community 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.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Updates |
$600M Upgrades for VA Facilities
VA approved $596 million in VA infrastructure improvements in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, part of a record $4.8 billion in non-recurring maintenance funds VA will deploy this year — the largest in VA history. Funds go toward critical repairs, electrical upgrades, and the modernization of electronic health records.
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Numbers to be proud of in 2026
The VA has had some major wins this year.
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35 new healthcare facilities opened since Jan. 2025
- Benefits backlog cut by 70% (after rising 24% under the previous administration)
- 82M+ direct care appointments in FY 2025 (+4.1% vs. FY 2024)
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51,936 homeless Veterans permanently housed (7-year high)
- 125,000+ new VA healthcare enrollees in 2026 alone
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Lawsuit Challenges VA Abortion Ban
On May 15, 2026, the National Women’s Law Center and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of Minority Veterans of America (MVA) to overturn the VA’s current abortion ban. The suit argues that the VA’s policy—which allows abortion only when a patient’s life is in danger—violates federal law and harms veterans’ health.
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Workforce Cuts Underway
As part of a broader federal reduction effort, the VA has eliminated over 30,000 positions nationwide, including more than 1,700 vacant roles in Virginia alone. VA Secretary Doug Collins confirmed that further reductions are being considered.
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Congress Moves on VA Reform
On May 20, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing on a sweeping VA reform package that includes more than 20 bills, addressing everything from healthcare network restructuring to procurement rules.
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Electronic Health Record Expansion
The VA is accelerating the rollout of its Federal Electronic Health Record system, with nine VA medical centers scheduled to receive it in 2026. The project, which has faced years of scrutiny over cost overruns and delays, is now moving forward under an accelerated timeline.
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UIC Student Veterans Affairs Updates |
Changes to Annual Benefit Forms for 2026–27
Student Veterans Affairs will begin processing Fall 2026 enrollment certification on June 15. Processing takes about 4–6 weeks, so the closer you submit it to the open date, the better. Remember, monthly stipends/housing allowances are paid in arrears. For fall, your August payment will be distributed in September.
Effective for the 2026-27 academic year, the annual benefit form will be required only for first-time participants in the Veterans Administration benefit or education training program, or for students who switch entitlement. The 2026-27 annual benefit form is now available.
If you have any questions, contact us at 312-413-5112 or studentveteransaff@uic.edu.
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Residential Rate Update for Ch. 1606 Users
Starting August 1, 2026, the same protection applies to Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill–Selected Reserve) students. That means eligible Chapter 1606 students will pay the lower residential tuition rate—no matter what state they live in.
This change comes from the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025 (Public Law 119-55). The VA will disapprove courses at public colleges that charge out of state tuition to Chapter 1606 students.
How it works at UIC:
School Certifying Officials work with the Office of the Registrar to update your residency status automatically as part of the enrollment certification process.
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VA Pending Payments – Your Rights (Effective Aug. 1, 2019)
UIC will not take any of these actions while your VA payment (Ch. 33 or Ch. 31) is pending:
- Prevent enrollment
- Assess late fees
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Require alternative funding
- Deny access to classes, library, or facilities
You must:
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Provide VA Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class
- Request certification in writing
- Give any additional info needed by the VA certifying official
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Big Financial Aid Changes Start July 1, 2026
- Graduate PLUS Loans will be eliminated for terms starting on or after July 1, 2026.
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Parent PLUS Loans will have a new $20,000 annual limit and $65,000 lifetime limit per student.
- Federal loan repayment will be simplified to just two options: a standard plan (10–25 years) or a new income-based plan called RAP.
Visit the official Federal Student Aid website to learn more.
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Dual Certification Deadline: Ch. 33 Students
- The VA’s dual certification requirement (mandated August 2021) means your school must certify your enrollment twice each semester.
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The second certification, which includes tuition and fees, will be submitted within 30 days after the add/drop deadline.
- For the upcoming term, dual certifications are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 6th.
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This process ensures accurate payment and prevents delays, but students may see a gap between their first enrollment report and the final tuition certification.
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Drop Deadlines & Changes
If you drop a course after certification, submit a benefit appeal form (no new advisor form needed, but report changes). Review summer session drop deadlines.
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Raymond Johnson
UIC Alumnus Raymond Johnson served four years on active duty with the U.S. Army in the 3rd U.S. Infantry, “The Old Guard” at Ft. Myer, VA, leaving as an SGT/E-5. He then served five years in the Illinois National Guard, where he was promoted to SSG/E-6. Johnson graduated from UIC in 1993 with a BS in Marketing and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies and was a member of the UIC Honors College.
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He became a police officer and retired in 2005. At the West Chicago Police Department, he spent most of his time as a Gang/Narcotics investigator, worked as a co-case agent with ATF on gun running and major gang investigations, and was a member of the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force and the Illinois Attorney General’s task force on child exploitation. After retiring from police work, Johnson started his own business, Johnson Research Services (historycop.com), conducting research for TV series, documentaries, authors, attorneys, and family historians. He continues to author books on Chicago history, and his work has been featured on Discovery ID, The History Channel, BBC, and more.
Johnson recently took a position with the DuPage County Veterans Treatment Court as the Vet Mentor Coordinator for veterans impacted by the criminal justice system. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, The Old Guard Association (life member), and Post 76 American Legion of Wheaton, Illinois.
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Health Resources
Download A Student’s Guide to Accessing Behavioral Health Services at UIC.
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New Student Veterans of America Chapter at UIC
Student veterans at the University of Chicago have established the city's newest Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, creating a dedicated "one-stop shop" for resources, community, and advocacy. The new chapter recently sent its leadership to the SVA National Conference in Los Angeles and is actively recruiting members and planning volunteer opportunities, career events, and mentorship programs for the broader Chicago veteran community.
To learn more, follow the University of Chicago SVA chapter on campus or email their leadership team directly.
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| Free Chicago White Sox Ticket for Veterans |
📍Rate Field
(333 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616)
Through the Clerk’s Veterans Discount Card program, eligible veterans and service members can receive one free ticket to a weekday White Sox home game at Rate Field.
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| VA Health Care Orientation |
📍 Jesse Brown VA Medical Center | Damen Building, 2nd Floor, Journey Room
(820 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612)
The session covers health benefits, pharmacy services, specialty care, and includes a tour of the facility. Attendees will also learn about copayments, priority groups, and how to access care in an emergency.
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| 🌐 Zoom Meeting
A free monthly online poetry writing group for current military and veterans. No poetry writing experience necessary. Anyone who has served in the military is welcome. Combat Poetry meets every 3rd Monday of the month. Preregistration is required.
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| Vet Fest 141 10th Anniversary: Maggie Speaks Beach Party |
📍 CD&ME
(23320 S LaGrange Rd, Frankfort, IL 60423)
Vet Fest 141 will be featuring a WWII plane flyover, a live Honor Guard ceremony, and the Maggie Speaks Beach Party with special guest Matt Jardine (formerly of The Beach Boys).
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| 📍 Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
(820 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612)
Veterans can receive in-person assistance with filing or reviewing claims related to toxic exposure during military service.
Free parking is available.
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| 📍 Oak Park Art League
(720 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302)
This exhibition displays 30 original works by Chicago-area veteran artists — paintings, photographs, sculptures, and mixed media created by people who know that experience firsthand. This is not art about veterans. It's art by veterans, made on their own terms, in their own voice.
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Tech Academy for Veterans in Cook County
Cook County's Chicago Cook Technology Academy is a free 13-week program in cloud development or administration, delivered in partnership with Microsoft and National Able Network. Participants receive training from IT Career Lab instructors Monday to Thursday, with online sessions on Fridays. Upon completion, students are prepared for industry-recognized certifications and full-time interviews in tech fields.
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Veterans Can Access Free Tuition for Construction Trades
Lewis University's General Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers Illinois residents tuition-free training to enter the construction industry, with priority for veterans. The program provides hands-on experience, industry certifications, and job placement support to help you transition into a Registered Apprenticeship.
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Boost Your Career with VetSuccess on Campus
VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselors are available at 104 colleges nationwide to provide vocational testing, career counseling, assistance applying for VA benefits, and even referrals for campus health services. Whether you are just starting school, deciding on a major, or preparing to enter the workforce, free professional guidance is available.
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Line of Advance
Line of Advance publishes the creative writing of U.S. military members, veterans, and their immediate families. We are now accepting submissions of short fiction and poetry for the journal. Cash prizes of $250, $150, and $100 are available in each “service member/veteran” and “family” group, for a total of four categories. The submission window will be open from June 1st to July 31st, 2026.
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State Legislation – Support for Veterans' Education (SB1353)
A new bill being considered by the Illinois legislature would significantly expand the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) program. Under this new law, veterans who served on active duty would be able to transfer their unused educational benefits to their qualified dependents, who could then attend state universities or community colleges without paying tuition. Instead of a flat four-year benefit, the new system would offer between 72 and 120 credit hours of tuition waivers, with the exact amount tied to the veteran’s length of active duty service.
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Illinois Offers Cash Assistance for Homebuyers
Homeownership is more affordable than you might think! Eligible Illinois veterans may qualify for up to $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, and lender-paid mortgage insurance.
Veterans living in 10 counties in the state may be eligible for $7,500 in down payment, closing cost assistance and a 30 year, fixed-rate mortgage with a competitive interest rate.
A variety of other mortgage financing benefits is available to both veterans and nonveterans.
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Start Your Own Business with IDVA Entrepreneurship Program
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs offers a Veteran Entrepreneurship Program, which provides training seminars, educational sessions, and networking opportunities for veterans starting or expanding their own small businesses. Topics covered include writing a business plan, securing capital, accessing procurement opportunities, and marketing. Assistance is available for businesses already operating as well.
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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
Summer hours: Start May 18
Monday – Friday (by appointment only), 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contributing Editor: Nicolle Velasquez
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