Military Leave of Absence Policy
State University of New York at Morrisville

Dr. Walid H. Shayya
School of Agriculture, Business, and Technology

Military Leave of Absence Policy (Activations, Deployments, Mobilizations, Permanent Change of Station, Temporary Duty Assignment, Drill, and Unit Training Assemblies)

Attendance:

SUNY Morrisville recognizes the unique situations student veterans sometimes face which can affect their attendance. If a student veteran receives orders for unexpected short-term de­ployment or training, or for medical appointments, he/she must immediately work with their instructors on the best course of action. The campus Veterans Advocate is available to help all parties. Failure of instructors to provide information on attendance/attendance problems is not the fault of the student. Attendance information should be clearly defined in a course syllabus.

A student seeking an excused absence should first present orders/documentation to his/her professor, to be shared with the respective Division, academic program or service area. The college acknowledges that some classes, such as biology and clinicals have unique content; it may not be possible for a student to receive an extension on the assignments in these courses.

We also recognize that there will be unique cases that will require the exercise of sound judgment. Instructors are en­couraged to discuss these cases with their Division, academic program or service area Chair and the Veterans Advocate. Our collective goal is to assist student veterans in completing their course of study, Student veterans that are currently serving in the Guard/Re­serve must attend all of their classes before the deployment or training begins.

The Veterans Administration (VA) requires that all veterans receiving veterans’ benefits make satisfactory progress in pursuit of a degree objective. The Veterans Administration student unable to attend class is required to initiate a formal withdrawal in accordance with the College withdrawal policy, and to notify the School Certifying Officer of the last date of attendance.

Obligations to Accommodate Pregnant Students:

Under the Department of Education’s (DOE) regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a college or university “shall not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis of such student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom.”  

Faculty will work together to plan as appropriate provisions should be made for work missed and evaluations impacted by absences related to pregnancy/childbirth.

 Academics:

The Veterans Administration student is not permitted to repeat a course in which a passing grade has been received or for which credit has been granted. A letter grade of D is considered a passing grade by Veterans Administration regulations. There are limited exceptions to this rule.

The School Certifying Official Handbook instructs schools to promptly notify VA when a student is placed on academic probation. Students should be advised of any counseling services available to them at the school in order to resolve academic or other problems and to establish a meaningful plan for successful completion of their education or training. Schools and training establishments are asked to remind students of the counseling services and tutorial assistance benefits available through VA.

  • The Veterans Administration student is responsible to notify the School Certifying Officer (SCO) of any changes in credit load status or educational goals.
  • The Veterans Administration student is to pursue only those courses required for attainment of her/his particular educational goal.
  • The Veterans Administration student is not permitted to receive the Veterans Administration payment for audited coursework.

The Veterans Administration student is responsible for knowing her/his eligibility for VA educational benefits and her/his financial responsibility to SUNY Morrisville for any tuition and charges not covered by her/his Veteran’s benefits.

If you are in need of guidance in this process or need assistance in other areas as a student veteran, please see our Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Mary Bonderoff at bondermh@morrisville.edu or 315.684.6981.