West VirginiaUniversity plans to take good care of its students, faculty and staff who may soon be �€or who already have been �€called to military duty in war in the Middle East.

WVU currently enrolls 184 students who are members of a military reserve unit and another 50 who belong to the National Guard, totaling 234 students. Approximately 35 employees are currently members of the military. Approximately 60 students have withdrawn thus far to serve their country, along with more than a dozen employees, officials confirmed.

WVU students called to service will remain in good academic standing and receive full refunds in most cases, University officials assured, and most employees expect to receive their present salaries and health insurance plans for up to 60 days after being called to military duty. They also will be able to return to their current job, or one of similar seniority, status and pay.

Provost Gerald Lang also said those students called to serve more than three-quarters into the semester may receive full credit for their courses as long as they have passing grades and have essentially completed their course work.

“It is likely,”Dr. Lang said,”that students will receive the grade that they earned at that time, or if it is a competency-based course, the instructor would award a grade of �€~Iand work with that student to develop a plan to complete the course at a later time.”

Those entering the armed services before the 12th week of the semester will be withdrawn from classes and receive a full refund. Students receiving financial aid may be required to use this refund to repay federal and state financial aid funds received for the semester.

Federal student education loan borrowers who are enrolled this spring will have their loans kept active, according to Janet Trump of WVU s Financial Aid Office, and not be subject to enter repayment status for up to three years of military service.

Students who currently have a loan and are in an in-school status, in-school deferment or grace period will retain that status for three years, Trump said. For student loan purposes, students are considered”enrolled”during their time of service.

Veterans with VAEducational Benefits should contact Trump prior to any departure at janet.trump@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5242.

Amir Mohammidi of WVU Housing and Residence Life said WVU students who are also military personnel being called to active duty will have immediate 100 percent room and board refunds or credit, upon return from active military duty. He can be reached at 304-293-4409, ext. 2577.

Teaching assistant slots and internships also will be guaranteed, Lang said. Arrangements can be made through the various schools and colleges.

Kenton Colvin, assistant director, Office of Admissions and Records, want students and employees to know that University officials in all units, whether it be academics or finances, will be responsive in these uncertain times.

“Its stressful, we know, so we want to assure those facing military duty that support and guidance are available,”Colvin said. He can be reached about student withdrawals at 304-293-2124, ext. 1515. He reminds students that a copy of the military activation papers should be faxed to his office at 304-293-3080.

WVU employees called to duty will continue to receive their normal salary for up to 30 days for any military duty, including parades, training, drills, field service or active service to the state, according to Department of Human Resources Military Leave Policy.