• One Stop Welcomes David Schrader, Veterans Affairs Regional Coordinator
• Event news: Governor's summit to address needs of veterans and their families
• Reminders from Veterans Affairs (V.A.)
• Comfort for Courage(a student-led veterans organization)
• Billing and payment due dates
• Important deadlines for fall
• Looking forward to spring: Important dates
• Veterans Certification Office location, hours, and contact

With a knowledge of the broad range of benefits available to veterans and their families—from medical to employment, and from family support to youth programs—David Schrader can help pinpoint the programs you may be eligible for. He can also simplify the process of obtaining these benefits by referring you to the correct contacts and advocating on your behalf.

With an office in One Stop Student Services (200 Fraser Hall), David is the new regional coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. He’s one of six new regional coordinators around the state who will help Minnesota universities and colleges expand their services to veterans and their families. David will work in One Stop with Carin Anderson, the University of Minnesota’s certification coordinator of veterans educational benefits.

A veteran of the Air Force and a former employee of both the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs and the College of Saint Catherine, David is looking forward to working with veterans individually and by organizing programs on important topics.

“There are so many different issues and so many benefits to sort through,” says David.
“The opportunity to be a resource to help people is something I’m really excited about.”

Contact David for help navigating your veterans benefits. Call 612-625-7620 or e-mail schr0381@umn.edu. His campus office is located at the One Stop Student Services in 200 Fraser Hall. Please note: David will also be traveling to other metro-area colleges during the week; his on-campus schedule will be posted at the Fraser Hall One Stop and online.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Minnesota Veterans Summit
Minneapolis Convention Center
September 21, 2006, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Veterans Resource Fair from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Governor Tim Pawlenty's Minnesota Veterans Summit will address the needs of returning combat veterans and their families. According to event organizers, "This one-day summit will provide reintegration information and resources to those who shape state policy and provide services to veterans and their families. Government, private-sector and non-profit organizations, as well as veterans and their families are invited to attend."

A Veterans Resource Fair will take place after the summit, featuring more than 30 exhibits with information on resources and benefits for veterans and families.

For more information and to register for the summit (registration is not required for the resource fair), visit www.mdva.state.mn.us/VetsSummit

• It is currently taking the V.A. 10-12 weeks to process veterans educational benefits. With this in mind, please file your certification paperwork as early as possible.
• Please do not call the V.A. to check on your certification unless it has been longer than 10-12 weeks since you submitted your paperwork; fielding phone calls will only slow the process.
• You must attend classes to receive your benefits.
• Please notify Carin Anderson at the University of Minnesota Veterans Certification office of changes in your enrollment during the term. Changes that affect your full-time or part-time status could result in changes to your benefits. Contact Carin at 612-625-8076 or veterans@umn.edu.
• Remember to update any changes in your address and direct deposit information with the V.A. Without the correct information, they can¿t get your benefits to you!

Comfort for Courage is a student-led veterans organization based at the University of Minnesota. From its office in the basement of Eddy Hall, Comfort for Courage provides social, support, and networking opportunities among student-Veterans. To get involved, e-mail C4C@umn.edu or visit www.comfortforcourage.org.

Please note: If you have difficulty meeting these billing due dates because you have not received your veterans benefits, please contact One Stop Student Services at 612-624-1111 or helpingu@umn.edu. You will not be charged late fees if your late payment is caused by delays in your certification that exceed the V.A.¿s anticipated 10-12 week processing time.

November 7:    Spring 2007 registration begins for admitted students
December 1:     Spring 2007 registration begins for non-admitted students
January 16:     Spring 2007 classes begin

Questions about your veterans educational benefits? Contact or visit Carin Anderson in the University of Minnesota Veterans Certification office in One Stop Student Services.

PHONE: 612-625-8076

E-MAIL: veterans@umn.edu

IN PERSON: On the East Bank campus of the University, located in the One Stop Student Services Center in 200 Fraser Hall, 106 Pleasant St. S.E, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours extended to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday in the first week of classes for both fall and spring terms. (All Campus Offices are CLOSED on University holidays.)

The Veterans Connection is a newsletter published at the beginning of each term by One Stop Student Services to provide information about veterans benefits and the resources the University provides to help veterans receive those benefits. Please contact the University of Minnesota Veterans Certification office with questions, concerns, or news for future issues.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.