Managing attendance in college as a military service member?

Hello everyone, I might need to juggle my role in the military with college. I'm concerned I might get marked absent due to my military obligations. Has anyone faced this situation and have some advice on keeping up with classes?

Hi there! Your situation might be quite challenging, but it's also totally manageable. Lots of service members successfully balance their military duties and college study. In order to make this work, communication will be your best tool. Inform your professors at the beginning of the semester about your military commitments. This transparency will not only help them understand your potential absences, but also they might provide you with alternatives, such as attending another class session, getting notes from a classmate, or making up missed assignments or exams.

Another tip is to plan your schedule prudently. Try to accommodate your military duties into your academic schedule, not the other way round. Even though you're committed to your military service, remember that college also requires significant dedication and work.

Furthermore, check out the resources available to you as a military service member at your college. Most institutions have Veteran's Affairs or a similar office that can assist you in dealing with academic and logistic issues while you honor your military service. They can help mediate conversations with your professors and provide further resources.

Keep in mind, under the federal law known as the "Hero Act," colleges and universities cannot penalize military students for absences due to military service. This means you won't be penalized for your absences due to military duties, but you will still need to make up missed work. Additionally, most colleges have a military absence policy in place that accommodates for military absences, so be sure to get familiar with it.

Finally, stay on top of your assignments and readings. Being proactive and organized will allow you to better handle any unexpected military commitments that might interfere with your academics.

You're taking on two commendable roles at once, and with some strategic planning and good communication, you can succeed in both. Best of luck!