COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS : Provisions Made for Reservists

Students at College of the Canyons who are called to military action during the Persian Gulf War can officially withdraw from courses any time during the semester without penalty.

The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees this week approved a revised policy on withdrawals. Under the board action, students called to serve in the military also will receive full refunds of any fees paid to the college.

“Students should not be penalized because they are serving their country,” said Janice Neenan, executive secretary to the college’s superintendent-president.

Of the nearly 6,000 students enrolled at the college, at least eight already have been summoned by their reserve or National Guard units to serve during the Middle East crisis, college officials said.

Bud Shearer, dean of student services, said the college has been working unofficially under this policy since last semester.

Depending on the circumstances, a student may withdraw from a course, take an incomplete, or follow other alternatives, he said.

In one case, Shearer said a student, who had nearly completed the fall semester, made arrangements with the instructor to take the final early before reporting for duty.