Frequently Asked Questions are here!

We don't have all the answers, but we have a bunch of them. And you can trust the answers that we do have, because we went straight to the source for all of the answers you'll find on this page. These FAQ's are broken down into categories for your convenience.

If you have any questions about these FAQ's, or have a question that isn't listed here, feel free to call the Veterans Club office at (815) 753-5207 or e-mail the Webmaster.

NIU Veterans Club FAQ

Q: I'm not an active duty veteran. Am I eligible to join the Veterans Club?

A: Yes! The Veterans Club accepts membership not only by active duty veterans, but also NIU students who are current members of the Armed Forces, Reserve forces and National Guard. In most cases, ROTC cadets are also welcomed into the Veterans Club. Our only other requirement is that you have, 1) received an honorable discharge; or, 2) are currently in good standing with your unit.

Q: As an active member of the Veterans Club, am I required to attend meetings or other functions?

A: No! The Vets Club does not require attendance at any of our scheduled meetings or other functions. We realize that academics should be your first priority, and we support that priority. Otherwise, you will find a full schedule of opportunities throughout the semester to enhance your college experience.

Q: What are the membership dues?

A: There's no doubt about it -- we've got the best deal in town! Membership dues are only $15 per semester, which goes to subsidize our parties and other events. Compare this rate to other organizations! When accepted, you can pay your dues to the Treasurer at any meeting or drop by during office hours.

Q: I want to get involved in the Veterans Club! What can I do?

A: Thanks for asking! Whether you have a lot of spare time on your hands or just occassionally, there are many different things you can do to get involved. Your free to choose any activity that interests YOU and fits your lifestyle. Here are some examples:

• Coordinate or play on a Vets Club team sport for OCR intramurals, Homecoming, or SpringFest, or pick-up games against the ROTC.
• Serve as a social events coordinator and help put together parties, roadtrips, outings, picnics.
• Help coordinate a Vets Club service event. In the past, the NIU Vets Club has participated in the Top of Illinois Stand Down for homeless veterans, marched in the DeKalb Memorial Day parade with our friends in the American Legion, we visit residents of the Barb City Manor retirement home every Thanksgiving, participated in the Adopt-a-Family charity at Christmastime, and more.
• Serve as a special events coordinator. We always need motivated members to help coordinate activities such as Homecoming or SpringFest events, our Veterans Day ceremony, Veterans Benefits Nite/Job Fair, or our Spring Awards banquet.
• Serve as a VetNet peer-tutor to other active members. College courses aren't always easy and our members sometimes need help with homework, studying for an exam, or some computer skills training.
• Run for a Student Association senate seat and help represent veterans at NIU.
• Serve as a Web developer for our Internet site (which your looking at).
• Run for a Vets Club Executive Board position and really get involved!

As you can see, we always need good people to help out on our various task forces: activities, special events, athletics, internet, member services, fund raising, service events, and any others that we need to put together to get the job done. All are great resume builders and help to contribute to make this organization as great as it is.

Q: Is the Veterans Club a fraternity? What does the CGI stand for? Why aren't we a fraternity?

A: No, the NIU Veterans Club is not a fraternity. We've come together because we have a strong bond as veterans and want to stick together. The Vets Club is an SA-recognized, co-ed student organization. And you made it through the toughest rush around -- basic training. Click here to find out what the CGI stands for. Of the many reasons for our NOT being a formal fraternity and part of NIU's greek system is that it's too limiting, it costs too much, and just doesn't serve our purposes.

NIU or student-related FAQ

Q: I'm a Veteran, damn it! Am I considered an independant student?

A: Yes! According to NIU admissions regulations, all U.S. armed forces veterans are considered independant students for both admissions and financial aid requirements regardless of their age.

Q: I need a resume -- a good one! Where can I get help?

A: The best place to start is the Career Planning and Placement Center. They are located in Campus Life Building room 220 and their phone number is (815) 753-1641. You can attend their resume preparation workshops or drop by to have your resume critiqued. Additionally, CPPC offers workshops for interviewing, job search strategies, job fair preparation, and more, and also offers on-campus interviewing and services for alumni. CPPC hours are MThF 0800-1630 and TW 0800-1800. Visit their web site for more information.

You can also see your department advisor for assistance in preparing a resume fit to your major.

Q: Where can we rent sporting or outdoors equipment on campus?

A: The OCR's Outing Center rents all types of sporting and outdoors equipment to NIU students at really good rates. You can rent everything from footballs and volleyball nets to canoes and tents. Call (815) 753-9422 for more information.

Q: Where can I go to get unbiased advice on problems or other concerns involving NIU?

A: NIU students should visit the Ombudsman's Office to get advice on how to handle difficult issues on campus such as discrimination, harassment, academic or instructor issues, financial concerns, judicial problems, unethical behavior problems, and many others. The Office of the Ombudsman is located on the sixth floor of the Holmes Student Center, Room 601, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and other times by arrangement. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 753-1414. For more information on available services, visit their web site.

Q: Where can I get professional quality copying/printing services on campus?

A: Visit the Copy Centre located just off of Lincoln Hwy and across from the NIU water tower. Their hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and their phone number is (815) 753-6139. Available services include printing, duplicating, faxing, thermal binding, single-sheet folding, and campus courier service. They are also a convenience source for printing your resumes. Visit their web site for more information.

Q: How can I get my official NIU transcript?

A: All academic transcript requests must be made in writing to: Transcripts, Office of Registration and Records, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115-2871. You request must include the following information: • Your full name (typed or printed) •Any former names •Social Security Number •Date of birth •Last semester of attendance at Northern •Your complete mailing address •The complete address of where you want the transcript sent •The date •Your signature. You can fax in an urgent request to (815) 753-0149. Please include all information identified above including your Visa or Mastercard number. If you have any futher questions, contact the Office of Registration and Records at (815)753-0680 or visit their web site.

Q: As a current NIU student, where can I get REAL legal counsel?

A: The Student Legal Assistance office, of course! These lawyers are located in the 6th floor of the Holmes Student Center, their telephone number is (815) 753-1701, and their offices hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. You can get a little more information on their web site.

Q: I've got my student health insurance through the university. What is covered? Where can I go for treatments? What services are offered through NIU's health plan?

A: Too many questions! The University Health Center is the place with all of your answers. Call them at (815) 753-1311 or visit their web site for lot of great information on their services. This is also the place to turn in your military immunization records, to cover the university requirement for proof of certain immunizations.

Veterans-related FAQ

Q: What's the scoop on these "Blue Cards" at the Veterans Assistance Office?

A: Here is just about everything you ever wanted to know about using blue cards:

• Blue cards are used to activate your Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits.
• These blue cards are NOT used for any other veterans benefits, such as Illinois Veterans Grants (IVG), ROTC scholarships, or Illinois National Guard grants.
• You must fill one out EVERY semester that you want to receive MGIB benefits while you are at NIU.
• You MUST include a course schedule on the back of the blue card.
• Include the address that you want your benefits checks mailed to.
• You can submit the blue card as soon as you register for classes. You do not have to wait until you receive your final course schedule before submitting your blue card. This means that you can submit your blue card at the end of the prior semester when you register for your next semester courses.

Q: I have less than 12 points remaining on my IVG/Guard grant, but I'm registering for full-time status. What will happen?

A: Great question! This is a loop-hole in the system. When you near the end of your grant eligibility, you will always be covered for your last semester of eligibility up to the full-time rate.

For example, you have only 2 points remaining on your IVG eligibility (of the original 120 points). You register for 16 semester hours of courses. Don't worry! The State (ISAC) will cover your tuition and applicable fees. Then, your grant eligibility has expired and you must find alternate financial aid sources.

Q: I am a veteran and understand that I am eligibile for an Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG). How do I activate my grant and use it at Northern Illinois University.

A: You must submit an IVG application along with a copy (certified copy not required) of your DD Form 214 (Member-4 with discharge information). You will then be mailed an IVG award letter within approximately 6-8 weeks. You must then bring (or mail) a good copy of this award letter to the NIU Veterans Assistance Office. The address is Veterans Assistance Office, Swen Parson Hall 245, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 61554.

Q: What does the IVG cover at Northern Illinois University?

A: The Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) covers 100% of your tuition and also certain fees (activity fee, athletic fee, off-campus delivery fees, health insurance fee and graduation fee). But, the IVG DOES NOT COVER EVERYTHING, such as books, computer lab fees, room and board, living expenses. For more details, click here.

Q: I am receiving the IVG (or National Guard grant) and also G.I. Bill benefits. Am I still eligible for other financial aid?

A: Yes! Receiving veterans benefits does not automatically negate your eligibility for other financial aid awards, though it does reduce your maximum eligibility. Visit the Student Financial Aid office (colocated with the Veterans Assistance Office in Swen Parson 245) for more information.

Q: I just paid my graduation fee and then found out that the IVG covers it! What can I do?

A: Just bring a copy of your receipt to the Veterans Assistance Office at Swen Parson 245. You will then be processed for a reimbursement through the Bursar's Office.

Q: I'm a veteran, but the Student Financial Aid office says that I am required to register with Selective Service before I can receive any financial aid. Why?

A: Rules is rules. It's true that ALL men between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered with Selective Service to become eligible to receive state or federal financial aid. This includes all active duty veterans and current members of the Reserves components or National Guard! You are only required to register ONCE, which you should have done within 30 days of your 18th birthday. This requirement is an Illinois state law and is only recognized in about 19 states. Also, you cannot register after your 26th birthday. You can get a Selective Service registration form from any U.S. post office location or you can register online. Don't believe us? Click here for details.

Q: Does the IVG pay for anything else besides NIU tuition and fees?

A: Yes it does! It will pay for things like some non-credit courses at other universities or community colleges, some adult education courses at NIU, and even some official exam prep courses (i.e., the CPA review, etc.). For more information, contact the Veterans Assistance Office or contact ISAC.