UWM Veterans Services Brochure

y r a t i Mil eran t e V & S E C I V R SE

UWM: WISCONSIN’S TOP CAMPUS FOR MILITARY VETERANS You’ve generously given your time and talents in service to our country, and now it’s time to focus on the next stage of your life and career. UWM is the perfect place to do that. A growing hub for service members from across the nation, UWM serves more veterans and active duty, reserve and National Guard members than any other four-year public or private institution in our six-state region.* You’ll join a dynamic community of more than 1,400 military veterans, active-duty service members, spouses and dependents who attend UWM using military education benefits. As a military-friendly campus, we value your military experiences and skills. We also understand that veterans might have unique needs, especially when making the transition from military to civilian life.

That’s why we’re committed to providing the resources and support you need to reach your academic and career goals, and we’re confident that you’ll thrive here. Thanks for taking the time to get to know us. * According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data on veterans using military education benefits in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.

“I don’t understand how a veteran can fail at UWM. There are so many programs and opportunities for veterans here.”

SEAN (left), junior,

communications major After three tours of duty – one in the Air Force and two in the Army – Sean decided that a college degree was essential to moving on with his life and career.

Pictured on front (clockwise from left): Jacki Carstens, Evan Brunn, Michelle Ramirez, James Cocroft, Brian Lindley and Samuel Rogers.

Getting started CAMPUS TOURS If you haven’t already, we invite you to see UWM on a campus tour. Experience the lively UWM community for yourself, and be sure to stop by the Military and Veterans Resource Center in the UWM Student Union! Go to uwm.edu/visit to sign up.

NEW VETERAN/MILITARY STUDENT CHECKLIST We know you’re busy, so we’ve tried to make the admission process as simple as possible with the following checklist. If you have any questions, we encourage you to visit our Office of Undergraduate Admissions or contact us at 414-229-2222 or uwm.edu/undergrad-admission.

A pply! Complete and submit an

A pply for financial aid. Complete

online application for admission at apply.wisconsin.edu ($50 application fee).

R equest your transcripts. Have

the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. UWM School Code: 003896.

military transcripts and official transcripts from your high school and any postsecondary schools be sent to UWM. ACT/SAT scores are required only if you are under 21.

C onnect with us!

Find other veterans at uwm.edu/mavrc, on Facebook at fb.me/uwmmavrc, or follow us on Twitter @UWM_MAVRC.

A pply for military education benefits. See page 5 for more information on our Benefits Office and pages 6-7 for a benefits chart.

PROJECT 22 Project 22 is a documentary film detailing the story of two veterans, Doc King and Daniel Egbert, who launched a 22-day, 6,500-mile, cross-country mission to raise awareness of the high rate of suicide among veterans and to help find solutions to the problem.

UWM continues this work with an annual event that includes a ride, film screening and resource fair that presents successful treatments and resources in the Milwaukee area.

Too busy to commit to on-campus classes?

No problem—you can use your military education benefits to take advantage of UWM Online, which gives you convenient access to the same top faculty and respected UWM degree you’d get if you attended classes in person. With more than 850 online courses offered throughout the year, as well as 30 fully online degrees and certificates, you can get a great education without setting foot on campus. In addition, first- and second-year students can complete all of their general education requirements online through our First 60 Credits sequence. Learn more at uwm.edu/online.

UWM.edu/veterans

UWM ONLINE

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VETERANS UPWARD BOUND Preparing for higher education after active service has its challenges, but Veterans Upward Bound is there to

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help. Focused on building the skills needed to excel in an academic environment, VUB instructors educate without talking down, treat you with the respect that you’ve earned and provide a classroom environment specifically geared towards veterans. While aimed at students who have not received a high school diploma, the program is also a great resource for others looking to brush up before taking on college coursework.

With Veterans Upward Bound, UWM is the only university in the state that offers a special program for veterans seeking their General Education Diploma (GED) or high school equivalency credential.

ONE OF

universities with a veterans upward bound program

Veterans Upward Bound is open to any low-income or first-generation college student who has served more than 180 days of active duty or been released because of a serviceconnected disability.

KIMBERLY, graduate, nonprofit management

Since leaving the Air Force, Kim has dedicated her time to her fellow service members. As executive director of Veterans For Diversity, she helps LGBTQ+ veterans adjust to civilian life. Kim is seeking her master’s degree to expand her organization’s already stellar work. She appreciates UWM’s supportive veteran community as well as the Accessibility Resource Center’s help in managing her PTSD.

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Colin Rowley and Aaron Ferguson place flags around Spaights Plaza on campus for Veterans Week.

20% MILITARY EDUCATION BENEFITS OFFICE

of UWM veterans ARE WOMEN

We want you to make the most of the military benefits you’ve earned. The dedicated staff of our Military Education Benefits Office ensure that current and former members of the military receive timely processing of their state and federal benefits to keep their graduation plans on track. The benefits office also provides news and information and serves as a first-stop destination for prospective and newly admitted students.

Eligibility requirements can be found at uwm.edu/mebo. For more information, contact MEBO at vets@uwm.edu or 414-299-6627, or just stop by Mellencamp Hall, Room 168A.

VETERANS WEEK Leading up to Veterans Day each year, UWM holds Veterans Week, with special events honoring the service of veterans and students in the military. We look to connect them with each other, and to community and corporate partners, and to educate our campus community about military service. The events include our Military & Veterans Ball, photography exhibits, a visit from the VA Mobile Vet Center, the Serving Those Who Served Brunch, where campus and community leaders serve a meal to members of the military and veterans, and more.

UWM.edu/veterans

Military Education Benefits Office (MEBO) will provide advice for beneficiaries of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Federal Montgomery GI Bill, the Wisconsin GI Bill, the National Guard Tuition Grant and VetEd tuition reimbursement.

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BENEFITS The following benefits are certified with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs, or service branches. Learn more, including current eligibility requirements, at uwm.edu/mebo. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Military Education Benefits Office.

Stop by Mellencamp Hall, Room 168A, or contact us at 414-229-6627 or vets@uwm.edu—we’re here to help!

Federal and state benefits

For veterans

For Reserves/ For spouses National Guard of veterans

For children of veterans

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service after Sept. 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.

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Yellow Ribbon Program The Yellow Ribbon Program covers tuition in excess of resident tuition that may exceed the Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefit.

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(with qualifying mobilization)

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(may be transferred to spouse)

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(may be transferred to child)

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(may be transferred to child)

(with qualifying mobilization)

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30) Active-duty members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months, and are then entitled to receive a monthly education stipend once they have completed a minimum service obligation.

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Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard Reserves, as well Army National Guard and the Air National Guard members, are eligible for this monthly stipend.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (Chapter 31) Veterans seeking VA vocational rehabilitation benefits must meet with a regional vocational rehab counselor each semester to receive this benefit.

Survivors & Dependents Assistance (Chapter 35) Dependents’ Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. Generally, you must be the son, daughter or spouse of a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected injury.

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(with veteran’s 100% serviceconnected disability rating or death)

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(with veteran’s 100% serviceconnected disability rating or death)

MORE VETERANS ATTEND UWM

than any other public or private four-year school in

Students looking to take advantage of any of these programs can find more information at uwm.edu/veterans.

THE MIDWEST Federal and state benefits

For veterans

For Reserves/ For spouses National Guard of veterans

For children of veterans

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Children of an active-duty member of the armed forces who died in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for this scholarship. A child may be married or over 23 and still be eligible.

Eligible children attending school may receive tuition/fees, a monthly living stipend and book allowance.

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Wisconsin GI Bill Veterans who entered active duty as a Wisconsin resident or who have established five consecutive years of residency are eligible for up to 128 credits of tuition and fee remission.

This benefit is also available to certain spouses and children of eligible veterans who entered active duty as a Wisconsin resident. However, the five-year residency requirement does not apply to spouses or children; they must be considered Wisconsin residents to be eligible.

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(with veteran’s 30% serviceconnected disability rating or death)

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(with veteran’s 30% serviceconnected disability rating or death)

Wisconsin VetEd Reimbursement Grant Wisconsin veterans who are enrolled as full-time undergraduates working on their first degree and who served a minimum of two years of active duty may receive reimbursement for tuition and fees for satisfactorily completed courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher.

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Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Grant This program is available to actively drilling guard members and warrant officers who do not have a baccalaureate degree. It reimburses tuition only for satisfactorily completed courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Veterans seeking VA vocational rehabilitation benefits must meet with a regional vocational rehab counselor each semester to receive this benefit.

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UWM.edu/veterans

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (Chapter 31)

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DEAR VETERAN Dear Veteran is a public art project that gives civilians an opportunity to acknowledge veterans in their lives and communities. Inspired by the Shinto shrines of Japan, where devotees write their wishes and prayers on small wooden plaques, and the prayer trees of Tibet, Dear Veteran cards are hung in MAVRC during Veterans Week and throughout the month of November as gestures of tribute and hope.

VETSUCCESS ON CAMPUS UWM is proud to be the only university in Wisconsin to take part in the national VetSuccess program. Operated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the program places a vocational rehabilitation counselor on campus to ensure veterans receive the assistance they need to make the most of their education.

From the initial transition to preparation for entering the labor market, VetSuccess is the VA resource for career-minded veterans.

Our VetSuccess counselor offers benefits assistance, help with disability accommodations and, should the need arise, referrals to VA Medical Centers and other health services.

The VetSuccess program is located in the UWM Student Union, Room 319. Appointments can be made by calling 414-229-6488.

TOP

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UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS FOR UWM’S VETERANS: BUSINESS • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • ENGINEERING • INFORMATION SCIENCE • EDUCATION • BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES • PSYCHOLOGY • KINESIOLOGY • NURSING • SOCIAL WORK

For a detailed listing of our academic programs, visit uwm.edu/academics.

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Sometimes you just want to spend time with other service members. Offering both a quiet study room (complete with CAC readers) and a relaxed central area with plenty

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MILITARY AND VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER

E THA OR

1400 veterans enrolled AT UWM

of seating and TVs, the Military and Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC) is a great place to relax over a cup of complimentary coffee or to learn about opportunities for future employment or civic and cultural engagement.

Staff can direct you to a number of other oncampus services as well as sign you up for veteran-specific programs and recreational activities like the Armed Forces Challenge, rock climbing and workout groups.

MAVRC is located in Room WG99 in the UWM Student Union. Stop by any time or call ahead at 414-229-7211. More information can be found at uwm.edu/mavrc.

“Whether you need somebody to review a paper or a resume or just point you in the right direction, the people at MAVRC are willing to help. Everybody

TIMOTHY, senior, information technology major

After serving with the Marine Corps, Timothy chose UWM because it was a veteran-friendly school and a good place to improve his skills in business and technology. He has interned at Robert W. Baird and Rockwell Automation.

UWM.edu/veterans

has everyone else’s back.”

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GRADUATE SCHOOL

Looking to further your education or advance your career?

The UWM Graduate School offers over 130 master’s, doctoral, professional and graduate certificate programs, more than any other university in southeastern Wisconsin. And, since UWM is one of just two public research universities in Wisconsin, you can work alongside nationally known faculty members on important and innovative research aimed at addressing our toughest problems.

For more details, go to uwm.edu/graduateschool.

Apply!

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1. Create an account at graduateschool-apply.uwm.edu 2. Find your program of interest.

3. Click the “Apply Now” button.

OTHER RESOURCES At UWM, you’ll find strong support programs that will help you succeed. Being part of one of the largest student veteran communities in the Midwest comes with many opportunities for outreach, networking and support. If you’re looking to meet other vets and make the most of your time at UWM, there are many ways you can get involved: COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE PARTNERS UWM has established community partnerships with the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, the Milwaukee VA Regional Benefits Office, and other nonprofit and service organizations that serve the military and veterans. We work with our corporate partners to set up networking events, and provide resume assistance, practice interviews, internships, job shadowing, mentors and jobs.

PAT TILLMAN FOUNDATION UWM is happy to help veteran students apply for the Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship. With funds averaging $10,000 per student per year, which can be used to cover tuition, housing or other living expenses, this award has been a great help to many of our students.

VETERAN RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS Through the Dr. Michael C. Kubly Military & Veterans Mental Health Endowment, MAVRC funds research to improve the lives of services members struggling with depression, suicide and moral injury and to help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Top photo: The color guard makes its way to the stage at the Military and Veterans Ball.

Bottom left: Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink and his wife, Terry, connect with veterans Colin Rowley and Samuel Becket and their guests at the ball.

Bottom right: The Capable Canines of Wisconsin make an appearance at the VA Mental Health Summit.

VETERANS WEEK This annual event in November honors the sacrifices and service of our veterans while uniting the school’s vibrant military community.

Veterans Week events include flag and photo displays, student panel discussions, film showings and the annual Military and Veterans Ball. At the Serving Those Who Serve event, campus leaders and elected officials serve breakfast to our military and veteran students.

VETERANS ORIENTATION UWM offers a comprehensive orientation program designed to meet the specific needs and interests of our military and veteran students.

STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA UWM is home to an active chapter of this international organization. A coalition of student veteran groups, the SVA focuses on providing vets with the resources and support they need to achieve their academic goals and gain meaningful employment. From social programming and volunteer activities to leadership summits and scholarships, SVA offers strong local support and advocacy bolstered by its global network. fb.me/svamke

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