Whether you’re in the Guard or the Reserves and you are called up on Active Duty Orders, or you’re leaving UConn for military training, there are some steps you will need to take in order to take a leave of absence from the University, which will also make it easier for you when you return.  Once you know the dates that you will be on orders, even before you receive those orders, you should take the following steps:

• Contact the Dean of Students office (undergraduates) to get the process started. They will help you understand:
  • At what point during the semester are you leaving and how that impacts your classes
  • When will you return from your responsibilities in the military and when you want to return to UConn
• Graduate students contact the Graduate School to start the process and to understand the impact on your classes, graduate assistantship (if applicable), and financial information.
• Contact UConn’s Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) to discuss how your military orders will impact your Educational Benefits, particularly if you’re using Federal VA Benefits while attending school.
• For Students NEW to UConn: If you’re planning to enroll in classes at UConn, but haven’t started yet, please email the Admissions Office at beahusky@uconn.edu to request a deferral.

• Apply for Readmission (undergraduates) to UConn through the Dean of Students Office (Note: students on Military Leave of Absence will be readmitted, notwithstanding academic or legal issues)
• Graduate students request reinstatement through the Graduate School
• If you are planning on using your benefits when you return to school, remember that once you register for classes you will need to submit a Form D to UConn’s Office of Veterans Affairs & Military Programs

Rather than withdrawing, it’s best to work with the Dean of Students or the Graduate School and UConn’s Office of Veterans Affairs & Military Programs proactively, along with your professors, to get work ahead of time when possible.

Yes, but please be sure to work with your professor(s) and the Dean of Students office or Graduate School first to determine whether taking an “incomplete” is the best option for you.  Students typically only have until the 3^rd week of the following semester to resolve any “incomplete” grade on their transcript before it gets changed over to an F.  Undergraduate students who need an extension to resolve any “incomplete” grades can complete an Extension of Incomplete Form which needs to be signed by the professor and submitted to the Dean of Students Office.

The Dean of Students Office or Graduate School may ask you to provide a copy of your military orders when you request to leave. Upon your return, UConn’s Office of Veterans Affairs & Military Programs may also ask for a copy of your paperwork associated with your deployment/mobilization/training (i.e. DD-214, etc.), particularly if there are changes to your benefits.  (Please Note: Always be sure to keep your own copies of these documents, as you may need to provide them elsewhere too).

Normally, when students using Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits drop classes after the drop/add period, the VA may generate a debt (that you have to repay) which can include all the money paid toward your tuition, fees, book stipend, and BAH.  However, unanticipated active military service (including active duty for training), qualifies as a mitigating circumstance and may reduce your debt.  Regardless of what benefit you are using, it’s important to notify UConn’s Office of Veterans & Military Programs of your need to drop classes due to military orders.

Be sure to review and follow the guidance on the Bursar’s office website, particularly if you are receiving any scholarships or student loans.

You will want to get a new COE (Certificate of Eligibility) with your updated benefits levels or types. (Note: You can get an updated statement of benefits by contacting the VA GI Bill Hotline at 1-888-442-4551).

Students who participate in military programs or active duty may not have access to personal computers/internet during Residential Life processes or application deadlines. If you would like someone to be able to make these choices on your behalf while you are away, you can request a proxy to enter housing selection at your scheduled time and select a space for you. Detailed information is available on the Residential Life website.

• Please note that you will need to contact Residential Life directly to request a proxy to enter housing selection at least 48 hours prior to your selection time.
• If you have specific questions about this process, please contact Residential Life.