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 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.

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.

Arms and the University

Special Panel Discussion: Arms and the University
Monday, March 24, 4-5:30 p.m.
WPU Lower Lounge
Does a military presence on a university campus, such as ROTC, enhance the civic and liberal education of non-military students? Are universities responsible for ensuring that military perspectives are represented on campus, despite the historically contentious relationships between universities and the military? Join the College of General Studies and sponsors from across the University for a thought-provoking lecture and panel discussion featuring authors of Arms and the University Donald Downs of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ilia Murtazashvili of the University of Pittsburgh. Read more.

Veterans Networking and Career Fair

Friday, March 21, 11 a.m.–4  p.m.
Robert Morris University, Sewell Center, Third Floor
This event will include a Government Job Search Workshop presented by Mr. Thomas Formby from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, as well as opportunities to meet with veteran-friendly employers, learn about employment and internship opportunities, and network with employers and veteran service providers. Please dress professionally and bring plenty of résumés. Please register by e-mailing David Munn. The first 100 veterans to register will receive a box lunch. If you require transportation, please contact Janet Owens or call 412-624-6919.

Opportunities

Summer Scholarship Available for Veterans

The Bill and Emily Kuzma Military Service Fund was founded to provide financial support to veterans, active duty military, guardsmen, and reservists. The Kuzma Military Service Fund will be awarding two scholarships for the summer 2014 term. These scholarships cover the cost of tuition and fees for one three or four credit course at the University. This scholarship provides financial assistance to military-affiliated students for courses not otherwise covered by their educational benefits OR if the student does not want to use their educational benefits over the summer. 

• Must be a veteran, active duty military, a guardsman, or reservist

• Must enroll in and complete the summer course (Failure to enroll or dropping the course will result in funds being rescinded).

• Scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with GI Bill benefits

• Student cannot have any judicial holds on their account

• Academic holds or probation will NOT disqualify a veteran for this scholarship

Download the application and submit to Ryan Ahl by April 18.

Work Study Opportunity with OVS

OVS 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, including this summer term. For more information on applying, please contact Dennis Renner.

Important Information from the Certifying Official

• Tutors available in multiple subjects

Are you struggling in algebra, calculus, physics, or another course? Would you like academic help, but can’t make it to the Academic Resource Center? OVS can help you obtain free tutoring services. We can also help you apply for reimbursement from the VA to cover your tutoring costs if you choose to have a paid tutor. OVS can arrange tutors for the following subjects: Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Economics, Statistics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, Writing, French, and Spanish. Contact Dennis Renner or call 412-624-7646

• Survivor and Dependent Assistance Chapter 35 Grant and Scholarship Information
A $500 Pennsylvania State grant is available to CH 35 students who meet the following requirements:

• Must be a Pennsylvania resident
• Must be using Chapter 35 benefits and enrolled at Pitt
• Must be a full-time student
• Must apply before your 24th birthday
• Must provide a copy of your driver’s license and birth certificate

Please contact Dennis Renner or call 412-624-7646 to find out more.

Experience the American West this summer with the Wyoming program

The Wyoming program offers an interdisciplinary, 35-day undergraduate course focused in paleontology, ecology, and archeology through excursions to sites in the plains and mountains of Wyoming. It is open to all majors with no prerequisites. Immediately following the course, for those who pay a nominal additional fee, there will be a week-long, non-credit hiking and camping trip in Yellowstone, the Beartooth Mountains, and the Tetons. Find out more here.

Intern with the Veterans Leadership Program

The Development intern will assist the Veterans Leadership Program’s (VLP) Development and Community Relations team with donor relations, database maintenance, public relations, and event planning support. Since 1982, Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. has worked “in the trenches” with homeless, poor, and middle class Veterans who are doing the difficult work of rebuilding their lives after military service. The internship is unpaid. Contact Kate Swanson at VLP or call 412-481-8200 x231.

Freedom Alliance Scholarship for dependents of U.S. service members.

If you are the son or daughter of a U.S. service member who is permanently disabled as a result of an operational mission or training accident, was killed in action, or has been classified as a Prisoner of War or Missing in Action, you may be eligible for the Freedom Alliance Scholarship. Applicants must be under the age of 26 at the time of application and enrolled as a full-time student. Find out more and apply here.

Bechtel Bettis Inc. Job Information

March 20, 5–7 p.m. Benedum 102
Bechtel is hosting an information session to educate students about job opportunities within their company. To RSVP, students should log on to their FutureLinks accounts, select “Events,” and select “Information Sessions.”