ETSU students who have been called to active duty in the reserves will be given a 100 percent refund on all tuition fees and a deferment on all financial aid loans.
Marilyn King, associate director of financial aid, said the Tennessee Board of Regents has endorsed a policy that will provide a 100 percent refund of required fees for anyone who is activated.
Room and board charges will be pro-rated and the bookstore will be giving a full refund on textbooks as well.
“The process is pretty simple,” said Kyle Jackson, assistant registrar. “They just have to come in and fill out the withdrawal form, like they normally would, and then provide us with documentation that they are being called to military, which would consist of a copy of their military orders or a letter from their command saying that the have been assigned to active duty.”
Students who receive financial aid need to consult with the financial aid office concerning their status.
Perkins loan borrowers need to talk directly to the college about repaying their loans. Stafford loan borrowers need to talk directly to their external lender about repaying their loans, i.e. an external bank, credit union, or other organization outside the college campus.
King said, “Those students will have options to seek deferment and forbearance from their lender.” Forbearance generally means that the bank will forgive any payment for a time period, usually not to exceed three years.
“I would want students to know to meet with an individual counselor in this office for us to be able to have the opportunity to see what other kinds of assistance and help we might be able to provide through the financial aid program,” King said.
Any student unable to complete the withdrawal process in person should fax or mail the request, along with a copy of their military orders, to 439-6604, or to Office of the Registrar, Box 70561, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614.
Students who believe that they may be able to complete the work for a course without withdrawing should talk to their professor about receiving an incomplete, and then make arrangements with the professor to complete the rest of the course requirements. All coursework must be completed and grades must be submitted to the registrar’s office within one year to avoid having the incomplete turn into an F for the course.
Students who would like more information can go to http://www.students.gov or to http://www.etsu.edu.

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