Changes in Status – Academic/Aptitude/Medical

Experience shows that unforeseen circumstances occasionally arise that affect the status of a NROTC midshipman.  While such situations are rare, it is important that you be aware of the types of problems that may occur.  This section will describe three categories of potential problems.  The examples given below are not all-inclusive; each student’s case is determined on an individual basis.  The information provided herein summarizes some of the guidelines that my staff and I use in assessing a student’s status.

Academic – each student is required to maintain a term and cumulative grade point average (GPA) greater than or equal to 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Certain service selection options, such as aviation and nuclear power, have more rigorous requirements.  All students must meet university requirements for courses required by their majors, and pass all NROTC requirements with a “C” or greater.

Aptitude – this category applies to physical fitness, swim qualification, sailing, military bearing, and general behavior.  Each student will receive an evaluation every semester that assesses his/her aptitude in terms of the items listed above.  To remain in good standing, each midshipman must satisfactorily pass the physical fitness assessment (PFA), complete the required qualifications and demonstrate the character and bearing required of a future Navy or Marine Corps officer.

Medical – this category covers illnesses or injuries that potentially affect a student’s academics, ability to meet required fitness or swim standards, or potential to be commissioned.  Some examples of conditions requiring medical action and evaluation include: torn ligaments, migraine headaches, mononucleosis, a broken bone, or laser eye surgery.  See the Leave of Absence paragraph of this section for more information.

Good standing
All midshipmen begin the program in good standing.  Students remain in good standing as long as they meet the program requirements, participate in required activities, and remain on track to graduate and be commissioned within four years.

Warning – academic/aptitude
Students will be placed in a warning status for an academic or aptitude GPA of less than 2.0, or as warranted by other performance measures.  Warning status may require mandatory study or extra instruction and a weekly meeting with the NROTC Student Advisor, as well as additional actions as warranted by the case.

Probation – academic/aptitude
Students will be placed on probation for an academic or aptitude GPA of less than 2.0, failure of a required class, or a first time PFA failure (excluding seniors).  Students will be notified, in writing, of the terms of their probation and the actions required to be removed from probation.  Failure to complete these actions will result in a Performance Review Board and a possible recommendation for Leave of Absence or Disenrollment.


Performance Review Board (PRB) – academic/aptitude
This is normally five-member board convened by the Executive Officer to review the performance of a midshipman.  The PRB may recommend a change in student status, including Leave of Absence or Disenrollment.  A PRB may be convened for repeated poor academic or aptitude performance, multiple or repeated class failures, multiple PFA failures (first-time failures for Seniors), failure to meet program requirements prior to the prescribed deadlines, or a positive drug test, as well other reasons as determined by the Commanding Officer.

Leave of Absence (LOA)
A Leave of Absence may be issued for academic, aptitude, or medical reasons.  With an LOA in effect, all benefits are suspended, including tuition, books and stipends; the student is required to cover all of his/her own expenses.  The midshipman will be notified, in writing, of the required actions to complete in order to be returned to good standing.  Under normal circumstances continued participation in the NROTC program will be one condition of the LOA.
A student may voluntarily request a Personal LOA for personal hardship or other reasons.  With a Personal LOA, the student elects to cover his/her own expenses for the term(s) that he/she is not participating in the NROTC program.
A student may be placed in Medical LOA, following pregnancy, illness, injury, or elective surgery, pending further medical evaluation.  The student should keep copies of all records and doctor assessments.  Provided that the student heals quickly, and the Naval Bureau of Medicine concurs that he/she is physically qualified for commissioning, all missed benefits – including tuition, books and stipends – are reimbursable.  If, for some reason, your student is not commissionable following his/her injury or illness, a determination will be made by the Department of the Navy regarding disenrollment and recoupment.


Disenrollment and Recoupment
Disenrollment is defined as voluntary or involuntary removal from the NROTC program.  Disenrollment may be recommended for the following (please note that this list is not all-inclusive):  Failure to meet required actions of an academic or aptitude LOA, third PFA/PFT failure or failure to meet the minimum PFA/PFT standard during Senior year, or drug use (automatic PRB and disenrollment for first positive test).
Some important points:

A student who is disenrolled for medical reasons may or may not be required to reimburse the Naval ROTC program for expenses incurred, as determined by the Department of the Navy.

College Program midshipmen may disenroll from the program at any time prior to being placed in advanced standing.  Once a student is placed in advance standing, he/she agrees to serve in the United States Navy or Marine Corps, and will do so, either as an officer or an enlisted member.