Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Contents
Catalog Links

Military Call to Active Duty/Training Policy

Policy and Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance and support for students who are called to active duty status during an academic semester. It ensures the protection of the student’s academic standing and financial interests throughout their service period.

This policy applies to all students enrolled at Northern Essex Community College who are activated for duty with the U.S Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.

Procedure

Students called to active duty must provide written notification to the Veterans Coordinator as soon as possible. The notification should include a copy of the military orders indicating the start date and duration of the service. The student will be given the Military Call to Active Duty/Training: Initial Notification form to be filled out.

Academic Options

  1. An Official Withdraw: Students may elect to withdraw from one or more courses during the semester due to military service. This option entitles the appropriate party with a full refund of tuition and fees for the course the student chooses to withdraw from. The withdrawal will be noted on the student’s transcript as being due to military service.

    Note: Students enrolled in criteria-based health programs must withdraw from all core major requirements. For further information or clarification, please reach out to the Center for Health Professions.

  2. Incomplete Grades: Students may request an incomplete grade if more than 50% of the course meetings have occurred and both the student and the faculty member/dean agree to this arrangement. The student and faculty member will then submit an “incomplete grade” form to the Academic Dean.
    • Completion Timeline: The student must complete the agreed-upon work either in accordance with the college’s incomplete grade policy or within 90 days from the end of active duty, whichever provides more time.
    • Grade Conversion: If the work is not completed within the specified timeframe, the “I” grade will automatically convert to the grade earned or an “F” grade.
    • Tuition and Fees: No tuition or fees refund will be provided, and the grade will be processed according to standard procedures at the end of the semester.
    • If the course and/or instructor is no longer available, it is the responsibility of the Dean to settle on an arrangement with the student in order to satisfy the completion of the incomplete course.
  3. Credit for Coursework: Students may opt to receive credit for coursework completed if more than 75% of the semester has elapsed and at least one graded assignment has been submitted.
    • Outcome: The grade earned to date will be processed normally, provided the final grade is “C” or higher. If it is determined that the earned grade will be C- or lower, student may be advised to withdraw from the course.
    • Tuition and Fees: No refund of tuition or fees will be issued.

Student Accounts

Refunds and Adjustments: Students withdrawing under this policy will have tuition and fees refunded for the academic term to the appropriate party.

Unpaid balances: The college with work with the student to arrange payment agreements for any unpaid balances during the active duty status. No collection actions will be taken during the deployment period for incomplete grades.

If the student and instructor agree that a grade may be awarded, the Registrar’s office will record this grade within Banner and the student will need to work with the college to arrange payment agreements for unpaid balances.

Financial Aid

For students who completely withdraw and have received financial aid, regulations require that the college perform the Return of Title IV Funds calculation as required under 34 CFR 668.22. Northern Essex Community College will return funds to the U.S. Department of Education and to the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance as required by this calculation.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that students who receive financial aid make progress toward completing their program of study. Any questions about Northern Essex Community College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy or failure to meet the SAP standards should contact the Financial Aid Office. 

Readmission

Students who withdraw due to military service obligations may request re-enrollment at Northern Essex Community College for subsequent terms without penalty, provided they meet the academic requirements for their matriculated program. Military students will not be academically penalized for their service.

Note: Specific requirements may apply for the criteria-based health programs. For further information, please contact the Center for Health Professions.

Contact Information

For additional assistance or inquiries, please contact the NECC Veterans Coordinator at veteransservices@necc.mass.edu

 

 

Updated: 2025-2026 Academic Catalog (Effective Fall 2025)