MUNCIE, Ind. - Several Ball State University students, faculty and staff members may soon be affected by the activation of up to 50,000 members of the National Guard and Reserves.

President George W. Bush made the decision following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"We are aware that questions are arising regarding our students who have military obligations," said Douglas McConkey, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. "Some already have been summoned to required meetings, which have necessitated class absences. Others are in units that actually have been activated, and they are processing total withdrawals."

The last time such a massive call-up impacted Ball State was during the Gulf War when the current policies regarding student military leaves were drawn up, McConkey said.

University officials are reminding the campus community of policies regarding active duty. Students called to duty should report to the Dean of Students office, Administration Building 238, (765) 285-1545.

Students called to active duty before the first half of the semester may withdraw from classes and receive a full refund of fees.

Students called to active duty after the first half of the semester may either withdraw and receive a full refund for tuition or request incomplete grades that, if granted, may be completed upon their return.

Students living in university housing will have their charges for room and board prorated to the date their contract is terminated. All cancellation charges will be waived.

Students receiving financial aid will be subject to the refund policies as provided by sponsoring agencies.

Graduate students will be granted an extension of time to complete degree requirements equivalent to the period of active duty, but not to exceed four years.

Graduate and doctoral assistants are eligible for fee adjustments during their term of employment. If the period of employment is at least two consecutive semesters (two summer terms constitute a semester), for fee adjustment purposes employment may be considered to include the semester and summer terms immediately following the assistantship.

For purposes of qualifying for the fee adjustments immediately following the assistantship, graduate and doctoral assistants called to active duty after the first half of a semester or in the second term of summer session (when the term of employment includes both terms) may count that period as being equivalent to a semester.

Faculty and staff are eligible for a military leave of absence without pay for four years.

Records concerning the number of students, faculty and staff who serve as reservists are not kept by the university.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Douglas McConkey at dmcconkey@bsu.edu(765) 285-1444 or Jean Amman, assistant to the provost, at jamman@bsu.eduor (765) 285-1313.)