Board Policies Board Policy - Military Leave of Absence

Responsible Executive

Provost & VP Academic Affairs

Review Cycle

Annual. April 2026.

References

HEROES NYS ED Art. 127

Purpose and Scope

快播视频 Cortland Community College recognizes the importance of supporting students called to active military service.

Policy Statement

快播视频 Cortland Community College is committed to fully supporting students in fulfilling their military obligations while minimizing disruption to their educational pursuits. This policy provides that when students request a leave of absence due to military service, processes are in place to ensure that they are not penalized for their educational progress and can resume their studies upon return. The student may choose, at the commencement of the leave, between a refund of tuition and fees paid, or a credit upon re-enrollment for tuition and fees paid. Processes for requesting a leave and any appropriate refunds and academic considerations will be followed.

Eligibility

Students are eligible for a Military Leave of Absence if they are:

  • Called to active military duty (e.g., Reserve or National Guard activation, deployment, etc.).
  • Temporarily unable to continue academic studies due to military service requirements.
    • Note: The term "military service" means full-time active duty in the Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force, or Coast Guard of the United States, or qualifying National Guard duty during a war, other military operation, or national emergency as defined in Section 5 of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act (Public Law 108-76). This term also applies to a member of the state organized militia who is called or ordered to active duty for the state, as defined in subdivision one of Military Law 搂 6 (Ordering organized militia into active state service).
    • Enlistment under a delayed enlistment plan does not constitute "full-time active duty" until the student is required to leave school on the effective date of active duty as stated in the student's orders.

Return to Campus After Military Service

Upon return from active military duty, students are entitled to resume their education under the following conditions: 

Reinstatement: The student will be reinstated in their program of study without penalty. If the student has been away for more than one year after the conclusion of such service, the institution will assist the student in the re-enrollment process.

Resolution

2024-25-36

History

First

Policy Reference Number

AA-05-BOT

Military Leave of Absence Processes

Requesting a Military Leave of Absence

To request a Military Leave of Absence, students must:

  • Notify the institution as soon as possible about the military activation. Complete the Appeal and Withdrawal forms.
  • Submit official documentation of military orders (e.g., deployment orders or activation letter).

Financial Considerations

  • Tuition Refunds: Students who leave for military service are eligible for a full refund of tuition and fees. Refunds will be processed according to the institution鈥檚 refund policy. However, the student may instead choose to have a credit of the tuition and fees to be applied toward the next period of enrollment after the student returns from a military leave of absence.
  • Housing and Meal Plan Refunds: Students living on campus may be eligible for a pro-rated refund of housing and meal plan costs if required to leave mid-term. Students should contact the Bursar for specific details regarding refund procedures.
  • Scholarships and Grants: There will be no loss of scholarships or grants awarded prior to the commencement of the student鈥檚 active military service.
  • Financial Aid Considerations: Students receiving financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office in the Panther Welcome Center to discuss the impact of the military leave on their aid package.

Academic Considerations

  • Withdrawal from Courses: Students leaving for military service will typically receive a 鈥淲鈥 grade for any courses they are unable to complete due to the leave, and their academic standing will not be negatively impacted.
  • Re-enrollment upon Return: Students who take a Military Leave of Absence have the right to resume their studies with the same academic standing as when they left. Students must re-enroll within one year of completing their military service. They should contact the Student Success Office in the Panther Welcome Center or their academic department for specific re-enrollment procedures. There will be no loss of academic credits already earned.

Support Services for Military Students

Students on military leave or returning from military service are encouraged to contact the campus Student Success Office, Financial Aid Office, and the Veteran鈥檚 Certifying Official for the following:

  • Academic Advising
  • Re-entry support
  • Financial Aid Advising
  • Veterans鈥 benefits information