Military Activation, Deployment, and Service Member Protection Policy  

Effective Date: August 1st, 2026

Responsible Office: Office of the Provost  

Applies To: All Undergraduate and Graduate Students (Lisle, Illinois and Mesa, Arizona Campuses)  

I. Purpose  

In accordance with applicable federal law and Illinois and Arizona statutes, Benedictine University supports students who are members of the United States Armed Forces, including Active Duty (Title 10), National Guard or Reserve components (Title 32 or state activation), and those engaged in required military training (including annual training and special schools), involuntary mobilization, deployment, or continuation on military orders.  

Catholic and Benedictine Mission Commitment  

As a Catholic institution in the Benedictine tradition, Benedictine University affirms the inherent dignity of every person and the moral responsibility to support those who serve the common good. Military service reflects the values of sacrifice, stewardship, courage, and commitment to community—virtues deeply rooted in Catholic social teaching and the Rule of St. Benedict.  

In keeping with the Benedictine values of respect for persons, community, service, hospitality, and stewardship, the University pledges to accompany student service members with fairness, flexibility, and compassion. Students who answer the call to serve their country shall not suffer academic or financial disadvantage as a result of fulfilling their military obligations. The University commits to ensuring that their educational journey remains accessible, supported, and restored upon their return.  

II. Governing Law  

This policy is implemented pursuant to:  

Federal Law:  

• Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA)  
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), 50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.  
• U.S. Department of Education Return of Title IV regulations  
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regulations for GI Bill® beneficiaries Illinois Law (Lisle Campus):  
• 110 ILCS 947/60 – Student members of the National Guard or Reserve ordered to active duty Arizona Law (Mesa Campus):  
• A.R.S. § 15-1804 and § 15-1682 – Military service student protections  

III. Documentation  

The Office of the Registrar will require the following information:  

• a copy of the military orders, as soon as possible  
• forwarding address  
• name, address and phone number of a contact or representative  
• the student’s name as it is on Benedictine University records  
• Benedictine University  ID number  
• which option the student wishes to choose for classes (listed below)  
• Students will also need to complete and return a  Leave of Absence Form  to the Office of the Registrar for processing.  

When advance notice or documentation is not possible due to military necessity, required documentation may be submitted as soon as practical following activation or return from service.  

IV. Academic Protections  

Students should complete and send the following forms electronically to the Office of the Registrar at registrars@ben.edu to qualify for the considerations detailed in this policy. Students shall not incur academic penalties, including but not limited to adverse grading, academic probation, loss of academic standing, or dismissal, as a result of military activation or required service.  

Students must submit a request in writing to the Office of the Registrar indicating their intent for currently enrolled courses:  

• Administrative withdrawal from all enrolled courses for the term by submission of Late Withdrawal Petition form . Approved administratively withdrawn courses will not appear on a student’s transcript.   
• Request an Incomplete (“I”) temporary grade for enrolled courses for the term from the instructor and chair/program director. Students who choose to receive incompletes due to Active Military Duty Leave should review and understand the Incomplete Policy of the University prior to requesting this option. Timeframes for completion of incompletes granted due to military activation may be reasonably extended beyond standard University deadlines, subject to coordination with the Office of the Registrar, instructor and chair/program director.   

V. Tuition and Fee Adjustments  

Students withdrawing due to military activation shall receive tuition and mandatory fee refunds consistent with Illinois and Arizona statutory requirements. Students may elect to receive a full refund or apply tuition as a credit toward a future term. No reapplication fees shall be assessed upon return.  

VI. Financial Aid Compliance  

The Financial Aid Office will process Return of Title IV funds in compliance with federal regulations, coordinate VA benefit reporting, and assist students in restoring satisfactory academic progress upon return. The University will make every reasonable effort to minimize overpayments or student indebtedness related to VA education benefits and will assist students in resolving any VA-related obligations that may arise due to military activation.  

VII. Readmission and Academic Standing  

Students returning from active duty shall be readmitted without reapplication fees, shall retain catalog rights for degree requirements unless accreditation standards require modification, and receive assistance with course sequencing to ensure timely completion.

VIII. Administrative Oversight  

Primary responsibility for implementation resides with the Office of the Provost, Office of the Registrar, Office of Financial Aid, and campus leadership at Lisle and Mesa. The policy shall be reviewed regularly to ensure continued compliance with federal and state law. Questions or concerns regarding the application of this policy may be directed to the Office of the Provost.