June 19, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Ernst (702) 889-8426

Board of Regents extends military leave policy for students

ELKO, Nevada-The Nevada Board of Regents today voted to make permanent a change to its student military mobilization/activation policy.

"Given the uncertain state of the world today, it makes sense to provide flexibility to our students who have military responsibilities," said Board Chair Thalia Dondero. "This change enables us to address any number of academic or family issues that may develop should a student be activated for military service during the course of a semester."

At its October 2001 Board meeting, the Regents approved a recommendation from Chancellor Jane Nichols to revise its current military leave policy in the wake of the September 11th attacks with the understanding the policy would apply for the 2001 - 2002 academic year only and would be considered again this spring.

The revised policy applies to current UCCSN students who are members of the federal reserve forces or the Nevada National Guard and who have been or will be called to active duty. For students, the revised policy enables mobilized students to receive a full or partial refund-depending on the time a student is called to duty-to recover tuition, room and board charges, course fees and other payments. Additionally, the proposal also addresses student requests for incomplete grades and withdrawing from classes, as well as temporary policies for re-enrolling, scholarships and dependents of affected students.

At its April meeting, the Board approved a request from Chancellor Nichols to extend a temporary policy on military leave that applies to current UCCSN staff who are members of the federal reserve forces or the Nevada National Guard and who have been or will be called to active duty. For professional staff, the revised policy compensates those individuals called to duty the difference between their UCCSN pay and their military pay through the end of the 2002-2003 academic year employment contract. Additionally, retirement contributions will continue to be made, and other employee benefits will also continue at the same cost the employee currently pays.

The Nevada Board of Regents is the elected, 11-member governing body for the University and Community College System of Nevada. Comprising two doctoral granting universities, a state college, four comprehensive community colleges and one internationally acclaimed research institute, the UCCSN serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to nearly 100,000 students.

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