More time for military students in Va.

Virginia’s public colleges and universities will allow students who leave to serve in the military to take more time to go back to school after completing their duties.

The State Council for Higher Education of Virginia on Tuesday revised Virginia’s guidelines that cover students whose military service requires them to withdraw or take a prolonged absence from college. The move also expands the definition of military students, and was done in an effort to conform with federal law.

The changes take effect immediately, and state colleges and universities must submit their updated military-student policies to the council by the beginning of the 2011-12 school year. Private colleges are requested, but not required, to comply.

---- Associated Press