As more veterans seek to continue their education, WCSU acknowledges the important contributions made in service to our country by these young men and women. Some of these students need help transitioning back to campus but many who are already here will need guidance and assistance as they are ordered to Active Duty, Inactive-Duty Training and other Military Obligations (MO). For those veteran students who are called to duty, they typically have the following possible options:

• They may have to reduce their credit load but can stay in school.
• They may be activated for a short period of time throughout the academic year.
• They may be activated and return close to the end of the semester or they may be unable to finish the semester.
• They may be activated late in the semester and not return until intersession or the summer.

We strongly urge the faculty to work with each student on a case-by-case basis to determine any possible solutions for potentially missed work. This might include, but is not limited to: providing an alternative assignment which would be comparable to class work, extension of assignment due date(s) and/or rescheduling exams. Often, there may be little time between a student's receipt of activation orders and his or her reporting date. Additionally, these students may not be able to return to campus. Because this is frequently a highly stressful time for student veterans and their families, we are asking faculty members to be as flexible and helpful as possible.

As we determine each student's set of circumstances, faculty members are encouraged to consider and approve whatever options may be possible and/or reasonable. In order to ensure that student veterans complete all required procedures (especially if they are to be deployed), we are asking faculty to have the students contact one of the individuals listed below:

• Dawn A. Bailey in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office, Old Main 308A; Tel. (203) 837-8587; Fax (203) 837-8539; E-mail vetinfo@wcsu.edu,
• Daryle Dennis, Assistant Dean of Students, Westside Campus Center 300C; Tel. (203) 837-8549; E-mail: dennisd@wcsu.edu.

If a withdrawal does become necessary, the staff members mentioned above will work with the students to make sure they follow through with the appropriate offices. Once it is clear that the deployment is imminent and all paperwork on campus has been completed, professors will be notified. In most cases we strongly suggest professors put into writing what exceptions, if any, are being made for these students.

As we move forward, both of us thank the faculty and staff for their patience and understanding when working with our veteran students!

Sincerely yours,