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Policy supports call to duty: Operation Enduring Freedom affects university
By Don Asdel
At UH-Clear Lake, there are eight faculty or staff members serving in the reserves or National
Guard, and 86 students enrolled using veteran benefits. UH-Clear Lake students, faculty and staff
members serve along- side 1.2 million personnel, more than 84,000 in Texas alone, in the ready and
stand-by reserves, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
The university's policy for those students who find themselves militarily activated is based on
the Texas Education Code. Any U.S. student who is called to active duty and has to withdraw from
enrolled classes will be reimbursed for tuition and fees. As determined by the instructor, an
incomplete or final grade can also be given to the student for work completed. State law prohibits
the university from refunding tuition and fees for international students called to duty by their
respective countries. However, the university has granted the same grading policy to international
students.
"We have to ensure continuity is maintained," said Andrea B. Bermudez, associate vice president
for academic affairs. "We have a responsibility to ensure that our students are not penalized. A
policy is in place to support them so they can concentrate on the changing priorities in their life."
The university's employment policies for faculty and staff called to active duty vary, depending
on the individual's military status.
An employee who is in the National Guard is entitled to be paid emergency leave for the time the
employee is on active duty. Time is not limited and does not count against military leave or annual
leave.
Employees in a reserve status are subject to 15 days leave per federal fiscal year. After that,
they are processed as on leave without pay. Both reservists and National Guardsmen are entitled to
return to their employer following their military service obligations.
"It is important that those employees who are called contact their supervisor and human resources
so that their benefits don't fall through the cracks," said Katherine Justice, executive director of
human resources and affirmative action.
Students and employees activated to military service should keep a copy of their orders and contact
either the Office of Enrollment or Human Resources to ensure the necessary arrangements are made.
"We are very sensitive to the needs of our veterans," Bermudez said. "Once they are in contact with
us, they can expect no red tape on this matter. We will take care of them immediately on a
case-by-case basis."
As of Oct. 12, the total Reserve and National Guard called to active duty in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom reached 28,802, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
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