Indiana University realizes students who are members of the U.S. armed forces may be called to active duty, specialized training, or as part of disaster relief efforts with little notice. While the following policy does NOT pertain to initial active duty training (i.e. basic training), this policy is provided in order to minimize disruptions or inconveniences for students fulfilling their unanticipated U.S. military responsibilities in the midst of an academic term/session.

Any student called to active duty, specialized training or as part of disaster relief efforts may withdraw from all courses and receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees. Alternatively, with the permission of the instructor(s), a student may receive an incomplete or a final grade in some or all of the courses taken. Either alternative may occur anytime during the semester through the end of final examinations. If the withdrawal is processed after the first week of classes, the grade of W will be assigned. Students receiving financial aid will be subject to the refund policies as provided for by the agencies sponsoring the aid. The request to withdraw needs to be made within one week of official notification by the military service and may be made by either the student or other responsible party who has the student's military information.

Students who wish to withdraw from courses as a result of being called to active duty, specialized training, or disaster relief efforts must provide a copy of their orders to the campus Veterans support services office (if applicable) or campus Registrar’s office along with a signed note asking to be withdrawn. Either office provides a one-point-of-contact process for withdrawals so students won’t need to visit various offices. Students or other responsible parties may wish to contact the appropriate campus office first to begin the withdrawal process based on some official military documentation, with the understanding that a copy of the orders would need to be forthcoming. Students who must withdraw for the reasons specified above will receive a notation on the transcript for that term that reads “Withdrew due to military obligation.”

Students who cannot enroll for a future term or who need to withdraw from a current term due to military commitments can also be placed on a military leave of absence that will extend access to their IU computer and email accounts while they are gone. A copy of orders provided to the campus Veterans support services office (if applicable) or campus Registrar’s office will initiate this action.

Approved, Registrar Council, 12/11/2008
Approved, IUB Provost & IUPUI Chancellor, 12/20/2008

In the spirit of this policy, faculty should also make every effort to allow students who are members of the U.S. armed forces to make up exams and exercises that may be missed during the semester if it can be documented that the student was called up for specialized, short-term training.