Military Withdrawal

Military Withdrawal Policy

Students who are members of any branch of the United States Armed Services, including the National Guard, who are called to active duty while enrolled at WKU are entitled to the following options:  

• Students may work with each individual instructor to determine if an incomplete grade is appropriate, or
• If an incomplete grade is not a viable option, the student will be permitted to withdraw either from individual courses or from the entire schedule of classes. A full refund of tuition and fees will be issued for those courses from which the student has withdrawn.
• Students who are called to active duty while enrolled should contact the Office of the Registrar to initiate the withdrawal process. An official copy of the military orders must be presented to invoke this special withdrawal and refund process.

This policy is located in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs.

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Readmission of Service Members

Service members wishing to return to Western Kentucky University after having to drop courses due to military service will be required to notify the school of their military service and intention to return to the school either by written notice or orally. If a student could not attend courses due to military service, then the student will be readmitted with the same academic status they held during their last attending semester at Western Kentucky University. If the student has not attended a full semester, they will be readmitted with the academic standing they had when accepted to the University. The student may contact the admissions office for questions or concerns regarding readmission to the university after service. (military service defined as service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the armed forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal authority, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days. This does not include National Guard service under state authority).

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Military Absence Policy for Official Military Duties and Veteran Administration Medical Appointments

Instructors are expected to show flexibility to Military and Veteran students who have required absences due to military duties or Veteran Administration medical appointments. These absences are mandated and beyond the students’ control. Instructors should not penalize absences of this type in any way. Accommodations and specific time frames to make up all missed assignments, quizzes, and tests will be given and mutually agreed upon by the instructor and student. Students are responsible for notifying faculty members of absences as far in advance as possible, when possible, and for ensuring that their absence is documented. Absences can be verified by official orders, appointment notifications, or through the Office of Military Student Services. Students called to duty for an extended amount of time should be referred to the Military Withdrawal policy.

This policy is located in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs.