Inside this Month's Issue

Section 1 - Announcements: What you need to know to prepare for the Spring/Term 1 2024 semester!

Section 2 – 2023 Wrapped: Read all about the exciting events that Veterans Services and the AU military-connected community were a part of this year!

Section 3 – Calendar: Check out these upcoming events and important dates!

Section 4 – A Special Announcement to the Graduating Class of 2023!

Make sure to read News You Can Use Volumes 1 through 23 for other important announcements!

1. Preparing for the Spring/Term 1 2024 semester?
   1. Are you returning to take Spring/Term 1 2024 classes? Make sure to submit your Request for Certification (RFC) in a timely manner! Remember, our office will not certify your benefits until the Add/Drop deadline passes for your Spring course(s). This means that you will not receive a payment from the VA until about 4-6 weeks after your classes have started. 
   2. Is Spring/Term 1 2024 your first semester using VA Education Benefits? Make sure to email a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to veterans@american.edu, fill out the Yellow Ribbon application (if applicable) and submit your RFC in a timely manner once your schedule is confirmed!
   3. If you would like more information or help with understanding your VA Education Benefits we are offering two Veteran Services Orientation Sessions in December and January for new and continuing students. We hope to see you there! You can schedule an appointment with a member or the AU Veterans Services Office staff at our You Can Book Me website or visit our FAQ database!

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Broadening the VA-Work Study Team!

In January, the Veterans Services Team welcomed Rancier Gragirene and Louden Mazen to the Veterans Services team and in August, we also welcomed Joshua McDaniel!

Ann Ferren Conference

In January, the Veterans Services Team with support of CAS Faculty member Erica Lesto had the incredible opportunity to present during the Ann Ferren Conference.

The conference is an opportunity for members of the AU community to share experiences and expertise in advancing teaching and research practices at American University. Our session was called “Military-Connected Students at AU: Creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment.” The interactive session taught faculty and staff how to identify the strengths our military-connected students bring to the classroom along with some of the unique aspects of the military-connected student experience. We also provided case studies to apply best practices to these scenarios. Participants gained valuable tools and resources to create a more military-inclusive community at AU. We were so happy with the great feedback from all of those who participated in our session, and we cannot wait to hold more training sessions in the future! Are you interested in helping the Veterans Services team create training sessions for Faculty and Staff so they can better support AU’s military-connected students? Please reach out to Dymeah Casey, Assistant Director Veterans Services by emailing dcasey@american.edu for more information! Watch the video recording of our session on YouTube!

Student Veterans of America Washington Week: March 1-2, 2023

 

Each year, Veterans Services Organizations across the nation convene on the Hill to discuss laws and policies that impact Veterans, their families, and their caregivers. Organizations like the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Black Veterans Association, and the Student Veterans of America get a chance to sit in front of Congress members and advocate for change that will drastically help our military-connected community. This year, the AU Veterans Services team attended Washington Week and sat in on the Student Veterans of America’s session. The event is free to attend and is an amazing opportunity to network with other Student Veterans on the Hill and nationwide. Interested in attending next year? Visit SVA’s website and set up an account for more information! Want to be more involved with other Student Veterans on campus? Join the American University Military Connected Club!

Soft Launch of the VA Enrollment Manager Tool

The Veterans Administration handpicked American University to host a soft launch of the new School Certifying Official Enrollment Manager Tool! Prior to the new Enrollment Manager system’s official launch in April, the Veterans Administration hosted several workshops across the country so that School Certifying Officials could test drive the system and offer feedback to enhance usability. Enrollment Manager is a modernized platform for School Certifying Officials (SCOs) that will replaced VA ONline Certification of Enrollment (VA-ONCE). While the core functions of Enrollment Manager remain the same as VA-ONCE, it has a greatly enhanced user experience. Watch this video to see VA representatives, regional SCOs and American University staff and students at the soft launch!

Veterans Lounge Revamp!

Have you seen the Veterans Lounge lately? Wow. What a difference! With the support of the Division of Student Affairs the Veterans Lounge is now an even more comfortable place to take your study breaks and find your community here at American University. There is a new comfy sofa, computer desk, organization cubbies, day use lockers, free snacks and refreshments to power you through study sessions, and more! We hope that you will stop by and check it out next semester! For access to the Veterans Lounge, send an email to veterans@american.edu 

Veteran and Military-Affiliated Affinity Commencement Celebration: April 28, 2023

It’s that time of year where we celebrate our graduating military-connected students! American University held our Veteran and Military-Affiliated Community student affinity graduation celebration on Friday April 28, 2023, in the Washington College of Law Faculty & Staff Lounge. The theme of the event was From Service to Scholar: honoring your military service and celebrating your academic achievements.”  During the celebration, we recognized the incredible accomplishments of our graduating students achieved during their professional and educational journey. The event was hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations and Advancement in conjunction with the Office of Campus Life, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Veterans Services office. It was an inspiring ceremony featuring keynote speakers, a Veterans cord and challenge coin ceremony, and recognition of our graduating students. We hope that you can join us at a future Veteran and Military-Affiliated affinity graduation event in the future!  

American University Resource Fair and the Veterans Lounge Open House: August 22-23 and 31, 2023

We opened our doors to the Veterans Lounge which provides a space for the AU military community to gather for camaraderie and mutual support toward achieving academic objectives.

We also welcomed new VA work-study student Joshua McDaniel.

The Military Connected Club 1^st General Body Meeting

Louden Mazen, MCC’s Club President said “It was great to see so many fresh faces from the military-connected community on campus come together and it gave us an opportunity to lay out our plan for the academic year.”

Veterans Day Ceremony: November 10, 2023

On November 10, American University hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration at the Washington College of Law. This year, members from the Military Connected Club (MCC) and Civil-Military Society (Cil-Mil) co-hosted a ceremony and reception honoring AU’s veteran students, staff, and their families. In attendance were AU veteran students, staff, alumni, military-connected students, members of the American Legion, and members of the community at large. We are grateful for all that came and celebrated.

AU-Airlie 5K Fun Run Race and Fall Festival: November 11, 2023

The Inaugural American University - Airlie Fall Festival & 5K Fun Run, which took place on November 11, 2023, was a resounding success. This festival and run attracted numerous students and staff from AU's Military-connected community. The event was a vibrant blend of fitness and fun, highlighted by an array of delicious food and lively music. It offered an engaging and memorable experience for everyone involved, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees.

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December 8, 2023: Fall classes end. Theses and dissertations due in Registrar's Office for fall degree candidates.

December 9 - 10, 2023: Fall Study Days; no classes.

December 12 - 16, 2023: Fall final examinations.

December 17, 2023: Fall Commencement Ceremony for August and December graduates; Winter Intersession classes begin.

December 19, 2023: Veterans Services Orientation 7:00-8:00 pm EST Register here

December 21, 2023: All full-term fall classes final grades are due.

December 23, 2023: Official Degree Award Date (date that appears on December diplomas; no event associated with this date).

December 22, 2023 – January 1, 2024: Winter break; university offices closed.

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Congratulations to our Fall 2023 graduating class! It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you during your time at American University. We commend your hard work and diligence to reach your educational goals. We wish you the greatest of luck in your post-graduation endeavors. Congratulations!

-The Veterans Services Team

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