National Guard and Reservist Mobilization/Activation Policy

McNeese State University complies with the Louisiana Board of Regents Uniformed Service Mobilization Policy (Academic Affairs Policy 2.21) and the University of Louisiana System Policy and Procedure Memorandum S-II.XXII.-1a, Reservist and National Guard Mobilization/Activation.

Preamble

Louisiana public higher education recognizes that many students serve in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and the Louisiana National Guard and may be subject to sudden mobilization or activation in response to emergencies. It is the policy of the state to minimize disruption to these students’ academic progress.

To qualify under this policy, students must present military orders to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions as soon as they are notified of mobilization or activation. If time does not permit, a parent, guardian, or spouse may submit the orders. Notification must be made no later than 30 days after the last day of final exams in the semester of mobilization.

Awarding of Academic Credit/Grades

When mobilization/activation occurs:

• Before the 14^th class day of a regular semester (7^th class day for summer):
  • Student enrollment is canceled without penalty or grade.
• From the 15^th class day of a regular semester (8^th class day for summer) through the last date to withdraw:
  • A grade of W (withdrawal) is assigned for all courses.
• After the last date to withdraw and before the last day of class:
  With faculty approval, the student may choose one or more of the following options:
  • Receive W grades in all courses.
  • Take I (Incomplete) grades in some or all courses.
  • Receive final grades based on coursework completed to date.
  • Take early final exams in selected courses to determine final grades.
  • Combine these options across courses as appropriate.

Time Limit for Removing Incomplete Grades

Students who receive I (incomplete) grades have one semester after the conclusion of their active duty to meet with University officials and arrange a timetable to complete course requirements.

Re-enrollment and Academic Status

• Students returning within one year of completing active duty will be readmitted without an application fee and reinstated into their academic track as closely as possible to where they left off.
• Priority enrollment should be considered for high-demand courses.
• Active-duty time will not count against continuous enrollment requirements for catalog purposes.
• Voluntary re-enlistment may be considered a break in continuous enrollment.
• If the student’s curriculum has changed or been discontinued, reasonable accommodations (substitute courses, independent study, etc.) or assistance with transfer to another institution will be provided.

Refunds

• Complete cancellation of enrollment before 14^th class day of regular semester (7^th class day for summer):
  • 100% refund of tuition and fees, including insurance and typically non-refundable fees. Room and board are refunded on a pro-rata or unused basis.
• Resignation after 14^th class day of regular semester (7^th class day for summer):
  • 100% refund of tuition and fees, excluding insurance and other non-refundable fees. Room and board are refunded on a pro-rata or unused basis.
• Partial withdrawal (some courses completed, some withdrawn):
  • Refund is calculated based on withdrawn courses only. Room and board are refunded on a pro-rata or unused basis.

Scholarships

Students mobilized while holding a University scholarship will retain that scholarship, or an equivalent one, upon re-enrollment within one year of separation from active duty, provided they remain otherwise eligible.

Books

If textbooks from withdrawn courses will continue to be used in future terms, the McNeese Team Store will, when possible, buy back those books.

Student Grants and Loans

Students mobilized/activated during a term should consult the Office of Financial Aid for guidance regarding existing loans and grants. Those receiving state aid (e.g., TOPS, GO) should contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance before leaving the University.

Insurance Coverage

When applicable, the University will work with mobilized students’ spouses to help ensure maximum medical insurance coverage for the spouse and dependents, to the extent allowed by the insurer.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the Academic Catalog and the University Policies webpage.