Policies & Procedures

AA4026 Military Leave Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the process and criteria for students withdrawing from the College due to military service obligations.

Statement of the Policy

A military leave is initiated by the student. Students are considered to be on military leave when they withdraw from all classes due to being called to active military duty or other military-related responsibilities. A military leave can occur at any time during a student’s enrollment at the College.

SUNY Broome follows

New York State Law Section 6350 Leave of Absence

for military service. According to Section 6350, institutions of higher education in which the student is enrolled shall grant the student a military leave of absence from the institution while such student is serving on active duty, and for one year after the conclusion of such service.

Students will need to provide official documentation from their military branch to validate their leave of absence. Those taking leave for military service are automatically eligible for reinstatement to their degree program.

Title 38 of US Code Section 3691A(a)

provides that the College may not take the following actions when a student member of the military receives orders for a period of service:

• Assigning the student a failing grade
• Reducing the student’s grade point average
• Characterizing any student’s absence(s) as unexcused
• Assessing a financial penalty on a student because of a withdraw or leave of absence due to receiving orders for service

Additionally

Title 38 of US Code Section 3691A(b)
,
states that the College must take the following actions when a student withdraws due to receiving orders for a period of service:

• Refunding all tuition and fees paid for the academic term to the appropriate party
• Refunding payments made by the student (or behalf of the student) to the institution for housing

Finally

Title 38 of US Code Section 3691A(c)
,
states that the College must take the following actions when a student takes a leave of absence from a course(s) due to receiving orders for a period of service:

• Assigning a grade of incomplete (or equivalent) for the course(s) during the term
• Providing the opportunity to complete the term after the period of service

Student Responsibilities

Students who are actively participating in the United States Military Reserve or National Guard must provide the Veterans and Military Affairs Office and Registrar’s Office a copy of their deployment papers. Students are encouraged to contact each faculty member to notify them of their deployment.

Once deployment papers are provided to the Registrar’s Office, the student record will be updated accordingly.

Related Policies (by number)

To Whom it Applies (title or department)

This policy applies to any student enrolled in courses at SUNY Broome who wishes to apply for military leave from the College.

Definitions

• Military Leave: A process by which a student officially withdraws from all courses due to military service obligations or responsibilities. The student’s matriculation status will be maintained upon returning to the College.
• Census Date: The date during the semester when the College verifies student enrollment for the term. Specific parts of the term and their corresponding dates are detailed on the Registrar’s website.
• Military Orders: Official documentation that confirms a student’s active military service or deployment.

Appendix

Ex. Written communication, location (where published)