Military Leave of Absence | Veterans Success Center

As a military friendly school, CSUSB has several policies and procedures in place to address specific issues that arise as a result of being a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The university understands that balancing education and military life presents unique challenges. Therefore, these policies and procedures are designed to simultaneously help student veterans and active duty service members including reservists and National Guard members meet their educational goals while honoring their commitment to our nation. For more information or questions visit the CSUSB policies website, or contact the VSC by phone at (909) 537-5195 or by email: VSC@csusb.edu. All service members are encouraged to stop by. The Veterans Success Center is located on the lower level of the Building 23.

Short term absences due to military obligation:

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) supports students called to active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. The policies and procedures described in this document apply to CSUSB students who are U.S. Armed Forces service members that are voluntarily or involuntarily called to active duty including service in the National Guard or Reserves. Short term absence due to military commitment pertains to those who will miss classes for their military service or necessitates withdrawal for a period not to exceed one semester (excluding summer).

For absences within the semester that do not result in a withdrawal from the semester:

Military service members who will miss classes for short-term military service or for training exercises are encouraged to contact their instructors as soon as they become aware of the need for the absence.

Faculty members may request a copy of orders, letter from a commanding officer, etc.
Faculty members are encouraged to make academic accommodations or opportunities for students to complete course assignments and/or exams when possible.

For absences that result in withdrawal from a semester and/or no enrollment for up to one semester (excluding summer):

Military service members who were absent from CSUSB for service in the Armed Forces are eligible to return to CSUSB based on the following provisions:

Absence is due to active service in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves, for more than 30 days.
Students will maintain their program, enrollment and academic status.
As provided for in the California Education Code 66023, CSUSB will refund fees paid by the student for the term in which he or she was called to active military service.

Based on federal regulations, institutions have the discretion to determine whether a student is prepared to return to his or her program with the same academic status at the point where the student left off, or will not be able to complete the program. CSUSB will make reasonable efforts at no extra cost to the student to help the student become prepared or to enable the student to complete the program with additional assistance such as providing refresher courses at no extra cost to the student and allowing the student to retake a pretest at no extra cost to the student.

Long term absences due to military obligation:

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) supports students called to active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces by providing for tuition relief and refunds, and for reinstatement of students whose documented service in the uniformed services has required their sudden withdrawal or prolonged absence from their enrollment in the institution. Long term absence due to military commitment pertains to those who will miss classes for their military service or necessitates withdrawal for a period that extends more than one semester consecutively (excluding summer). Included is service in the uniformed services whether voluntary or involuntary on active duty in the Armed Forces, including such service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve. When a CSUSB student is under call or ordered to active duty for a period of more than one semester consecutively, the following provisions will apply.

As provided for in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 34, 668.18, California Education Code 66023 and the Federal Register CFR 34, section 668.18, students who leave CSUSB to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States will be promptly readmitted to the same program with the same enrollment and academic status.

Military service members and veterans who were absent from CSUSB for service in the Armed Forces are eligible to return to CSUSB based on the following provisions:

Absence is due to active duty service in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves, for more than 30 days.
The service member or veteran provides CSUSB Advising & Academic Services with either:
- Advance notice that the need for a leave of absence is due to military service
  - Students will be asked to submit the Leave of Absence Form. Or,
- Documentation that the absence was due to service in the Armed Forces, which the student may provide at the time of return.*
  - Examples of such documentation include a DD214, a copy of orders, etc.
The service member or veteran notifies the CSUSB Office of the Registrar of the intent to re-enroll within 3 years of completion of military service. A student who is injured during or becomes ill as a consequence of military service must submit his/her intent to re-enroll no later than 2 years after the end of the period that is necessary for recovery from such illness or injury.
- Students will be required to notify CSUSB of intent to return.
The cumulative length of all absences for service in the Armed Forces may not exceed five years. This period includes only the time spent actually performing service, not the period before reporting for duty and the time between completing service and returning to the institution.
Students will return to the same academic program with the same enrollment and academic status as when the absence began. Students will return to the next class or classes in their program after they provide notice of their intent to re-enroll.
Eligibility of readmission is terminated upon any of the following circumstances:
- Dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the Armed Forces.
- Dismissal as permitted under section 1161(a) of title 10, United States Code.
- Drop from the rolls pursuant to section 1161(b) of title 10, United States Code.

A service member or veteran who does not meet these criteria is subject to current CSUSB admissions requirements and may apply for readmission by submitting the Cal State Apply application and application fee during the CSU admissions period.

As provided for in the California Education Code 66023, CSUSB will refund fees paid by the student for the term in which he or she was called to active military service.

*Students who are unable to provide documentation due to military necessity (for example, because of a classified mission, operation or exercise) may sign a statement attesting that the absence was due to military service.

Returning from Approved Leave of Absence

When students plan to return from their leave earlier than requested, a readmission form, available through the Office of the Registrar must be submitted within the filing period for the semester of return. Nothing is needed to be done if returning the term that was approved. No application fee will be assessed for leaves of absence that meet the terms of the leave agreement. If a student was on an approved educational leave, official transcripts are required.