MISSION VIEJO : Plan Would Refund Fees to Military

Members of the military forced to withdraw from Saddleback Community College District classes because of changes in their assignments would have their fees refunded under a proposal submitted to the Board of Trustees this week.

The measure would apply to both active military personnel and reservists called to active duty who are forced to drop out because of their orders. The measure would be retroactive to Jan. 1 and apply to some students forced to drop out because of the Gulf War. The district includes Saddleback and Irvine Valley colleges.

Those affected would receive a full refund of their fees, which may be as high as $50, no matter how late in the semester the withdrawal occurred. The students would receive a grade of “MW”--Military Withdrawal-- which would have no effect on their academic standing.

District spokeswoman Diane Riopka said at least 100 students were forced to drop out because they were shipped to the Gulf. The college has contacted the Marine Corps bases at El Toro, Tustin and Camp Pendleton to determine if other military personnel were forced to abandon school, she said.

“It’s very difficult because some dropped out without giving an explanation,” she said.

The trustees will probably vote on the measure at their next meeting after the state community college board this month changes its regulations to allow military withdrawals.