By Elizabeth Cloutman

The current world crisis with terrorism is affecting college students who are being called to active duty from the military reserves or who are re-enlisting veterans. Utilizing a policy first instituted during Desert Storm in 1991, Foothill College is offering three options to those students called up before completing the academic semester.

“We’re here to help them in any way we can,” said Carmela Xuereb, the Foothill College Veterans Assistance and Services Office program coordinator. They’re already under enough pressure without our adding pressure.”

Xuereb said the veteran’s assistance office can also contact the Veterans Administration so students won’t get dropped from the educational benefits program. “We need to notify the proper authorities of mitigating circumstances,” she said.

Foothill offers three options to students who are inducted or placed on call during the semester. They may petition for an official withdrawal with a full refund of enrollment and student fees and nonresident tuition. They can also receive a full refund for all books and materials purchased from the college bookstore.

A second option for such students is to petition for an official withdrawal with credit for enrollment and student fees, and nonresident tuition toward future enrollment. Students choosing this option can later opt to receive a refund.

As a third option, these students may request a grade of I (Incomplete) from an instructor. Although Foothill College regulations require students to complete the course within one year, students can request an extension in special circumstances.

“I’ve had two students, called up or on standby, who have inquired (about the options),” Xuereb said.

To request forms for these services, call the Foothill College Veterans Assistance and Services Office at 949-7001 or e-mail the office at xuereb@admin.fhda.edu.