Steps to take before leaving UW–Madison for active duty, and steps to take when returning from active duty.
Also how to defer enrollment for newly admitted students due to initial entry training.
“Our Badger diversity occurs in many ways. The unique student veteran experience adds depth and perspective to our classrooms and to our larger campus identity. We enjoy the personal freedoms we exercise every day because they stood up to fight for them.”
— Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor
Being called to active duty
Active duty checklist (pdf)
Understand the steps you need to take when leaving and returning to UW–Madison. This document is for your use, it doesn't need to be turned in.
UW–Madison active duty policy
The policy from the Office of the Provost applies to all enrolled UW–Madison students who are called to or already on active U.S. military service.
Military service notice form
If you must miss classes or coursework due to your military service, please work with the professors of the class(es) you will miss to fill out this form.
Returning from active duty
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Reentry
Do not fill out a reentry application. Before you leave, we’ll make a note of your anticipated return. We’ll automatically request an enrollment appointment for the semester you indicated unless you let us know otherwise. This way, you’ll have the option to enroll at the same time as everyone else in your program/year. If your return plan changes, just send us an email. You can wait up to two semesters after you return from active duty to begin classes again.
Apply for new education benefits
Apply early for new education benefits.
If you are a newly admitted student who needs to defer your enrollment due to initial entry training, please work with our Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
Submit a FAFSA
Your eligibility for traditional financial aid may have changed, so we strongly recommend filling out a FAFSA. Questions about traditional forms of financial aid and the FAFSA can be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid. If you haven’t done so previously, we also recommend signing up for eRefund/Direct Deposit through the Bursar’s Office.
Submit transcripts for military credit
If you completed training during your time away, you can submit your necessary transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment (OAR). Keep in mind a majority of military credit will transfer as general electives. For more information, please reference the OAR page for veterans and active military.
Residency for Tuition
If you were considered a non-resident for tuition purposes before you left, keep an eye out for communications from residency counselors in the Office of the Registrar. Questions about residency for tuition purposes can be directed to residencefortuition@registrar.wisc.edu.
Contact
University Veteran Services
school certifying officials
Call us at:
608-265-4628
Email us at:
veterans@wisc.edu
University Veterans Services
716 Langdon Street
301 (3rd floor)
Madison, WI 53706
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm
Appointments & Drop-in Services
Spring 2026 Drop-in Schedule:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10am - 3pm
Drop-ins are always welcome during drop-in days, but appointments are encouraged.
Please visit our Contact page to make an appointment with a member of our staff.