FY. Absences for Military on Active Duty

Absence for military service - In accordance with section 51.9111 of the Texas Education Code, a student is excused from attending classes or engaging in other required activities, including exams, if he or she is called to active military service of a reasonably brief duration. The maximum time for which the student may be excused has been defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as "no more than 25 percent of the total number of class meetings or the contact hour equivalent (not including the final examination period) for the specific course or courses in which the student is currently enrolled at the beginning of the period of active military service." The student will be allowed a reasonable time after the absence to complete assignments and take exams.*

Withdrawal for military service - A student who withdraws as a result of being called to active military service may choose (1) to receive a full refund of tuition and fees for the semester; (2) if eligible, to be assigned an incomplete (grade of I) in each course; or (3) at the instructor's discretion, to receive a final grade in courses where he or she has completed a substantial amount of coursework and has demonstrated sufficient mastery of the course material. Exceptions to this policy will be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. *

Title IV financial aid recipients who do not meet all of the criteria for a Leave of Absence (LOA) according to 34 CFR 668.22 (d), will be considered to have withdrawn; and South Plains College will perform a return calculation to determine if any funds must be returned to the U.S. Department of Education by the Business Office or by the student.

*Proper documentation is required. Copies of official orders are required and will be placed in student's records.

Approved by the Executive Council April 26, 2010.