Issue 68 | 4/4/25

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.

Air Force Reserve Birthday
The United States Air Force Reserve was officially established on April 14, 1948, by President Harry S. Truman, just seven months after the Air Force became a separate branch of the military. However, its roots trace back over a century to the National Defense Act of 1916, which laid the foundation for reserve air power.

For 75 years, the Air Force Reserve has played a critical role in supporting national security, providing operational capabilities, and responding to both military and humanitarian missions worldwide.

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. The Civil Rights Division enforces the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which provides servicemembers and their dependents with certain civil protections related to military service.

New SCRA Amendment
In January 2023, Congress added a new provision to the SCRA that allows servicemembers and their spouses to use their professional licenses and certificates after relocation due to military orders, in certain circumstances.

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

1. 1. 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
   2. Provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction
   3. Have actively used the license or certificate during the two years immediately preceding the move
   4. Remain in good standing with:
      1. the licensing authority that issued the covered license or certificate and
      2. every other licensing authority that issued a license or certificate valid for a similar scope of practice and in the discipline applied for in the new jurisdiction
   5. Submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements

Once criteria are met, the servicemember’s or spouse’s covered license or certificate shall be considered valid at a similar scope of practice and in the discipline applied for 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 lectures 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, contact Disability Resource Center at drc@uic.edu, 312-413-2183, or visit Suite 1070, Student Services Building. DRC Guide to Accommodations

Rogelio Villa

Hello, my name is Rogelio Villa, but I go by Roger. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2017 to 2021 as a Radio Operator with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Weapons Company, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

I earned my associate’s degree from Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL, before transferring to UIC to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing. My goal is to become a flight nurse.

I’m excited for the opportunity to support Veteran and military-connected students, as I want to help foster the sense of community, camaraderie, and belonging that many of us miss. When I transferred to UIC, I received tremendous support, and I want to pay it forward by offering the same helping hand through the Student Veteran Affairs office.

Join Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is here for you every step of the way, offering virtual and in-person support through exclusive events, resources, and a strong community. No matter where you are on your journey, let Blue Star Families be your home away from home.

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!

Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW)
The ISTW is a merit-based incentive program for students from the State of Illinois who are interested in exploring and pursuing a career in the United States Army through a State of Illinois university.

• ISTW Benefits
  • Pays 100% tuition for each semester
  • 40 tuition waivers authorized at major universities
  • No commitment to join the military is required
  • Test the program out first before deciding to sign a contract and still receive financial assistance
• ISTW Requirements
  • Must be a U.S citizen and a resident of Illinois
  • Pass the current Army Fitness Assessment
  • Pass or significantly improve to meet height, and weight standards
  • Applicant must have a 2.5 high school or college GPA to apply for ISTW
  • Applicant must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher for the semester earning the ISTW
  • Must apply each semester
  • Must be enrolled full-time (12 credits+) and maintain that status for the entire semester
  • Participate in the semester Field Training Exercise, lead labs, and Physical Training
  • Have transcripts and test scores available

For more information, contact Mr. Thomas at 312.413.2357 or jthomasj@uic.edu.

Shedd Aquarium

Active-duty U.S. military personnel receive year-round free general admission to Shedd Aquarium with proper ID. Additional 4-D Experience tickets can be added on-site, subject to availability. Please note that dependents and family are not included in this offer except during the Blue Star Museums dates.

RAPID-Illinois: Advancing Diversity in Healthcare
RAPID-IL advances diversity in the health workforce by increasing the representation of racially, ethnically, and historically marginalized groups, including individuals from rural areas, economically disadvantaged backgrounds, minoritized gender and sexual identities, and those with disabilities. Housed at the UIC School of Public Health and supported by the Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute, RAPID-IL provides resources for exploring health careers, a searchable inventory of health career pathway programs in Illinois, and a Community of Practice to support underrepresented students in health-related academic programs. Explore available internships, training, and volunteer opportunities.

Veterans-Only Virtual Job Fair
This virtual fair offers a unique opportunity to connect with top employers seeking to hire Veterans. Hosted by the National Virtual Center, this online event provides a seamless platform to explore career opportunities, network with recruiters, and take the next step in your professional journey—all from home. Don’t miss this chance to jumpstart your career.

🗓️ April 7 -13

National Government Agency Virtual Career Fair
Join the National Government Agency Virtual Career Fair hosted by RecruitMilitary. This free event connects veterans, transitioning military, military spouses, and members of the Guard and Reserve with recruiters from local and national companies. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore career options and build valuable connections.

🗓️ April 8

🕚 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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 Hours:

Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM


Contributing Editor: Nicolle Velasquez

828 S Wolcott Ave | Chicago, IL 60612 US

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