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STUDENT VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER SVRC
  1. Student Veterans Resource Center
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  3. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Supporting Military-Connected Students

Who are military-connected students?

Military-connected students include:

  • Veterans (separated or retired from service)
  • Active-duty service members
  • Reservists and National Guard members
  • Dependents or spouses of service members

What challenges might military-connected students face?

  • Transition stress from military to civilian/student life
  • Time management issues due to family, work, or medical obligations
  • Unpredictable schedules (especially for Guard/Reservists)
  • PTSD or service-connected disabilities
  • Older age or feeling "out of place" among traditional students
  • Financial pressures despite VA benefits

What are some signs a student may be struggling but not saying so directly?

  • Frequent absences or disengagement
  • Late or missed assignments
  • Uncharacteristic mood changes or withdrawal
  • Hesitation about asking for help - military students may be reluctant to disclose struggles due to stigma or a culture of self-reliance.

Should I ask if a student is a veteran or in the military?

Be sensitive. Instead of asking directly, consider using inclusive language in conversations or syllabi like:

“If you are a military-connected student and anticipate any schedule conflicts, please reach out early.”

Let the student decide whether to disclose.

How do VA benefits work, and how do they affect students?

Military-connected students may receive:

  • Tuition and fees paid to the school (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
  • Monthly housing allowance (must maintain full-time status)
  • Book stipends and supply funding

This can create pressure to stay enrolled full-time and graduate on time — even when facing personal or academic challenges.

How can I show my support as a faculty or staff member?

  • Include a military support statement on your syllabus
  • Attend veteran-focused campus events
  • Be flexible and respectful of service-related obligations and experiences

What campus resources are available for military-connected students?

Refer students to:

  • Veterans Benefits Office in the Registrar (benefits, paperwork)
  • Student Veterans Resource Center (community, events, referrals, advocacy)
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (weekly military connected student support forums, general mental health support)
  • Basic Needs Hub (food, housing, or emergency support)

Faculty & Staff FAQ: 38 U.S.C. § 3691A — Withdrawals or Leave of Absence Due to Military Service

What is 38 U.S.C. § 3691A?

This federal statute protects students using VA education benefits who must withdraw or take a leave of absence from their academic program due to active military service obligations

Institutions must accommodate these students and ensure they do not face academic or financial penalties as a result.

Who does this apply to?

Students who:

  • Are using VA education benefits (e.g., Post-9/11 GI Bill, VR&E)
  • Must withdraw or take a leave due to military service activation or mobilization

What protections does the law provide?

If eligible, the student:

  • Will not lose eligibility for readmission to the institution.
  • Cannot be charged tuition or fees for unearned academic credits due to the withdrawal.
  • May receive a full refund or credit for tuition and fees.
  • Is protected from academic penalties tied to the withdrawal or incomplete coursework.

What documentation must a student provide?

Students may be required to submit:

  • A copy of military orders, a VA appointment letter, or similar documentation indicating the service-related obligation.

Required documentation can be verified by and should be sent to the Registrar's Office at vao@ucsd.edu.

What should faculty do if a student requests withdrawal or leave under this law?

Faculty and staff should:

  • Support the student’s decision without requiring excessive documentation or imposing penalties.
  • Coordinate with the Registrar and Student Veterans Resource Center to ensure the proper withdrawal process is followed.
  • Allow students to:
    • Withdraw from classes
    • Or, where possible, receive an incomplete and complete the course later

Can the student re-enroll later?

Yes. Institutions must:

  • Allow readmission into the same program (or a comparable one) without reapplying, assuming the student returns within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Honor previously completed coursework and credits.