CCSN Students face the transition from student to soldier
Jennifer Wright and John McKay
Issue date: 12/1/01 Section: Coyote News
Responding to a proposed call-up of 35,000 National Guard and reserve troops, the Board of Regents has agreed to accommodate students and faculty called to active duty.
Remaining students and teachers from the Nellis Zone Extension Center were immediately transferred to the Cheyenne campus.
"They will be leaving behind their family and loved ones to go into harm's way," Jane Nichols chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada, said in a press release. " We will not, however, let them leave their dreams behind of a better life through higher education."
The Board of Regents ratified policies allowing activated students to completely withdraw from the semester without penalty or a punitive grade. All course payments will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
Bruce Reumann of the Veterans Affair Office said every possible step is being taken to ease the unsettling feelings for students called to war.
"The Federal Government and the college administration want to do what's right," he explained. "We want to treat these servicemen and women with respect and not as second-class citizens. They shouldn't be penalized for serving their country."
In addition, the policies stated if students were able to re-enroll, efforts would be made to keep them on the same study track. Readmission fees will be waived
"A college education is the doorway to opportunity," Thalia Dondero, chair of the Board of Regents said in a press release. "The Board of Regents and eight institutions of the UCCSN feel strongly that we must do everything possible to keep that doorway open for those who are being called to service to defend our country, our freedoms."
The policies stated that students who have financial aid assistance and scholarships may have to return them and upon re-enrollment an equivalent amount would be refunded. For additional information students are encouraged to contact their financial aid advisor.
Not all activated students have been sent to Afghanistan, Reumann explained.
"Being called up for military duty doesn't necessarily mean the student leaves their home," he said. "Students could spend their workday performing military duties, such as the National Guardsmen (who provide additional security) at the McCarran Airport."
Chancellor Nichols emphasized that Nevada colleges and universities should provide an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusiveness.
"The UCCSN family needs to come together across all ages, races, and religious beliefs. This, like no other time, is a time to be one."
Remaining students and teachers from the Nellis Zone Extension Center were immediately transferred to the Cheyenne campus.
"They will be leaving behind their family and loved ones to go into harm's way," Jane Nichols chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada, said in a press release. " We will not, however, let them leave their dreams behind of a better life through higher education."
The Board of Regents ratified policies allowing activated students to completely withdraw from the semester without penalty or a punitive grade. All course payments will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
Bruce Reumann of the Veterans Affair Office said every possible step is being taken to ease the unsettling feelings for students called to war.
"The Federal Government and the college administration want to do what's right," he explained. "We want to treat these servicemen and women with respect and not as second-class citizens. They shouldn't be penalized for serving their country."
In addition, the policies stated if students were able to re-enroll, efforts would be made to keep them on the same study track. Readmission fees will be waived
"A college education is the doorway to opportunity," Thalia Dondero, chair of the Board of Regents said in a press release. "The Board of Regents and eight institutions of the UCCSN feel strongly that we must do everything possible to keep that doorway open for those who are being called to service to defend our country, our freedoms."
The policies stated that students who have financial aid assistance and scholarships may have to return them and upon re-enrollment an equivalent amount would be refunded. For additional information students are encouraged to contact their financial aid advisor.
Not all activated students have been sent to Afghanistan, Reumann explained.
"Being called up for military duty doesn't necessarily mean the student leaves their home," he said. "Students could spend their workday performing military duties, such as the National Guardsmen (who provide additional security) at the McCarran Airport."
Chancellor Nichols emphasized that Nevada colleges and universities should provide an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusiveness.
"The UCCSN family needs to come together across all ages, races, and religious beliefs. This, like no other time, is a time to be one."