Issue 72 | 6/6/25

Welcome To Summer 2025!

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.

Chapter 33 Dual Certification Requirement
The US 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. Summer 2025 Dual Certifications are underway.

Veterans Affairs Pending Payments

Effective August 1, 2019, and despite any policy to the contrary, UIC will not take any of the following actions toward any student using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Chapter 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits, while their payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is pending to the educational institution.

• Prevent their enrollment
• Assess a late penalty fee
• Require they secure alternative or additional funding
• Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

To qualify for this provision, students may be required to produce the VA's Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class, provide a written request to be certified, and any additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

Fall 2025 Annual Benefit Form

Fall 2025 enrollment certification processing begins on June 15. The 2025-26 Annual Benefit form is live and ready for submission. Fall processing is a 2-part process:

1. The Annual Benefit Form is only required once per academic year. The academic year begins in the fall and ends with the summer term
2. Students are required to upload an Advisor Verification form 

Fall enrollment certifications will only be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs when an Annual Benefit form and an approved Advisor Verification form is uploaded.

Drop Deadlines

Please familiarize yourself with the drop deadlines for the summer session. If schedule adjustments are made after an enrollment certification was submitted, notify the Student Veterans Affairs by submitting a benefit appeal form. We will make an amendment in VA-Once. Dropping a course does not require a new advisor form. However, student veterans are still required to report enrollment changes. Students with mitigating circumstances may use the benefits appeal form to provide supporting documentation.

UIC Health Resources

UIC is here for your health and well-being. Explore the many services—on and off campus—designed to support you, every step of the way.

Elijah Bell

I served in the United States Navy from 2017-2023 as a Hospital Corpsman. I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for two years at the hospital. Then I transferred to 29 Palms, California, where I was with 1st Battalion 7th Marines as the senior line Corpsman for Baker Co. I had a lot of fun times at my second duty station and was able to do a lot of cool courses/ops as well as visit several countries.

I own a videography company that creates content for local businesses. One day, I aspire to make a feature film. My journey from the military to higher education has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the challenges Veterans face when transitioning to civilian and academic life. I aim to help ease this transition for those pursuing their education.

Operation Brainstorm™

This program, led by the National Headache Foundation (NHF), is a nationwide health initiative supporting veterans, active-duty personnel, and military families affected by migraine and headache disorders. Through partnerships with Veteran Service Organizations, VA healthcare providers, and local leaders, Operation Brainstorm™ delivers resources, continuing medical education, and support for millions in the military community.

Chicago Pride Parade

Chicago AVER is marching in the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29, and looking to recruit 50 people to help carry service flags, the AVER banner, and a huge U.S. flag. If you are interested in joining AVER to march in the parade and carry the flag, email president@averchicago.org or secretary@averchicago.org to sign up!

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!

Work at Women Employed (WE)

The WE is hiring an Associate Director of People and Culture. Looking for an experienced Human Resources professional who will serve as an integral member of the Administrative Team, the Equity and Inclusion Team, and who will provide advice and counsel to WE’s Leadership Team. Along with generalist HR duties, the Associate Director of People and Culture supports Women Employed staff by helping to ensure a consistent, fair, positive, and equitable experience for all.

This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $72,000/year.

Progressive Keys to Progress® Vehicle Giveaway

With more than a decade of giveaways, Progressive has supported over 1,100 Veteran recipients from 5 branches of the military. The Keys to Progress program helps real veterans with real struggles get the vehicles they deserve.

The Keys to Progress veteran vehicle giveaway program distributes vehicles once a year, typically in November. Submissions for the Keys to Progress vehicle giveaway program will be accepted through Friday, August 1.

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 Summer Hours:
Monday through Friday (by appointment only), 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Call 312-413-5112 to schedule an appointment


Contributing Editor: Nicolle Velasquez

828 S Wolcott Ave | Chicago, IL 60612 US

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