What if I Get Called to Active Duty and Can't Finish My Current Semester?

Students serving in the Selected Reserves or National Guard who are called to active duty during a semester may request a full reimbursement of tuition and fees. To do so, they must:

1. File an Exception to Enrollment Policy form.
2. Submit a copy of their orders to the Gadson OMVAE.

If the recall happens after the student has made significant progress in coursework, it may be in the student's best interest to complete the work rather than withdraw. The University will make every attempt to provide special consideration for exams, tests, and assignments to allow the student to complete the course, whenever feasible. Students called to active duty near the end of a semester may also consider requesting incomplete grades (I) for coursework.

Wayne State University supports students who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces and reserve units. Under University policy, students enlisted for military service or serving in Reserve or National Guard units who are called to short-term or long-term active duty are eligible to:

• Withdraw from classes and request a full tuition refund via an administrative withdrawal through the Registrar's Office.
• For students called to active service during the semester, tuition and fees will be fully refunded. For this purpose, "called to active service" is defined as involuntary and unanticipated.

When appropriate, instructors may arrange for students to take an incomplete, which must be completed within one calendar year of the term in which the incomplete is granted.

Documentation: Students must provide appropriate documentation (e.g., orders or other proof of active duty) when requesting a make-up examination or alternative arrangements. It is highly recommended that students notify their instructors as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.

What If I Fail a Course?

The law prohibits payment of VA benefits for a course from which the student withdraws or for courses that will not count toward graduation requirements (e.g., I, W, or Z grades for auditing). However, payments may be allowed if the student can provide evidence of acceptable mitigating circumstances for not completing the course or receiving a credible grade.

Mitigating Circumstances refer to unanticipated, unavoidable events beyond the student's control that prevent them from completing a course successfully. In such cases, the student may not have to return the full amount of the VA benefits received for the course.

Common mitigating circumstances may include:

• A serious injury or illness affecting the student.
• A serious illness or death in the student's immediate family.
• Unforeseen family or financial obligations requiring a change in employment terms or hours.
• Discontinuance of a course by the school.
• Unanticipated active duty military service or training.
• An unavoidable geographical transfer due to employment.
• Unexpected changes in childcare arrangements.

Reasons Not Accepted:

• Withdrawal to avoid a failing grade.
• Dislike of the professor.
• Too many courses attempted.
• Unsubstantiated deployments or joining the military mid-semester.

First Withdrawal Consideration:
For withdrawals on or after June 1, 1989, mitigating circumstances are automatically presumed for the first withdrawal from a course (up to 6 semester hours or equivalent). However, the school must still report the withdrawal.

Restoration of Benefits Based on Mitigating Circumstances

If you are applying for the restoration of benefits due to mitigating circumstances, it is essential to provide the DVA with supporting documentation. This may include:

• A doctor's note
• A hospital bill
• A letter from your employer detailing any employment changes affecting your academic status
• A letter from your academic advisor

We also strongly recommend submitting a Statement of Mitigating Circumstances along with your notification of reductions or terminations.

Even if you do not have all the necessary documentation, do not delay in contacting the OMVAE. You can submit written notification and provide the supporting materials at a later date.