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The Military at the Woods

Military Deployment Policy

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College recognizes the uncertainty that military personnel face and realizes that students who are deployed may have difficulty completing their courses. There are several options for military personnel when deployed:

  1. Military students may choose to request a final grade and may choose to process a MLOA (Military Leave of Absence) or a standard withdrawal. The MLOA provides up to an 18 month leave of absence and ensures that the degree requirements remain in place. Additionally, students are accepted back into their program at the same status. Final grades are determined by the instructor as of the date of deployment.
  2. Military students registered in the campus program may request a transfer to the online program to complete courses. In addition, students may request extensions for up to three months to complete a course if they have successfully completed at least 50% of the course.
  3. Military students who have completed less than 50% of all courses may request a complete withdrawal, and a full refund of tuition (only) will be processed. The refund will be processed to the branch of service or the military personnel depending on financial aid packaging. No grade or enrollment penalties will be imposed. Military students may choose to process a MLOA or a standard withdrawal.
  4. Military students may also choose to finish the courses in which they are currently enrolled during a deployment.

In all cases, the student should complete the deployment form and provide a copy of the deployment orders, or a signed verification letter from the Education Service Office or Commanding Officer. Upon return, the College will help the military student transition back into academic life.

 

Title 38 United States Code Section 367(e)

Beginning August 1, 2019, for any student using Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 31 VocRehab benefits, even if the VA has not yet paid tuition and fees, SMWC will not:

• prevent the student from enrolling,

• assess a late penalty fee,

• require securing alternative or additional funding, or

• deny access to any school resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities).

 

However, the student will be required to:

• produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class,

• provide written request to be certified, and

• provide additional information needed to properly certify as requested by SMWC.

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.