October Newsletter

As we move through the fall semester, the Office of Student Veterans is excited to continue to assist and support our incoming and current student population!

Hot days are almost a thing of the past and the Fall semester has many exciting events available to student veterans and their families. Whether it's sporting events, veteran social opportunities, or the Veterans Day observance, there are numerous times for military-affiliated students to gather, socialize, and have fun!

As a reminder, our office is always available for questions or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Warm regards,

The Duke Student Veterans Office

S. Clay Adams, Assistant Vice President
Grace Sullivan Zirkle, Associate Director

Dalton Dey, Assistant Director
Nicholas Harrelson, Graduate Assistant
Beautiful Reed, Graduate Assistant

Happy Hour at the Krafthouse

The Office of Student Veterans will be holding its first Happy Hour at the Krafthouse located within the Brodhead Center on West Campus on Tuesday, October 10th from 1600-1800. This is a great opportunity to meet and build rapport with others in our community. Appetizers will be provided by the Office of Student Veterans. Drinks are available for purchase.

Save the Date -

DAFA Veterans Day 5K

Duke Armed Forces Association (DAFA), in conjunction with FuquaFit, is hosting its annual Veterans Day 5K on November 11th. Join Fuqua and the broader Duke community for a Veterans Day event. Keep an eye out for a registration link coming soon.

Student Veterans Leadership Council

The Office of Student Veterans will be conducting its Fall Student Veterans Leadership Council in October. This meeting is open to all military-affiliated students across campus and serves as an opportunity for the Office of Student Veterans to interact with and hear from the community it serves.

If you are interested in participating in the Fall Student Veterans Leadership Council, contact Nicholas Harrelson at nicholas.harrelson@duke.edu.

Wisdom of the Heard: An Innovative Path to Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, and Social Intelligence

CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) offers group-based services to all Duke students to promote well-being. One of the options this semester is Wisdom of the Heard, an equine-assisted psychotherapy approach aiming to provide mindful skills to calm and connect with your mind and body through experiential exercises with horses on a farm, as well as explore interpersonal relationships.

Transportation is provided if needed
No experience with horses needed
5-week group
Begins in October

Mondays: 5:15-7:30pm

Held at Lochill Farm, Hillsborough

Email Ping-Tzu Lee at pl180@duke.edu or call CAPS at (919) 660-1000 for more information and to sign-up.

Durham VA Clinical Trial for Tinnitus

Tinnitus ("ringing in the ears") is a very common problem among veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting a clinical trial for veterans suffering from this condition. Dr. Candace Quinn, a Duke professor, is conducting the study.

Please click here for more information including a detailed description of the condition, treatment option, details of the trial, contacts and locations, and eligibility criteria.

A big shout-out to current Duke student, Chris M., for sharing the study with us to pass along to the community!

Questions about Financial Assistance and Veteran Benefits?

The VA Education Benefits Coordinator in the Office of the University Registrar is happy to assist you with any questions regarding:

GI Bill
Yellow Ribbon
Chapter 31 Benefits
Chapter 35 Benefits
Tuition Assistance
VA Benefits
and anything else

Whenever you have questions, please reach out via email (veteranseducation@duke.edu), and they will respond as quickly as possible.

GI Bill Tutoring Benefit

Students can receive tutoring as a GI bill benefit if the student is:

Enrolled in an educational program for half-time or more,
Are using the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), or the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefit,
Having trouble in a required subject and needs a tutor.

Students can be reimbursed by the GI Bill for up to $100 a month and a total of $1,200.

The course instructor (or teacher) must agree the student needs a tutor and write a letter on their behalf.

VA Scholarships for Students in the Medical/Healthcare Field

VA offers scholarships to students looking to work in a VA healthcare facility, serving our Nation’s Veterans.

These scholarships cover many degrees and certifications and can help benefits reach through to program completion.

Ways to Connect

Office of Student Veterans: veterans@studentaffairs.duke.edu

VA Education Benefits Coordinator in the Office of the University Registrar: veteranseducation@duke.edu