April 18, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Ernst (702) 889-8426

Regents' Extend Military Leave Policy

LAS VEGAS, Nevada-The Board of Regents voted today to approve to extend its amended military leave policy for professional staff in response to the continued military action by the United States in its war against terrorism.

For professional staff who are called to duty, the revised policy compensates those individuals 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.

"With so many of our staff called away from the campuses in order to serve our country, it is our duty to make their time away from their loved ones and their homes as easy as possible," said Board Chair Thalia Dondero.

At the October Board meeting, the Board made the initial decision to amend its military policy through the end of the current academic year. The vote today extends this policy through the 2002 - 2003 academic year.

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.

-30-