Issue 86 | 8/7/26
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 |
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 their 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 formal admission 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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Chapter 33 Dual Certification Requirement
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mandated a policy effective August 2021 that impacts Chapter 33 enrollment certification processing. The procedure requires what is called a dual enrollment certification. The 2nd certification must occur within 30 days after the add/drop deadline and will include tuition and fees.
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UIC Student Veterans Affairs Updates |
Enrollment Certification – SVA is certifying for Fall 2026
If you haven’t uploaded your certification documents for the Summer 2026, please do so right away. Summer 2026 dual certifications for Chapter 33 beneficiaries are wrapping up. The processing window for Fall 2026 enrollment certifications opened on June 15th. All certifications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t delay, submit today.
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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:
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Prevent enrollment
- Assess late fees
- Require alternative funding
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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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Damian Garcia
My name is Damian Garcia, and I am a U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer and student leader dedicated to serving veterans, military-connected students, and local communities. I began my military career in 2021 on Active Duty as an Infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. Today, I continue my service in the Illinois Army National Guard with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Key military milestones include training at Chile’s Mountain Warfare School and conducting helocasting exercises aboard Chinook and Black Hawk aircraft.
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Currently, I am a junior at the University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a B.S. in Management with a minor in Nonprofit Management. Driven by my own transition to academia, I focus on organizational leadership, nonprofit development, and veteran advocacy. In 2025, I co-founded the Esprit de Corps Foundation, a nonprofit providing mentorship and connection for service members and local communities. Through Student Veterans Affairs, I aim to strengthen our campus community and ensure every student veteran feels empowered to succeed.
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Veteran and Military Community Resource Fair hosted by Chicago VET Center
Several outstanding organizations will be available to meet with attendees, including Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, the Chicago Vet Center, Wounded Warrior Project, Chicago Veterans, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration (Chicago Regional Office), Blue Star Families, Brushwood Center, American Legion, military recruiters, law enforcement partners, and many additional community organizations offering information and resources related to:
VA health care and Vet Center services
- Veterans benefits and claims assistance
- Employment and career resources
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Mental health and wellness
- Caregiver and family support
- Community programs and services
- And much more
Date: Friday, Aug 14, 2026, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue / Location: Daniel V. Capuano Ice Rink
(8900 S Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park, IL 60805)
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Blue Star Families - Take the 2026 Military Family Lifestyle Survey!
The Military Family Lifestyle Survey is live, and we want to hear from you. The data collected is used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and challenges encountered by military and veteran families on issues including housing, financial stability, global conflict, national security, employment, food insecurity, and more. Our survey results receive attention from elected officials, military leadership, public and private organizations, and numerous publications such as Federal News Radio, Politico, and CNN Home Front.
Be a voice for your military- and veteran-connected community now so we, along with decision-makers, can continue to push for positive change for your family.
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Women Veterans Business Expo & Marketplace 2026 |
📍Malcolm X College
(1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL)
Experience a vibrant marketplace led by Women Veterans - workshops, healing space, shopping, food! Open to all to explore, learn & connect.
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| Roll Call Professional Networking @ Security Innovation Hub |
📍 Security Innovation Hub
(1308 S Kilbourn Ave, Chicago, IL)
This month's Roll Call Networking Event is made possible through the generosity and collaboration of organizations committed to strengthening Illinois' military-connected community. There are no presentations. No sales pitches. Just genuine conversations with people who want to see one another succeed.
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| Meet the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds |
📍 Císar Student Veterans Center
(750 S Halsted St, Student Center East, Chicago, IL)
Stop by to meet the team, ask questions, and learn what it takes to become a Thunderbird.
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| 📍 Císar Student Veterans Center
(750 S Halsted St, Student Center East, Chicago, IL)
Enjoy lunch and conversation at this Chat & Chew-style community gathering designed to connect military-connected students and foster a sense of community.
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| Back to School Community Event 2026 |
📍 Dream Catcher Cafe
(1824 W 47th St, Chicago, IL)
Join us at the Back to School Community Event 2026 presented by Esprit de Corps Foundation, a day filled with free school supplies, vaccines, community resources, and family activities.
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| 9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial Stair Climb |
📍 Student Recreation Facility
(737 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL)
Registration window: August 24 - September 10. Honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through a symbolic StairMaster challenge at the Student Recreation Facility.
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Explore Careers at the VA
Looking for meaningful work that serves those who served? VA Careers offers opportunities across the country in health care, administration, support services, and more. Whether you're a medical professional, IT specialist, or skilled tradesperson, there's a role for you at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Competitive pay and federal benefits
- Job stability and work-life balance
- Opportunities for career growth
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A mission-driven environment supporting Veterans
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Free CTA Rides
Active U.S. military personnel in uniform and qualified disabled veterans with a Military Service Pass can ride CTA buses and trains free of charge. To apply, submit the Military Pass Program Application and required documents by mail or visit the Ventra Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake St., 2nd Floor, Chicago.
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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
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:
Monday – Friday (by appointment only), 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fall hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Contributing Editor: Blessing Souvannavong
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