Issue 83 | 5/1/26
Have A Great Summer, Flames!
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Robert Wolff joined University of Illinois Chicago in 2024 as Associate Director of Student Veterans Affairs. He recently celebrated his two-year anniversary! Since joining the SVA team, the two most important lessons he’s learned have been to be open to new ideas and to develop effective communication skills. In co-managing the work study team, he has grown to appreciate their diversity and perspective. Something that stands out about UIC is that it is a patchwork of the nation and globe, which makes UIC a strong university that distinctly reflects the diversity of cultures around the world. Robert is currently also doing a Political Science doctoral
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program. He enjoys research and the role he can play in contributing to scholarships in the field of comparative politics.
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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Congratulations To Our Spring 2026 Graduates! |
Joseph Campbell called it ‘The Hero’s Journey'—departure, initiation, and return. It’s a story you are already living. Many of you served your country or community, you’ve faced trials, and you transformed. You just slayed the academic dragon, and now the next journey begins. I challenge you to consider: Who is this milestone for, and what purpose does it serve? Passion will get you started; discipline finishes the race. Ask for help, find your network, and keep serving. You have the tools. Do your best. Congratulations to our graduates and work-study team!
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Updates |
May 2026 VA Disability Pay – Coming June 1
If you receive VA disability compensation, your May payment will be sent on June 1, 2026. Log into VA.gov now to make sure your direct deposit info is correct.
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Good News: VA is Processing Claims Much Faster
The VA has made major improvements. Benefits are arriving faster than ever.
- Initial Veterans Pension claims – down from 170 days to just 57 days (66% faster)
- Survivors' Pension claims – down from 172 days to 73 days (55% faster)
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Overall claims – down from 141 days to 81 days (43% faster)
Accuracy is now 94% – the highest in two years. VA processed over 1.5 million claims in the first half of this year. The backlog of veterans waiting for benefits is below 100,000 claims – the first time since 2020.
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New Legislation Could Expand Benefits
Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act (H.R. 8281): This bill would allow National Guard members serving on full-time federally directed missions to access VA health care, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, retirement credit, and transitional health coverage they currently miss out on. The legislation is pending in Congress.
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Major Richard Star Act (Reintroduced April 2026)
This bipartisan bill would allow an estimated 54,000 combat-injured, medically retired veterans to receive full military retirement pay AND VA disability compensation simultaneously — ending a financial penalty that currently forces many wounded veterans to choose between the two. Estimated cost: $9.75 billion over 10 years. Pending in Congress.
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GI Bill Transferability Act (Introduced April 2026)
This act would allow service members to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits after completing just six years of service, eliminating the current four-year added service requirement. The act is pending in Congress.
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$112 Million in Suicide Prevention Grants — Applications Open Through June 12
VA is awarding $112 million through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. These grants fund community organizations that provide suicide prevention services to veterans, with a focus on reaching veterans not connected to VA care — the population that accounts for the majority of veteran suicides. Applications are open through June 12, 2026. In 2025 alone, Fox grantees served more than 17,000 veterans, service members, and family members.
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New Community Care Standards Effective June 2026
New standards for community care and urgent care for veterans are set to take effect in June 2026, guiding when veterans can seek care from private organizations under the MISSION Act. The VA is currently seeking public feedback on these proposed standards.
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GI Bill Access Expanded Under Rudisill & Perkins Decisions
As many as 1.2 million additional veterans may now be eligible for up to 12 more months of education benefits under two recent court rulings. VA will no longer require veterans to request an eligibility assessment — the agency will now proactively review and notify eligible veterans.
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UIC Student Veterans Affairs Updates |
Important Dates for UIC Students
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May 18 (Monday): Grades available via my.UIC.edu
- May 19 – June 5: Degrees posted to Student Records (rolling)
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Summer 2026 Enrollment Certification Deadline
Processing for Summer 2026 deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026 (the Friday before the summer term starts).
Action Required for ALL Students:
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Submit a signed Advisor Verification Form.
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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).
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Punitive Grades & Education Benefit Eligibility
VA automatically grants mitigating circumstances for up to 6 credits the first time a student reduces or terminates a course (the 6‑Credit Hour Exclusion). This is a one‑time grant. If a student drops 3 credits, the exclusion covers those 3 credits; if they drop 12, the exclusion covers 6 and the student must provide mitigating circumstances for the other 6. The exclusion cannot be granted if the student completes the term with non‑punitive grades.
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Unsatisfactory Progress & Benefit Disqualification
VA educational assistance must be discontinued when a student stops making satisfactory progress toward their training objective. Benefits can be reinstated if the student reenrolls in the same institution and program, provided VA finds that the cause of poor attendance or conduct has been removed. Schools must report unsatisfactory progress promptly, and continued academic probation beyond two terms may trigger termination.
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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.
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Undeclared Majors
If a freshman or sophomore has not declared a major, certify the program as “Bachelor (undeclared).” Students cannot be certified beyond their sophomore year without a declared major. Only “General Education” courses can be certified before a major is declared.
Non‑Matriculated Students (38 CFR 21.4252)
VA defines matriculation as formal admission to a degree‑seeking program. Benefits cannot be paid to non‑matriculated students unless they are pending admission. In that case, they may be certified for two semesters. Beyond that, they must be formally admitted to continuing certification.
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Taking a Summer Course Elsewhere (Transfer Back to UIC)
Students who wish to take courses as a guest at another institution must obtain a parent letter from UIC to grant permission for GI Bill use. Courses must be required for the UIC degree. Start the appeal process by visiting the Benefits and Forms tab and selecting the Benefit Appeal Form.
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Skyler Murray
Meet the newest member to our awesome SVA staff! Skyler Murray is a pre-nursing student and a dependent of an Army veteran who utilizes CH35 benefits. He grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, and graduated from Oak Park & River Forest High School in 2024. Skyler has two older brothers who were also in the army and went to OPRF. He's an Eagle Scout and enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and camping. He's been known for being very easy-going and sociable. Most notably, he was nominated as the class clown by his graduating class. Like many, he did not know about educational benefits and assistance from the VA
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until he came across the SVA at UIC. Skyler greatly appreciates everyone at the SVA and all the things they do, and he hopes to be of assistance as well. Stop by the SVA to meet Skyler and feel free to ask him any questions. Welcome to the team, Skyler!
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| Land of Lincoln Honor Flight – Mission #77 |
📍Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport
(1200 Capital Airport Dr, Springfield, IL 62707)
Honor flights take 95 veterans from Illinois to Washington, D.C., to visit national war memorials at no cost. The return home is at 9:30 PM, and the public is encouraged to come greet the heroes at the airport.
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MURPH Festival Chicago 2026 |
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| Run the Rock – Armed Forces Day 5K/10K |
📍 Rock Island Arsenal
(Rock Island Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201)
Celebrate Armed Forces Day with a 5K or 10K run on a flat, fast course set against the historic Rock Island Arsenal. The weekend also includes kids’ races, music, food, and military displays.
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11:00 AM (Wreath Laying) / 12:00 PM (Parade) |
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| Chicago Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony |
📍 Daley Plaza (Wreath Laying) & Dearborn Street (Parade)
(50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602)
Chicago’s Memorial Day observance begins with a wreath‑laying at the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, followed by a parade featuring veterans’ groups, service members, and marching bands.
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IDES Veteran Services
Over 30 American Job Centers across Illinois offer priority service, resume help, and job search assistance specifically for veterans. You can search for jobs online and connect with a local veteran representative.
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Skilled Trades Academy (Hiring Our Heroes)
A paid internship and fellowship pathway for veterans and military spouses to enter careers in skilled trades. A great option if you're looking to get hands-on experience and a license.
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Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
A Department of Defense program connecting spouses with employers who commit to recruiting, hiring, and retaining them. Includes job postings, career counseling, and an online job search tool.
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Scott AFB Military & Family Readiness Center
Employment workshops, resume development, and re-licensure assistance for spouses in the Metro East region. In-person events continue at Scott AFB, with the next session scheduled for May 18, 2026.
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Illinois workNet Centers
Local centers in communities like Carmi offer free employment training, education planning, resume building, and dedicated veteran services across the state.
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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.
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Field Museum: Free general admission for active-duty military and veterans.
- Art Institute of Chicago: Free for active-duty military.
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Adler Planetarium: Free for active-duty and veterans.
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA): Free for active-duty military and veterans.
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Chicago History Museum: Free for active-duty, veterans, and retirees.
- Pritzker Military Museum & Library: Free for active military.
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National Veterans Art Museum: Free admission.
- Lincoln Park Zoo: Always free for everyone.
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Free & Low-Cost Flights for Military & Veterans
A variety of programs offer free or low-cost flights to help you connect with family, visit memorials, and explore new destinations.
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Space-Available Travel: This benefit is for active-duty members, retirees, and their families. You can fill unused seats on military aircraft for free (or a small tax on commercial charters). Learn more about using Space-A for your next flight.
- Miles for Military Program: This program provides service members with up to $1,000 toward a flight home in exchange for completing 25+ hours of volunteer work with a charity of their choice.
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Honor Flights: These all-expenses-paid trips fly veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their respective war memorials. Priority is given to WWII, Korean War, and terminally ill veterans, and there are hubs in Illinois like Greater Peoria. Applications are typically available through local Honor Flight networks
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Vet Tix: Free Event Tickets
Vet Tix is a nonprofit organization that provides free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and other entertainment for Veterans, active-duty military, and their families. It is a great way to enjoy live events while connecting with the community.
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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: Start May 18
Monday – Friday (by appointment only), 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contributing Editor: Nicolle Velasquez
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