Issue 82 | 4/3/26

Welcome back, Flames!

Hello, I’m Dr. Mia Garcia-Hills, Director of UIC Student Veterans Affairs. Student Veterans Affairs provides a welcoming and supportive 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.

Check Your Benefit Status

If you were awarded GI Bill education benefits, your GI Bill Statement of Benefits will show you how much you've used and what's left. These education benefits can help with some or all of the costs for school or training. You'll be able to view statements only if you were awarded education benefits:

• Visit eBenefits for more information
• Running low on benefits? The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship or VR&E Chapter 31 may be an option. Learn more at the VA education site
  

Ask VA

Ask VA (AVA) is an online service that Veterans and members of the Veteran community can use to submit questions, concerns, and recommendations to VA to get the answers they need. When you submit a question through Ask VA, they route it to the appropriate benefit office so you can get an accurate, timely answer.

Portability of Professional Licenses and Certificates

The Department of Justice's Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) is committed to protecting those who serve and their families. A new Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) amendment allows service members and their spouses to use their professional licenses and certificates when they relocate due to military orders, in certain circumstances.

To Qualify for Professional License Portability under the SCRA, You Must:

• Have moved to a location outside the jurisdiction of the licensing authority that issued the covered license or certificate because of orders for military service.
• Provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction.
• Have actively used the license or certificate during the two years immediately preceding the move.
• Remain in good standing with all relevant licensing authorities.
• Submit an application to the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for standards of practice, discipline, and continuing education.

If these five criteria are met, your covered license or certificate shall be considered valid at a similar scope of practice in the new jurisdiction for the duration of the military orders.

Need accommodations in the classroom?

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides accommodations for students with disabilities (including chronic and mental health conditions). Support includes:

• Testing accommodations (extended test time, quiet test space)
• Books and materials in audio alternate formats
• Technology to help record lecture and take notes
• Reasonable flexibility with attendance and deadline policies

If you have a disability that impacts you academically, the DRC is here to help! To schedule an intake, stop by the Student Services Building or contact Disability Resource Center at drc@uic.edu or call 312-413-2183. DRC GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATIONS

Summer 2026 Enrollment Certification is OPEN!

Processing for Summer 2026 began on April 1.

Action Required for ALL Students:

• Submit a signed Advisor Verification Form.
• First-time VA benefit user for the 2025-26 academic year? You also need to submit an Annual Benefit Form (covers Fall '25, Spring '26, and Summer '26).
  

Fall 2026 is on the Horizon!

Processing for Fall 2026 enrollment certification starts on or after June 15, 2026. The application forms will be available on or after June 1, 2026.

New Fall 2026 Course: Social Work with Military Service Members

The Jane Addams College of Social Work is offering an in-person graduate-level course this fall focused on serving military-connected populations.

• Course: SocW 557 – Social Work with Military Service Members (CRN #50215)
• Description: Social work with military services members, veterans and families in a variety of settings.
• When: Mondays, 5:30 – 8:20 pm (15 weeks)
• Prerequisites: SOCW 410 and SOCW 430; or consent of the instructor.
• Registration: Open now for Fall 2026. This is a great opportunity for students in social work, psychology, counseling, or anyone planning to work with veterans in their future career.
  

Becca Sheremeta

Becca Sheremeta, a six-year U.S. Navy veteran and current UIC graduate student, is on a mission to support those who served. During her time in the Navy, she served as a Petty Officer and Supervisor in Coronado, CA, leading a team of 12, managing flight operations for a dozen aircraft, and maintaining flawless records during annual audits.

After her honorable service, Becca earned a Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), graduating on the dean’s list. It was while working as an Administrative 

As an assistant at CSUN’s Veterans Affairs office, she found her true calling: helping fellow veterans and their families navigate the complex world of educational benefits. This experience inspired her to pursue a Master of Education in Urban Higher Education at UIC, where her research focuses on racial equity in the veteran community and the impact of funding policies on student success.

Becca’s dedication recently earned her a prestigious national honor: she was selected as a Fellow for the Focus Forward Fellowship at Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute. This competitive program empowers women student veterans through mentorship, leadership development, and career readiness training, preparing Becca to become an even more effective advocate.

Growing up in a military family and serving as a veteran gives Becca a deep understanding of the challenges student veterans face. Her advice to others is simple: "Don't be afraid to ask for help. The military taught us to rely on our team, and that doesn't stop when you take off the uniform." As she connects with UIC’s veteran community, her goal is to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.

Upcoming Events
Join the Student Veterans Affairs Group to stay up to date on all our events and programs. We look forward to seeing you!

Downers Grove Police Department - Now Hiring

The Downers Grove Police Department is currently accepting applications for police officer positions. They value the skills and dedication that veterans bring to law enforcement and encourage you to consider this opportunity. Application deadline is Sunday, April 12.

Wealth Enhancement - Now Hiring

Wealth Enhancement is an independent wealth management firm with an endless passion for enriching the lives of our clients. Check out their current available positions and apply!

• Product Management Intern (Remote)
• Platform Development Intern – Salesforce (Remote)
• Client Service Intern (Jacksonville, FL)

Point of Contact:
Arnie Grewal
Director – Product Manager | Wealth Enhancement Group

Email: agrewal@wealthenhancement.com | Cell: 847-997-1808

Illinois Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans, service members, and their families are invited to attend this major in-person event on Monday, April 13, from 8:20 AM - 3:00 PM at the University of Chicago David Rubenstein Forum (1201 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637). Connect with up to 100 Veteran Service Organizations and resource providers, attend a claims clinic, get vaccines at the immunization clinic, and visit the Veterans Career Fair with over 20 veteran-friendly employers. Free parking and no DOD ID required.

RAPID-Illinois: For Future Healthcare Heroes

Based at the UIC School of Public Health, RAPID-Illinois is all about boosting diversity in healthcare. They have resources for exploring health careers, a searchable database of Illinois programs, and a Community of Practice for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

GE Aerospace SkillBridge Internship (Q2 2026)

For active-duty service members within 180 days of separation. This DoD SkillBridge program offers real-world training in fields like engineering, supply chain, avionics, finance, and more. You continue receiving military pay while gaining civilian work experience.

RecruitMilitary

Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses are invited to connect with employers actively seeking military talent through this dedicated career platform. RecruitMilitary hosts virtual and in-person job fairs nationwide and maintains a searchable job board with thousands of opportunities across industries.

Orion Talent

Military veterans seeking new careers can access personalized placement services through Orion Talent's extensive database of employer partners. They specialize in connecting experienced, skilled veterans with companies looking for leadership, technical expertise, and the commitment military candidates bring.

Do More With Free Admission

Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy numerous free attractions in Chicago, including major museums and, with a valid ID, free rides on CTA buses and trains.

Museums & Cultural Sites (Free for Military/Veterans with ID):

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: Always free for U.S. active-duty personnel and veterans.
• Shedd Aquarium: Free general admission for active-duty U.S. military.
• Field Museum: Free general admission for active-duty military and veterans.
• Art Institute of Chicago: Free for active-duty military.
• Adler Planetarium: Free for active-duty and veterans.
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA): Free for active-duty military and veterans.
• Chicago History Museum: Free for active-duty, veterans, and retirees.
• Pritzker Military Museum & Library: Free for active military.
• National Veterans Art Museum: Free admission.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: Always free for everyone.
  

Cook County Property Tax Exemption

Applications for the 2025 property tax year are now available for eligible veterans. Don't miss out on valuable property tax savings.

AVECO Scholarship Program

The Association of Veterans Education Certifying Officials (AVECO) is aimed at non-traditional students passionate about their educational goals. Eligible applicants include current undergraduate and graduate veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses.

HACU Scholarship Program

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) offers various scholarships through its partners to help cover tuition, fees, books, and more.

Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW) – ROTC Program

A merit-based program for Illinois residents interested in exploring an Army career through ROTC, with no commitment required to join the military while you try it out.

• The Benefit: Pays 100% tuition each semester.
• The Catch: You must apply each semester and meet requirements like GPA (2.5 to apply, 2.0 to keep it), physical fitness, and full-time enrollment.
  

Contact Mr. Thomas at 312-413-2357 or jthomasj@uic.edu for more info.

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

Spring hours: 

Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM


Contributing Editor: Nicolle Velasquez