Veteran Resources

Policy Statement:

The University at Buffalo’s Office of Admissions is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and respect in the recruitment process. As part of this commitment, we strictly prohibit the use of high-pressure recruitment tactics aimed at securing enrollments of veteran service members.

Definitions:

• High-Pressure Tactics: Any aggressive or manipulative practices intended to coerce or unduly influence prospective students to enroll, including but not limited to repeated and unsolicited contact, misleading information, and time-limited offers that create undue urgency.
• Veteran Service Members: Individuals who have served in the military, naval, or air service and who were discharged or released.

Guidelines for Ethical Recruitment:

• Transparency: Provide clear, accurate, and comprehensive information about programs, costs, financial aid, and support services.
• Respect: Treat all prospective students with dignity and respect, acknowledging their service and individual circumstances.
• Supportive Environment: Create a welcoming and supportive environment that helps prospective veteran students make informed decisions without undue pressure.

Review and Updates:

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practice and regulatory requirements. Updates will be made as necessary to address emerging issues and trends in admissions and recruitment.

By adhering to this policy, we affirm our commitment to ethical recruitment practices and our respect for veteran service members, ensuring they receive the consideration and support they deserve throughout the admissions process. 

Policy Statement:

The University at Buffalo’s Office of Admissions is committed to supporting our service members and reservists by ensuring their right to readmission following a period of active duty or service-related obligations. This policy provides a clear framework to facilitate the seamless return of service members and reservists to their academic programs.

Definitions:

• Service Member: An individual who is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including active duty, National Guard, and reserve components.
• Reservist: A member of the Reserve components of the Armed Forces who may be called to active duty.
• Active Duty: Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States.
• Temporary Suspension: An official pause in academic enrollment due to military service obligations.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for readmission under this policy, the service member or reservist must:

1.  Provide advance notice of military service to the university, unless precluded by military necessarily or circumstances that make it impossible or unreasonable.
2.  Have served no more than five cumulative years of absence due to military service while enrolled at the University at Buffalo.
3.  Submit a notification of intent to return to the university within three years after the completion of service, or within two years if hospitalized or convalescing from an illness or injury incurred during service.

Procedures:

1.      Notification of Military Service:

• Service members and reservists must provide written notice to the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible after receiving orders for military duty. This notice should include the anticipated dates of service.

2.      Temporary Suspension of Enrollment:

• Upon receipt of the notice, the Registrar’s Office will process the temporary suspension of the student’s enrollment and notify relevant departments.
• The student’s academic record will be annotated to indicate the suspension due to military service, ensuring no academic penalties or loss of status.

3.      Notification of Intent to Return:

• Service members and reservists must notify the Registrar’s Office of their intent to return to the university within the designated timeframes mentioned above.
• The notification should include the desired semester of re-enrollment and any relevant documentation, such as discharge papers (DD214) or other official military documents.

4.      Readmission Process:

• Eligible service members and reservists will be readmitted to their original academic program or, it the program is no longer available to a similar program.
• Readmitted students will retain the same academic status they had when they last attended the university, including the same credit hours earned, standing, and program requirements.
• The university will make reasonable efforts to assist readmitted students in resuming their studies, including academic advising and support services.

5.      Tuition and Fees:

•  Service members and reservists will not be charged reapplication or readmission fees.
• The university will work with readmitted students to address any financial aid or tuition concerns, including reactivating scholarships and grants where applicable.

Compliance and Review:

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated to all relevant parties, including students, faculty, and staff.

By adhering to this policy, University at Buffalo reaffirms its commitment to supporting our service members and reservists, ensuring they can continue their education without penalty or disadvantage due to their service to our country.