Upon notice from a student required to attend or participate in military service, duty, training, or disaster relief efforts, an institution of higher education which receives state funding, either directly or indirectly, including but not limited to state scholarships or grants, shall excuse the student from attending classes or engaging in other mandatory activities, including tests or examinations, in order for the student to fulfill his military obligations and associated military travel requirements. A student whose absence is excused pursuant to this section may not be penalized for his absence and must be allowed to complete all missed assignments or take missed tests or examinations within a reasonable time of his return from the military service, duty, training, or disaster relief efforts. Each of these institutions of higher education shall determine what constitutes a reasonable time to make up the assignments, tests, or examinations missed by reason of military service on a case by case basis, taking into account the individual student’s schedule and academic responsibilities. The provisions of this section must be liberally construed and shall apply in the same manner and without distinction to a student’s status as a member of the active component, reserve component, or National Guard.