Upcoming Events

Veterans Social

OVS and the Veterans Alumni Council (VAC) of the University of Pittsburgh cordially invite you and your family to the Veterans End-of-Term Social on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 6–8 p.m. in the Carnegie Room of the Wyndham Pittsburgh Center, 100 Lytton Ave. Pittsburgh, PA.

This social event will feature a presentation of graduation cords to be worn at Commencement, to identify and honor all graduating veterans (current and future) at the University of Pittsburgh. We hope you can join us for this unique recognition and networking opportunity. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about the VAC, meet the council’s board members, and socialize with other Pitt veterans.

RSVP to Ryan Ahl or by calling 412-624-9162 by Friday, February 28.

If you are a graduating veteran or military-affiliated student, please indicate that in your RSVP so we can prepare your award. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Out of the Foxhole: Celebrating the Service of This Generation’s Vets and Their Families

On Sunday, February 23 at 1 p.m., join the Steel City Vets, the Veterans Breakfast Club, members of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, and CSM (ret) Bart Womack (pictured) to discuss the unique bond created when you serve in the military. This bond extends to other divisions, branches, and into our own families, and becomes stronger as we share our experiences and adversity together. Tickets are $5 and parking is available for $5. Copies of Embedded Enemy, the true story of the SGT Hasan Akbars attack on fellow US soldiers, will be available for $15.  RSVP requested, but not necessary, to Todd Depastino at 412-623-9029 by February 14, 2014. Tickets will be available at the door. Learn more. 

Veterans Mini Career Fair and Networking Event

Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 5-6:30 p.m.
McCarl Center Conference Room, fourth floor, Cathedral of Learning

Local and national employers interested in hiring or offering internships to veterans will visit the Office of Veterans Services to discuss the opportunities available within their organizations. You will have a chance to network, ask questions, and learn what qualities and expertise employers are looking for in an employee. Résumé review opportunities will also be available. Visiting employers will be posted on the OVS Web site when confirmed. Invitees include FedEx, the FBI, Bayer, Pepsi, Amazon, US Steel, UPMC, Norfolk Southern, McKesson, and more. Veteran students, alumni, and spouses of veterans in all majors are encouraged to attend.

Agamemnon

The University of Pittsburgh’s Theatre Arts program is presenting Agamemnon, February 13-23, 2014. The show runs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at the Stephen Foster Memorial, Henry Heymann Theatre, 4200 Forbes Ave.  There will be a Special Talkback panel following the February 15 show that will include discussions on issues faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian society. More>

Pat Tillman Military Scholarship Opens

The Office of Veterans Services encourages veterans and military-affiliated students to apply to be a Pat Tillman Military Scholar. This scholarship provides more than financial assistance: Tillman Military Scholars are also invited to an annual leadership summit, where you will have the chance to network and collaborate with other Tillman Military Scholars to make an impact globally and in your local communities. Every year, the Pat Tillman Foundation receives thousands of applications from Post-9/11 military veterans and their spouses nationwide. Sixty of the best-poised leaders, who show strength in character, academic excellence, and incredible potential, are chosen as Tillman Military Scholars. They are individuals who will apply the best lessons they've learned in life and the military to impact our country for years to come in medicine, business, law, education, and the arts. Scholarship applications are being accepted from February 7-March 7, 2014. Learn more and apply here.

Opportunities

Distance Career Counseling Available for Veterans

Interested in career counseling but can't get to the Cathedral for an appointment? Try Distance Counseling. Brianna McMeekin, career consultant for CGS and veteran students, is now offering online career appointments via Skype. You get the same great face-to-face interaction and support that is provided in an on-campus career appointment without having to be on campus during business hours. E-mail Brianna to schedule an appointment and learn how to set up a Skype account.

Work Study Opportunities with OVS

The Office of Veterans Services will be hiring two to three students for VA Work Study positions to start in March. Students must be utilizing the GI Bill and be enrolled in classes at least three-quarter time. Student must also be taking summer classes. For more information on applying, please contact Dennis Renner.

Important Information from the Certifying Official

Monthly Housing Allowance

If you are receiving Post-9/11 Chapter 33 benefits and are entitled to a monthly housing allowance, the benefit will be paid on the first of each month for the previous month. If the last day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, you will be paid on the prior business day. These payments may post to your bank account a day early or late, depending on your bank. For the spring term, you will receive your housing payments as follows:

January - You were paid on Friday, January 31. Since classes began on Monday, January 6, you were paid for January 6-31.
February - You will be paid on Friday, February 28. This will be a full month’s payment.
March - You will be paid on Tuesday, April 1. This will be a full month’s payment.
April - You will be paid on Thursday, May 1. You will be paid for April 1-26.

eBenefits
Register for eBenefits to get answers to many of your VA benefits questions: It’s easy and free. Find out more.

If you have further questions about your education benefits, please contact Dennis Renner at the Office of Veterans Services or call 412-624-7646.

FBI Honors Internship Program

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Honors Internship Program is a paid internship opportunity that offers undergraduates, graduates, or postdoctoral students throughout the country an exciting insider's view of FBI operations and an opportunity to explore career opportunities within the Bureau. The Honors Internship Program allows students to work at select Field Office locations across the country or in FBI Headquarters (FBIHQ) divisions located in Quantico, Virginia; Winchester, Virginia; Clarksburg, West Virginia; and Washington, D.C., from June 1, 2014 through August 9, 2014. Please note that candidates selected for the program are solely responsible for housing, travel and commuting costs. Get more information and eligibility criteria.

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Summer internship

If you will be living in the Washington, D.C. area during the 2014 summer and you’re a college student, graduate student, or recent graduate (within one year), AAPD’s Summer Internship Program provides the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience to help advance your career goals. Interns will receive a stipend, mentor matching, and additional resources during the summer. Candidates interested in the professional arena of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and veterans with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. Apply or e-mail your questions.

Boots to Business Webinar Presented by BNY Mellon

Join fellow veteran students and BNY Mellon employees for an informational Boots to Business webinar on Thursday, February 13 at noon. Gain insight on how to prepare for the transition from a military to civilian career, and learn about internship and full-time opportunities at BNY Mellon. If you have questions, please contact Leah Kirby. To join the webinar, call 1-866-692-3158, access code is 7453825, meeting number 764 783 672, password: Military1.