Penn State Continues Support of Military Reservists;
Dozens From University Receive Calls To Active Duty
January 24, 2003
University Park, Pa. -- As As the United States continues to mobilize thousands of troops for possible military action in Iraq, the effects of this buildup are hitting home among dozens of Penn State students, faculty and staff who serve their country as part of the National Guard or armed forces reserves.
Since August 2002, nearly 80 members of the University community have been called to active duty by their respective military units alm almost double the number of those activated in the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. With more than 20,000 reserve forces being called to active duty this week alone, the number of Penn Staters heeding the call of service to their nation will likely rise in the coming weeks.
Once again, the University stands ready to assist and support these troops who require leaves of absence from Penn State for U.S. military service – either now or in the future.
"Penn State will continue to support those whose studies and work need to be abruptly put on hold in order to serve their country," said President Graham B. Spanier. "The University has clear policies in place that will protect the status of students and employees. Our flexibility in these situations is an important contribution that we can make not not only to our men and women in uniform, but to the nation."
Since the current U.S. armed forces buildup in the Persian Gulf began in earnest last fall, 71 students have filed military withdrawal or leave of absence requests. By comparison, 42 Penn State students were called to active military duty status shortly after Sept. 11, 2001 wit with some of those students still on active military leave from the University.
"Our staff has been working hard to expedite these requests, which involves getting students taken out of classes, refunding their tuition and positioning them so that they will face no hassles upon their return to Penn State," said James Wager, University registrar.
In such cases when students must withdraw from their studies for military duty, they should contact their campus registrar and present a copy of the military orders. If timing does not permit an initial presentation of the military orders, the student may initiate the withdrawal by providing a formal request to the University registrar. Students with a military withdrawal will not be charged tuition for the semester of withdrawal.
At the time the student is discharged from military service or is placed on inactive duty, the student is eligible for "military re-enrollment" to the University, assuring the student direct access to the same major and location as was assigned at the time of withdrawal. Students are eligible to advance register for courses at the time of re-enrollment to the University.
Requests for military leave are not limited to students. Currently, seven full-time faculty and staff are on military leave, and several more could be affected as more units in the vicinity of Penn State campuses are called to active duty.
Beyond accommodating all verifiable employee requests for extended, unpaid military leave, the University instituted a policy after Sept. 11 intended to provide some financial assistance to affected faculty and staff. A $500 stipend per month for up to 18 months during military leave from Penn State is now provided to help employees and their families offset the often severe cut in pay incurred during their active duty service.
Leave of absence procedures for faculty and staff called to active duty can be obtained through their units human resources representative. More information on the employee policy for military leave of absence (HR-19) can be viewed online at http://www.ohr.psu.edu/policy/Hr19.cfm.
Questions from students during military absence regarding their status or procedures for re-entry into the University can be directed to the Veterans Program Office at (814) 863-0465.
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Contacts:
Tysen Kendig Amy Neil
(814) 865-7517; tysen@psu.edu (814) 865-7517; aen4@psu.edu
