Keuka College is a Yellow Ribbon institution and is committed to supporting military service members, veterans, spouses, and family members of military personnel. In accordance with the Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions and applicable federal and state laws, the College seeks to minimize academic disruption resulting from military service obligations and to ensure eligible students receive the protections afforded under federal law.
Consistent with the Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions and applicable federal and state requirements, Keuka College supports students whose military obligations result in short-term absences from coursework. Students who are absent due to military service for 30 consecutive days or fewer will be provided reasonable opportunities to make up missed coursework, examinations, and other academic requirements. Faculty and administrators are expected to exercise good faith in working with affected students to minimize adverse academic consequences resulting from such absences. Appropriate accommodations may include alternative assignments, make-up examinations, adjusted deadlines, or the assignment of a grade of Incomplete with a specified timeline for course completion.
Short-Term Military Absences
Students whose military obligations require an absence from coursework of 30 consecutive days or fewer will be provided reasonable opportunities to make up missed coursework, examinations, and other academic requirements. Faculty and administrators are expected to work in good faith with affected students to minimize adverse academic consequences resulting from such absences.
Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- Alternative assignments;
- Make-up examinations or assessments;
- Adjusted deadlines;
- Alternative attendance arrangements, where feasible; and
- Assignment of a grade of Incomplete, with an established timeline for course completion.
Students are responsible for notifying the College of their military obligations as soon as reasonably practicable and for providing appropriate documentation of military service when requested.
Extended Military Service Absences
When military service requires an absence of more than 30 consecutive days, the Provost or designee may administratively withdraw the student from one or more courses or from the College, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and College policies. Documentation of military service may be required.
Readmission Following Military Service
Keuka College will promptly readmit eligible students who are absent due to qualifying service in the uniformed services in accordance with applicable federal law. A student seeking readmission under this policy must meet the eligibility requirements established by federal regulations, including requirements related to advance notice, length of service, and notification of intent to return.
A student is generally eligible for readmission if:
- The student provided advance notice of military service to the College whenever reasonable and practicable to do so, unless such notice was precluded by military necessity or was otherwise impossible or unreasonable under the circumstances.
- The cumulative period of absence due to military service does not exceed the maximum period permitted under federal law, except where a statutory exception applies.
- The student provides timely notice of intent to return following completion of military service or recovery from a service-related illness or injury, as provided by federal regulations.
Terms of Readmission
An eligible student readmitted under this policy will be readmitted with the academic status the student held when last attending, or when admitted but unable to begin attendance because of military service, as required by federal law. Academic status includes, as applicable:
- The same or a substantially similar academic program;
- The same enrollment status;
- Previously earned academic credit applicable to the program; and
- The same academic standing or satisfactory academic progress status.
If a student's academic program has been discontinued or materially changed during the period of military service, the College will make reasonable efforts to place the student in a program that is similar to the original program or otherwise enable the student to complete degree requirements. Reasonable efforts may include course substitutions, academic advising, revised program plans, or other accommodations as appropriate.
Students readmitted under this policy will be assessed tuition and fees in accordance with applicable federal law and institutional policy and may be eligible for veterans' educational benefits, including GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Program benefits, if otherwise qualified.
Requesting Readmission
Students seeking readmission following military service should notify the Office of Records and Registration of their intent to return within the timeframe established by applicable federal regulations. Readmission determinations will be coordinated by the Provost or designee.
Students may be required to provide documentation supporting their eligibility for readmission, including documentation of military service and discharge status, as permitted by federal law. Acceptable documentation may include military orders, a DD Form 214, or other official military records.
Exceptions
The College may deny readmission only in circumstances permitted by applicable law. Readmission eligibility may be affected by factors including, but not limited to:
- A dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from military service;
- Other circumstances that terminate eligibility under federal law; or
- Situations in which federal law expressly permits an institution to deny readmission.
This policy is informed by and administered in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including 20 U.S.C. § 1091c and 34 CFR § 668.18 governing the readmission of servicemembers following qualifying military service