Tips for using your benefits
Watch this video to learn the top things you need to know about using your benefits.
The information contained in the video is also available through the links below.
Information about using your benefits
Veteran Services is happy to help with any issues that may arise; please do not wait to reach out until it is too late to fix. You may reach out to Chai Cook at chaicook@unr.edu or (775) 682-5935, John Pratt (if you are using Chapter 31 benefits) at jlpratt@unr.edu or (775) 682-8040, or send us an email at veteranservices@unr.edu.
Additionally, don’t forget to follow Veteran Services on social media to stay up to date with all deadlines and programming that we offer. Our Facebook is and our Instagram is
The most important thing you must remember is to fill out your Semester Enrollment Form (SEF) every semester that you would like to use benefits. The Semester Enrollment Form is the student’s official request to Veteran Services to process a VA educational claim.
We process claims in the order we receive the Semester Enrollment Form. To avoid possible delays in processing, please submit your form as soon as possible. It will be available 24 hours after the day you enroll in courses. Enrollment changes can be made after submission, but please be advised that this could result in a possible delay in your monthly stipend or create a tuition debt.
These are the steps to fill out the SEF:
- Log in to your MyÁùºÏ±¦µä account.
- Navigate to "Tasks" from the home screen (the box with the green check mark).
- Select "Supplemental Forms" from the task list on the left hand side of the screen.
- Select the SEF corresponding to the upcoming semester.
- Answering all questions should take about 3 minutes.
- Check the box at the bottom of the SEF.
- Click "Save" and then "Submit."
You do not need to inform us of enrollment changes. We track all enrollment changes for our students once the SEF is submitted.
One stipulation of Chapters 1606 and 30 is that the student must verify their enrollment with the VA on the last day of every school month via The VA will hold your stipend until you complete this step. Here are the steps to verify every month.
- Call W.A.V.E. at 1-877-823-2378 on the last day of every month of school.
- Press #1 when prompted.
- Enter your VA file number followed by the # sign. Your VA file number is your Social Security number.
- Enter your five-digit zip code.
After this, your enrollment will be verified, and you will receive your monthly stipend.
Getting involved at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno begins at the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Military Support Alliance Veterans and Military Center. The Veterans and Military Center (VMC for short) is a place where anyone using VA benefits at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno (veterans, National Guard/reservists, dependents) is welcome to come build camaraderie and community with fellow student veterans and military students. Whether you need a place to relax between classes, eat lunch, or engage in lively conversation with like-minded students, the VMC is the place for you.
Wolf Pack Veterans
Wolf Pack Veterans (WPV) is one of two student veteran organizations on campus. WPV is the University's chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA). SVA is a national student veteran organization based in Washington, D.C. that works with Congress on behalf of student veterans regarding issues facing the community, offers leadership training and opportunities for its members and empowers student veterans to achieve their academic goals.
The goal of WPV is to empower student veterans to reach their academic goals, foster a strong sense of community for veteran and military students, and break down barriers between civilian and military students. WPV provides outstanding programming not only for social activities, but also community service and networking opportunities as well. To express interest or ask questions about the club, email sva.wolfpackvets@gmail.com and be sure to follow WPV on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the club on Facebook at Wolf Pack Veterans or Instagram .
Omega Delta Sigma
Omega Delta Sigma, ÁùºÏ±¦µä Alpha chapter, is the only nationally recognized co-ed veteran and military fraternity at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno. Membership is accepted from students that are veterans, National Guard/reservists, or active duty that are attending TMCC or the University.
ODS exists to provide veterans and service members attending school the opportunity to network with other veterans/service members, help with the transition from military to civilian life, student leadership positions, community service/volunteering, and fantastic social activities.
To express interest or ask questions about the fraternity, email tres.nva@omegadeltasigma.com and be sure to like ODS on Facebook to stay informed at Omega Delta Sigma: ÁùºÏ±¦µä Alpha.
The VA will only approve and pay for what it considers a certifiable course.
So, what is a certifiable course? Veteran Services can only certify courses that are directly degree-applicable, or classes that fit within your degree plan. Courses for a minor can only be certified if a minor is required for your major. Dual majors are acceptable as well. Additionally, remedial or prerequisite courses are acceptable if they are needed. For example, if you need to take MATH 96 to get into MATH 126, we can certify MATH 96.
Veteran Services recommends that you maintain a strong relationship with your academic advisor to ensure all of your courses are degree applicable, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
ÁùºÏ±¦µä National Guard offers a tuition waiver benefit. You must complete a new tuition waiver every semester that you intend to use this benefit.
- Obtain a waiver documenent from your ÁùºÏ±¦µä National Guard Education Officer.
- Click the link below to complete a short form and upload your ÁùºÏ±¦µä National Guard Waiver document.
- Once submitted, you will receive an email confirming receipt. You will receive a follow-up email when the form is processed.
Please reach out to the Cashiers Office at (775) 784-6915 or cashiersoffice@unr.edu if you have questions.
Visit us at the Veterans and Military Center
The Veterans and Military Center (VMC) is a comfortable space to connect with like-minded individuals, develop camaraderie with fellow student veterans, study and grab coffee.