Active Military Policy

Application of the Policy

1. This policy applies to non-voluntary orders. Examples are:
   1. Non-Voluntary Active Duty (NVAD) Orders are official military directives compelling a service member, often from the National Guard or Reserves, to serve on full-time Active Duty for specific missions (like support or overseas) without their prior consent, authorized under laws like Title 10or Title 32, differing from routine voluntary deployments and requiring specific justification and authority for issuance. 
   2. In essence, they are mandatory orders for full-time service, usually for Reserve/Guard members, to fill critical operational gaps.
      1. Example - Title 10 Deployment Orders
      2. Example – Title 32 State Emergency Orders in terms of Natural Disasters or where the entire state is called to active duty in support of a statewide initiative.
   3. See provisions below “Where this Policy Would Not Apply”.

Notification of Military Service

1. The student service member must complete the withdrawal form and submit with official mobilization, unit memorandum or official order. (Link to withdrawal pdf.)
2. Upon notice of the official mobilization and receipt of the withdrawal form the following will occur:
3. Student service members called to active duty during the first half of the term may be withdrawn from classes with no academic or financial penalty.
4. Student service members called to active duty during the last half of the term may request to receive a final grade. This will be at the instructor’s discretion and upon demonstration of sufficient proficiency in the course material.
5. Student service members living in university housing will have their charges for room and meal plans prorated to the date their contract is terminated. All cancellation charges will be waived. The housing deposit will be refunded provided there are no damages to the residence.
6. Those students receiving financial aid will be subject to the refund policies as provided by the agencies sponsoring the aid.
7. Textbooks maybe returned to the USI Campus Store (accompanied by current semester receipt or proof of purchase from the USI Campus Store) for a full refund of the cost of the textbooks.
8. Upon return from active duty, the student should contact Veteran, Military & Family Resource Center for procedures to readmit and resume studies.

Re-Admission Procedures

In Accordance with Chapter 3, Volume 2 - Student Financial Aid Handbook, Pages 2-70 through 2-71.

At the time of readmission, the student may submit documentation of military service that caused the student's absence. Notice is not necessary if the service occurred was classified deemed to compromise any aspect of the student’s mission.

1. Provide oral or written notice of her intent to return to the VMFRC within three years of the completion of the period of service. (A student who is hospitalized or convalescing due to an illness or injury incurred or aggravated during the performance of service must notify the school within two years after the end of the period needed for recovery from the illness or injury).
2. The student will be re-admitted into the next class or classes in the program beginning after he provides notice of intent to re-enroll, unless he requests a later date or unusual circumstances require the school to admit them at a later date.
3. The student will be admitted with the same academic status and the same program.
4. The academic department will arrange for course enrollment as per its policies and practices (including notification of the Registrar’s office).
5. The VMFRC office will assist with any additional return processes for the campus (such as campus housing).

Reserve and National Guard Training

If a student service member is required to be absent for one-fifth or less of the required course interactions (e.g., class meetings) due to military duties (i.e., MUTA 8, MUTA10, annual training) the following procedure shall apply:

1. The student service member shall provide a copy of a unit memorandum or official order to the Director of the Veteran Resource Center. This will be submitted to the office of the Dean of Students upon verification they will complete an “Letter of Absence” and email it directly to the student.
   1. a. This would ideally be sent directly from the student's command.
2. Students will then submit the letter to their instructors either in person or via email. The instructor will not penalize the student’s absence in any way and will provide accommodation and periods so that the student can make up any missed assignments, quizzes, and tests in a mutually agreed upon manor.

 When Would This Policy Not Apply?

1. Voluntary Active Duty (VAD) Orders allow (Reserve and National Guardmembers, (Airmen, Soldiers) to consent to temporary federal active duty for specific missions, training, or support roles (e.g., ADOS in Army, Title 10, Sec 12301(d)). These orders provide full-time pay and benefits, filling gaps in the Active Component or supporting specific operations, with durations from months to over a year, often found through portals like Army TOD. It's a way for reservists to gain experience, but still return to their reserve status, differing from involuntary mobilization.
   1. Example: Title 10 Orders that remain voluntary (in cases of Homeland Defense) where a service member does not require mobilization, but volunteers for a service obligation.
      1. i.e. Homeland Defense Security Details where servicemembers are not directly ordered but can volunteer to go on orders.
   2. Example: Title 32 Orders that remain voluntary (in cases of Homeland Defense) where a service member does not require mobilization, but volunteers for a service obligation.
      1. i.e. Homeland Defense Security Details or National Emergency where servicemembers are not directly ordered but can volunteer to go on orders. (Operation Nobel Eagle).
   3. Example: Initial Training, Advanced Individual Training, additional schools or split training/option where the service member can select their dates of training. (Basic Training or Advanced Individual Training)
   4. Example: Whereas a student is ordered to Basic Training or Active Duty because of non-compliance of the guidelines of the 09R MOS Army ROTC Option.