College students called to duty get financial relief

Missouri's public colleges and universities will refund tuition and suspend loan payments for students called to active military duty as part of the nation's war against terrorism.

The financial relief could go to as many as 35 Southeast Missouri State University students who are members of the National Guard or reserves.

The financial breaks, a response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, are similar to those given during previous military deployments of college students and recent graduates.

Dr. Pauline Fox, vice president of administration and enrollment management, said Southeast wants to help those students who have no choice but to leave school to serve their country. "We really think it is something that students cannot control," she said.

She said some students have already been told by their commanding officers that they likely will be called to duty.

Gov. Bob Holden was to announce the tuition refunds Friday in Springfield, Mo.

The U.S. Department of Education recently sent letters to schools strongly encouraging them to fully refund tuition, fees and other charges for students who must withdraw from classes because of military duty. Alternatively, the department suggests, the money could credited against any future educational expenses.

All state colleges and universities already have tuition reimbursement policies for members of the National Guard and reserves, and "almost all of them have had it in place since Desert Storm" in 1991, said Kala Stroup, the state commissioner of higher education.

The University of Missouri at Columbia -- the state's largest campus -- provides three options for students called to active military duty.

They can withdraw from courses and receive a 100 percent refund; they can complete courses and receive grades early; or they can receive an incomplete until they return from military duty and finish their courses.

At Southeast, students can receive an incomplete and finish their courses later. Fox said students might want to do that since it's already the middle of the fall semester. "You kind of hate to throw away a semester's worth of course work," she said.

Students taking that option won't get a tuition refund, but they won't have to pay any more money when they return to school to complete courses.

Depending on the situation, students also might be allowed to finish courses early, Fox said.

Federal exceptions

Federal law also makes exceptions for student loans.

Loan payments must be suspended for the borrower's expected length of military duty, but not to exceed one year. Likewise, collection activities must cease for all those in default on loans

Students not yet required to repay their loans can receive an extended grace period corresponding with their active duty but for no more than three years.

The loan deferment periods could be extended by the federal government, depending on the length of current deployments, said Lynn Hearnes, assistant commissioner of Missouri Student Assistance Resource Services.

Some college presidents said the military call ups also could deplete their staff.

Southeast Missourian staff writer Mark Bliss contributed to this report.