Readmissions Policy for Service Members

Purpose:

To establish a formal institutional policy ensuring the prompt and equitable readmission of service members whose enrollment at Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) is interrupted due to military service, in accordance with federal regulations (34 CFR §668.18) and Chapter 3 of Volume 2 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook.

Policy Overview:

This policy applies to all PHSU students who are service members and who are unable to attend classes for more than 30 consecutive days or must withdraw entirely due to U.S. military service obligations.

PHSU guarantees the readmission of service members who must temporarily withdraw due to military service. These students will be promptly readmitted to their program with the same academic status they held at the time of withdrawal, provided that:

• The academic program does not receive extensive curricular changes during the inactivity time of the student.
• The cumulative length of absence for military service does not exceed five years, excluding any additional time required to complete service or recovery from service-related injuries, and
• The student notifies PHSU of their intent to return within three years of completing military service (or within two years in cases of recovery from service-related illness or injury).

Definitions

• Military Service: Includes service (voluntary or involuntary) in the Armed Forces, including active duty, training, and National Guard or Reserve service under federal orders.
• Same Academic Status: The student is readmitted to the same program, at the same enrollment status, with the same number of completed credit hours, and with the same academic standing.

Notification Procedures

• Prior to Leave: When possible, the student should provide advance written notice to the Registrar’s Office of their need to interrupt studies due to military service.
• Return from Service: The student must submit a request for readmission to the same program within the required timeframe and provide documentation confirming military service dates.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Service members readmitted under this policy will not be charged readmission fees.
• If the student cannot resume the program as it was when they left, PHSU will offer reasonable efforts, such as academic accommodations, to help the student complete the program.
• Financial aid eligibility will be reassessed in accordance with federal aid regulations upon readmission.

Exceptions

PHSU may deny readmission if:

• The institution has permanently discontinued the program.
• The student’s cumulative absence exceeds five years (subject to the allowed exceptions).
• The student is not eligible for readmission due to dishonorable or bad conduct-  Ext. discharge.

All questions or requests related to military leave or readmission should be directed to the Office of the Registrar sending an email to registrar@psm.edu or calling 787-840-2575 Ext. 5726, 5725 or 5732.