Information for Students Who Are Members of the National Guard or Reserves
The University has policies and procedures in place to help our students who serve in the National Guard and Reserves and who may need to miss school for required military service or activation.
National Guard and Reserve students who are activated by their military unit for any reason should use the following protocol:
- Email Veteran and Military Affiliated Services with the following information:
- Full Name
- UTEID
- Military Unit
- A copy of your orders
- Expected deployment date
- Estimated deployment duration
National Guard and Reserve students who will miss classes because of required military service should use the following protocol:
- Notify your professor of the expected absences and arrange to make up any missed assignments or exams.
If you have any issues, please contact Veteran and Military Affiliated Services.
Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with these policies and procedures:
Excused Absence for Required Military Service
In accordance with section 51.9111 of the Texas Education Code, a student is excused from attending classes or engaging in other required activities, including examinations, in order for the student to participate in required military service to which the student is called, including travel associated with the service. A student whose absence is excused under section 51.9111 may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to complete an assignment or take an examination from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence.
The maximum time for which a student may be excused has been defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) as "no more than 25 percent of the total number of class meetings or the contact or equivalent (not including the final examination period) for the specific course or courses in which the student is currently enrolled at the beginning of the period" of required military service. Students who will miss more than 25 percent of the total number of class meetings are expected to withdraw from the university.
How to estimate 25 percent of the total number of class meetings:
16-week (fall/spring) term: Multiply the number of weeks in the term by the number of days per week you take the course. Take that result and multiply by .25.
The estimated number of required military service days for spring and fall terms that a student could miss without having to withdraw are:
- Courses that meet 3 days per week: 12 days
- Courses that meet 2 days per week: 8 days
Withdrawal for Military Service
Information about withdrawal for military service can be found in the University Catalog.
Please Note: There are no provisions for refunds for active duty service members who are deployed as a result of military orders or for individuals who chose to enter into the service. The provisions listed in the University Catalog apply only to Reservists or members of the National Guard who are called into active military service.
Returning to the University After Military Service
Students desiring to return to the University after military service should read the Notice for Students Who Withdrew Due to U.S. Military Service on the Office of Admissions website.