Deployments can be hard on you and your family. We are here to support you during this difficult transition and will endeavor to make our part of it as smooth as possible. We hope that you will return to the University of Michigan after your deployment is over, and we wish you luck.

If you are called to Active Duty status while enrolled at U-M, you’ll need to take care of a number of academic and financial tasks before you leave.

Please contact your academic advisor as soon as you receive your orders — even if you don’t know your exact date of deployment — and they will be able to develop an action plan with you. You must contact your academic advisor if you intend to return to U-M after your deployment or training.

You also need to fill out the University of Michigan Military Deployment form to let the Office of the Registrar know that you have military orders for deployment or training.  This form will also ask for your military orders needed by the Office of the Registrar.

All decisions will depend upon your school or college, academic instructors, and date of deployment. You will submit copies of your military orders to your academic department and the Office of the Registrar.

Before Deployment

Make an Academic Plan

Talk to your academic advisor to make an academic plan. They can help you figure out what options are available and which course of action may be right for you:

  • Complete the term: If coursework can be completed remotely, you may finish out the term with guidance from the course instructor. Please weigh this option carefully and assess whether you will have enough time to complete the necessary assignments given your additional military requirements. Students who elect this option will not receive a refund for tuition or fees.
  • Receive an incomplete for all classes: If you wish to receive an “I” you need to contact your particular school or college for forms and requirements. You and your instructors will have to agree on a date by which all remaining coursework must be completed. Students who take an incomplete will not receive a refund for tuition or fees.
  • Receive the grade earned:For this option, coursework should be nearly completed by the time you deploy; work must be of high enough quality to receive a passing grade. (Note: This option should be implemented with extreme care and should not be used if significant coursework needs to be completed). Students who elect this option will not receive a refund for tuition or fees.
  • Drop all classes: You can withdraw from all classes and receive a 100% refund of all tuition and fees. (Note: Any class work already completed for the term withdrawn from will be forfeited. Students who elect this option will have to repeat any courses from the current term to get credit for that course.)

Steps To Complete

  • Submit the University of Michigan Military Deployment form, attaching your orders to the document. (Please redact Social Security Numbers and any classified information.
  • Contact the Housing Information Office (if applicable) by calling 734-763-3164 or email Housing to cancel your housing contract. There will be no penalty imposed for early termination due to military deployment. A refund will be issued to you on the unused portion of your housing contract.
  • If you live off campus, contact your landlord. You can break your lease 30 days after the next rent payment is made so you must contact your landlord and provide them with a copy of your orders early. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 has more details.
  • Contact Parking & Transportation to receive a prorated refund on your paid parking permit on the amount you’ve prepaid (excluding the month the permit is returned).
  • Contact the Office of Financial Aid for administrative forbearance and deferment benefits for student loans and grants. Find specific information on the Office of Financial Aid’s Veterans page.
  • Planning for a deployment can cause stress for you and your family, and we strongly encourage you to consider meeting with a counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or similar counseling center. CAPS offers a place where you can discuss your situation and develop strategies to make your transition as smooth as possible for both you and your family.

If you have questions, please email Veteran and Military Services.

Returning After Deployment

Thank you for your service and welcome home!

The University of Michigan is here to support you as you transition back to school and your life at home. We will endeavor to make our part of it as smooth as possible.

Academic Plans

If you were called to Active Duty status while enrolled at the university and are now returning, you’ll need to take care of a number of academic and financial tasks.

Contact your academic advisor as soon as you receive your orders to return. Your advisor will be able to develop an action plan with you regarding your coursework. All decisions will depend upon your school or college, academic instructors and your dates of deployment. Please discuss with your academic advisor what options are available and may be right for you.

If you received an incomplete for all classes, you and your instructors will have to agree when all remaining coursework will be completed.

Important Contacts

Veteran and Military Services (VMS)
Email VMS to discuss any questions or needs you may have.

Office of the Registrar
Email Patti Mousseau or call 734-763-9066 to cancel your deployment class.

Certification Office
Email the Certification Office or call 734-763-9066 if you will be collecting VA educational benefits.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Deployment can be stressful for you and your family, especially if you were serving in an active combat role. We strongly encourage you to set up an appointment with CAPS or a similar counseling center where you can discuss your situation and develop strategies to make your transition as smooth as possible for both you and your family.

Remember: You are not alone!