Tips for using your benefits

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:

1. Log in to your MyNevada account.
2. Navigate to "Tasks" from the home screen (the box with the green check mark).

   

3. Select "Supplemental Forms" from the task list on the left hand side of the screen.

   

4. Select the SEF corresponding to the upcoming semester.

   

5. Answering all questions should take about 3 minutes.
6. Check the box at the bottom of the SEF.
7. 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 W.A.V.E. The VA will hold your stipend until you complete this step. Here are the steps to verify every month.

1. Call W.A.V.E. at 1-877-823-2378 on the last day of every month of school.
2. Press #1 when prompted.
3. Enter your VA file number followed by the # sign. Your VA file number is your Social Security number.
4. 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 Nevada, Reno begins at the Nevada 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 Nevada, 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 @sva.wolfpackvets.

Omega Delta Sigma

Omega Delta Sigma, Nevada Alpha chapter, is the only nationally recognized co-ed veteran and military fraternity at the University of Nevada, 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: Nevada 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.

Nevada National Guard offers a tuition waiver benefit. You must complete a new tuition waiver every semester that you intend to use this benefit.

1. Visit the Nevada National Guard website.
2. Navigate to the middle of the homepage to the Education Benefits heading.
3. Select Tuition Waiver Form and download it as a PDF.
4. Fill out Parts A and B. Part A includes your personal information, and Part B is a statement of understanding.
5. Email the waiver with parts A and B completed to your readiness NCO prior to the deadline they established with your unit. Be proactive – the University has an additional deadline for submitting the tuition waiver. Generally, the deadline for the Cashier’s Office is three weeks after the first day of the term.
6. Once your readiness NCO returns the completed and signed waiver to you, email it to the Cashier’s Office at cashiersoffice@unr.edu. Please do not submit the waiver to Veteran Services; this could delay the processing of your waiver.