Issue 64 | 2/7/25

Contributing Editor: Nicolle Velasquez

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.

VA Uninterrupted by Federal Financial Assistance Pause
In response to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) January 27 memo (M-25-13) temporarily pausing certain federal financial assistance programs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has confirmed that all 44 financial assistance programs will proceed without interruption.

Expanded GI Bill® Benefits: Multiple Periods of Service

As of January 3, 2025, Veterans who served at least two periods of service (e.g., those who reenlisted) may now be eligible for up to 48 months of GI Bill® benefits under an updated VA policy. The VA will notify eligible Veterans, and applications must be submitted by October 1, 2030, for any required actions. Approximately 660,000 Veterans will have their claims automatically adjudicated, while others will need to file a claim.

Joint Services Transcript (JST)

JST is an academically accepted document approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) to validate a service member's military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE college credit recommendations. Get started:

• Create your account
• Select request official JST
• Enter University of Illinois Chicago in the school search bar

Check your transcript status and confirm when documents are accessed online.

Important Academic Deadlines

• Sun., Feb. 9: Campus Care waiver
• Mon., Feb. 10: Part of Term LF instructors can enter grades for Spring 2025 via UIC Student Portal
• Fri., Feb. 14: Deadline to withdraw from an individual Part of Term A course (W grade recorded on record). Earning a W may negatively impact benefits and result in a debt to the VA or UIC. Consult with School Certifying Officials to learn more.

View registration, drop, and withdraw (W) deadlines calendar.

Enrollment Certification Processing Calendar

Enrollment certification processing for Summer 2025 begins the week of April 1. 

On June 1, the new 25-26 Annual Benefit form will become available for submissions, and processing for Fall 2025 begins the week of June 15. 

Once processing opens for a given semester, Student Veterans Affairs strives to complete submissions within 4-6 weeks of receiving a completed application. If a student submits an incomplete file, SVA work study team members reach out to request missing documentation and will continue to follow up until the file is complete and ready for processing. 

Processing time may be delayed due to holiday observations, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, or the annual University closure for winter break, which occurs between the fall and spring semesters. Anticipate additional processing time during these periods. For questions, call 312.413.5112 or email studentveteransaff@uic.edu. Allow two business days for a response.

Kekulalani Keaulii She/her

Meet Kekulalani, a passionate student and dedicated team member at Student Veterans Affairs (SVA). Kekulalani is a proud Native Hawaiian and Japanese individual from O'ahu, Hawai'i. She’s double-majoring in Global Asian Studies and English, with concentrations in Professional Writing and Fictional Creative Writing. Kekulalani is also an active participant in UIC’s AANAPISI Initiative.

 
In addition to her academic pursuits, Kekulalani was offered an opportunity to work as the Pacific Islander Outreach Coordinator. Some of her responsibilities include hosting events such as poetry nights, lunch get-togethers, meet-and-greets with Pacific Islander professionals, and informational sessions on topics like Pacific feminism.

Kekulalani has been an SVA work study team member since her first semester and is set to graduate this May. She knows how much SVA and the Veteran and military-affiliated community have grown. Working at the SVA office has had a profound personal impact on Kekulalani. Initially shy, the daily interactions with students, staff, and strangers have boosted her customer service skills and helped her become more comfortable with discussing complex topics, like VA student benefits. She hopes to make the benefits process smoother and more accessible for students and the hardworking staff at SVA.

Kekulalani's advice for students navigating the VA benefits process, “You don’t have to bring your parent with you. Trust us to help you understand the process in a way that you can then explain to your parents.”

Esprit Wellness Foundation

The Esprit Wellness Foundation is creating an inclusive space offering physical fitness, mental health support, and career development to help individuals heal, grow, and thrive. Founded by student Veteran Damian Garcia with Marketing Chair Nicolle Velasquez, the foundation is dedicated to empowering Veterans and students through a holistic approach to wellness and personal development. The foundation aims to provide a safe, supportive community to build resilience and success.

Student Veterans of America – UIC Chapter

The UIC Chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA) aims to support student Veterans and their dependents by helping them access resources for academic success, career development, and social integration. Learn more about SVA and the benefits of membership. Interested in joining? Create your account and then contact the UIC Chapter president.

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!

Military Service Pass
Active U.S. Military personnel in full uniform with United States Armed Forces ID, or personnel and qualifying disabled veterans with a Military Service Pass may ride free on CTA buses and trains. 10% disability is one eligibility requirement. VITAL and Chicago Vet Center representatives can assist with the disability rating. Visit Military Service Pass for more information.

Free MasterClass Subscription

Take your skills to the next level with an extensive library of classes offered through Blue Star Families—perfect for making 2025 the year to master something new. Take advantage of special perks and discounts from top brands supporting military families.

Join the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
At VA, the skills of first responders and professionals are essential to improving the lives of our nation’s Veterans. Whether serving as a VA Police, a firefighter, an EMT/paramedic, or a Health System Specialist, your expertise will directly impact Veteran care and safety. VA offers specialized opportunities in federal law enforcement, firefighting, ambulance services, and health system management. With a Veterans' preference and competitive benefits package the VA is a perfect fit for Veterans transitioning into civilian careers. Take the next step, join a team that’s redefining care for Veterans and making a difference. Apply today.

Kickstart Your Career with resources from UIC Career Services

UIC Career Services has several events to support student career development. To help you prepare, check out career prep sessions, use the career development process, and also sign up for career advising appointments. Register for events or schedule an advising appointment on handshake.
 
Career Fairs (11 AM - 4 PM)

• Mar. 18: Spring Internship & Career Fair
• Apr. 9: Health Sciences Career Fair
• May 22: Post-Graduation Career Fair

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

828 S Wolcott Ave | Chicago, IL 60612 US

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