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Returning from/Leaving for Active Duty

Professor at whiteboard and students in classroom

Mobilization/Activation/Deployment

CUNY supports students who, in the current environment, are called away to duty during their college career. The Chancellor has communicated his desire that deployed students be given as wide a latitude as possible to enable them to seamlessly resume their studies as soon as they are able to do so. Each college’s registrar is the initial point of contact for a military-related interruption of attendance. Students may also seek the help of the veterans affairs representative on their campus, the Student Services Office, or the campus Ombudsman. For information from the VA regarding transitioning back, visit the VA Seamless Transition page.

Grades

A student who is called to active duty in the armed forces of the United States after having attended regularly for 13 or more weeks or having completed 85% of the term’s work through acceleration may be given full credit for each course in which he or she has a grade of C or better.

The student must follow their college’s policy on incomplete, and sign an incomplete contract with the instructor. The normal regulations apply, and grades will be recorded as failures if courses are not completed.

Refunds

Students called to active duty who do not meet attendance requirements sufficient to earn a grade are entitled to a 100% refund of tuition and fees, except application fees. For students who enlist in the military, the amount of the refund depends upon whether the withdrawal is before the 5th week of classes. Students withdrawing prior to the beginning of the 5th week (3rd week in the Summer Session/Winter Session) are entitled to 100% refund of tuition and all fees except application fees. Students withdrawing after the 5th week (or the 3rd week for Summer Session/Winter Session) are entitled to a 50% refund of tuition and fees.

Re-Enrollment of Veterans

Veterans that are returning students are given preference in the following ways:

  • Readmission in a probationary or non-degree status will be granted to the veteran who is a former student with an unsatisfactory academic record.

  • Upon their return from active duty, veterans may register even after normal registration periods end, without late fees or other penalties.

  • Veterans who are matriculating students may apply to earn up to 18 credits for United States Armed Forces Institute courses in which they have passed final exams, and for other military education and training.

  • Veterans returning too late to register may audit classes without charge.

Late Admissions

Veterans with no previous college experience are permitted to file applications up to the end of registration, and are allowed to begin classes pending completion of their application and provision of supporting documents.

Readmission Fee

Upon return from military service, a student will not be charged a readmission fee to register at the same college.

Special or Continuing Problems

If students are unable to resolve their issues at their home campus; contact  Lisa Beatha, The University Director of Veterans’ Affairs at 646-664-8835 or Lisa.Beatha@CUNY.edu