Active Military Service (A-74)
Original Implementation:April 20, 2010
Last Revision: None
Through the course of an academic term, a student may be called to active military service as a reservist, member of the National Guard, or otherwise. In the event of activation or mobilization, students are required to present a copy of their official orders to facilitate verification of inclusive dates. Students called to active military service have several options available to them for the treatment of their academic coursework and financial obligations.
Excused Absence for Active Military Service:
Unless a student called up for active military service chooses to withdraw, the university shall excuse the student from attending classes or engaging in other required activities. The university shall not penalize the student for that absence (including any travel associated with the service) and the student shall be allowed to complete any assignment or take any examination within one year after the completion of active service. During this time, the syllabus and a record of the coursework completed prior to activation shall be retained by the instructor or department. The student shall be able to complete the course without penalty and under the same requirements as when the student initially enrolled in the course. If the student fails to complete any coursework or examinations, the student shall receive the grade earned up to that point.
Any withdrawal from a course due to active military service shall be treated as if the student had not enrolled in that course. Excluding the final examination period, the maximum amount of time a student may be excused shall be no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number of class meetings, or the contact hour equivalent.
A student’s instructor may assign the appropriate grade if the student fails to complete course requirements within a reasonable time after the absence. Any dispute under this policy shall be handled under normal academic procedures.
Withdrawal from University for Active Military Service:
If a student elects to withdraw from the university due to military activation, the university, at the student’s request, shall:
- Refund the tuition and fees paid by the student for the semester in which the student withdraws;
- Petition the instructor to assign an appropriate final grade or credit to a student who has satisfactorily completed a substantial amount of coursework and who has demonstrated sufficient mastery of the course material. The decision shall be at the instructor’s discretion; or,
- Grant the student, who is eligible under the institution's guidelines, an incomplete grade in all courses by designating “withdrawn-military” on the student’s transcript.
Cross Reference: Tex. Educ. Code §§ 51.9111, 54.006(f); 19 Tex. Admin. Code § 4.9; Policy A-5, Add/Drop; Policy C-57, Student Fiscal Appeals; Policy A-40, Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients.
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Registrar
Forms: None