The Daily Bulletin

At the April 11, 2025, meeting, the Buffalo State Senate voted to recommend to the interim president the adoption of the following resolution:  

Whereas, per the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act, HR1412, Section 487b of the U.S. Higher Education Act, and applicable SUNY policies, institutions of higher education are required to provide reasonable accommodations and protections for students who are called to active military service; and 

Whereas, the Student Military Deployment Policy establishes clear guidelines and procedures for students to notify the institution of military-related absences while also outlining the responsibilities of faculty and staff in supporting these students during and after their deployment; and 

Whereas, the policy promotes equitable access to course completion through flexible academic accommodations, including remote instruction options, incomplete grades, independent study arrangements, and withdrawal or drop options without academic or financial penalties and 

Whereas, the policy ensures that students returning from military service are granted priority re-enrollment, reentry without reapplication, and protection from adverse impacts on federal and state student aid eligibility and 

Therefore, Be It Resolved that the University Senate of Buffalo State University endorses and formally adopts the Student Military Deployment Policy as outlined in Policy Number XXX, effective March 2025, to ensure that students serving in the United States Armed Forces are provided with equitable, timely, and supportive academic accommodations during periods of military activation, deployment, or training; and 

Be It Further Resolved that the University Senate urges all academic departments, administrative offices, and faculty to uphold the provisions of this policy and collaborate with the Office of Veteran and Military Services, the Dean of Students Office, Academic Standards, and other relevant campus units to facilitate its consistent and compassionate implementation. 

I accept the recommendation from the College Senate regarding the adoption of the DOPS Student Military Deployment Policy. I charge the Provost and all other relevant campus unit heads with the responsibility to communicate this policy and oversee its implementation.  I thank our military students for their service to our country, the Senate and the Senate Chair for their diligence in bringing forth this recommendation.