Veterans Readmission
In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the college will comply with expectations related to readmission of students with absences necessitated by service in the uniformed forces*.
Scope
All financial and administrative policies involving community members across campus, including volunteers are within the scope of this policy. If there is a variance between departmental expectations and the common approach described through college policy, the college will look to the campus community, including volunteers to support the spirit and the objectives of college policy. Unless specifically mentioned in a college policy, the college’s Board of Trustees are governed by their Bylaws.
Policy
Authorities delegated and retained/administrative responsibility
The president of the college delegates administration of readmission related to students in good standing who have serviced in uniform services to the dean of the college.
Readmission
If a student’s absence is necessitated because of service in the uniformed services, upon receipt of the student’s intent to reenroll, the college will readmit the student if:
- The student (or appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or the Department of Defense) gives the college advance notice of the service
- The cumulative length of the absence and all previous absences from the college because of service to the uniformed services does not exceed five years
- The student notifies the college of the intent to return no later than three years after the completion of the period of service
Students who apply for readmission under this policy shall provide documentation to establish that the service limitation (five years) has not been exceeded. Also, the student’s eligibility for readmission has not been terminated due to (a) separation from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) with a dishonorable discharge or bad conduct discharge or (b) dismissal or dropping under the United States Code.
Exceptions
Advance notice: A military necessity* may preclude advance notice from the student. Also, the notice requirement may be met at the time the student seeks readmission through an attestation that the student performed service in the uniformed services.
Notification of intent to return: A student who fails to apply for readmission within the three-year period stated under the Higher Education Opportunity Act does not automatically forfeit readmission. In that instance, the student becomes subject to the college’s established leave of absence policy and general protocol. Also, a student who is hospitalized or convalescing due to an illness or injury resulting from or aggravated during the period of service shall notify the college of the intent to return no later than two years after the period that is necessary for recovery.
Procedures
None
Definitions
Service in the uniformed services:
service (whether voluntary or involuntary) on active duty in the Armed Forces, including service in the National Guard or Reserve for a period of more than 30 days.
Military necessity:
mission, operation, exercise, or requirement that is classified or that otherwise could be compromised if it were public knowledge.
Five-year service period:
does not include any service that (1) is required beyond five years to complete an initial period of obligated service; (2) the student was unable to obtain orders to be released before the expiration of the five-year period; (3) ordered or retained on active duty or called into federal service as a member of the National Guard.