Active Duty Checklist

Before You Leave

University Veteran Services (UVS):

veterans@wisc.edu and (608) 265-4628

• Provide a copy of your orders or a memorandum from your unit with anticipated active duty dates to the above email address (still contact us early if you don’t have these documents; we can provide guidance on getting them).
• Benefits: If you withdraw from a semester or reduce your course load (see below), talk to us about terminating your benefits. If you will be eligible for new benefits when you return, let’s chat about what that will look like.

Talk to your advisor:

• Share anticipated dates and discuss any impacts on your academic plan.
• Keep your advisor informed of decisions you make regarding your academics

Academics:

• Option 1: I will leave after the final day of the term.
  • Don’t enroll in classes for the following term. If you are already enrolled, drop your classes prior to the first day of the term.
• Option 2: I will leave during the semester and plan to withdraw completely.
  • Work with your department to have your withdrawal backdated to the first day of the term. Don’t just withdraw on your own! This way, it looks like you never attended classes, and you won’t be charged for tuition.
• Option 3: I will leave during the semester, but I don’t want to withdraw completely. Work with each of your professors as soon as possible to determine how you can finish the term. Options include:
  • Taking an incomplete: You may be able to complete a course that is nearly done. If the instructor agrees, you can arrange a temporary grade of Incomplete and finish the course at a later date. Put an agreed-upon plan in writing with the instructor (an email is sufficient). An Incomplete will eventually lapse to an “F” grade if not completed, so be sure to consult your advisor about the specific policy of your school or college.
  • Receive a final grade: If the instructor feels you’ve completed a sufficient amount of the coursework, the instructor may assign you a final grade. The instructor needs to be able to justify assigning a final grade and is expected to maintain the academic integrity of the class.
  • Complete work early: If this is appropriate given the nature of the class and discretion of the professor.
  • Drop some courses but finish others: Ensure you work with your academic dean’s office to have your drop date(s) backdated to the first day of the term. Don’t just drop on your own! It looks like you never attended class, and you will only be charged tuition for the courses you complete.

Housing:

• UW-Madison Housing: Contact the Housing office, and they’ll release you from your contract or lease early.
• Private Rental/Home Owner: You will provide your orders directly to your landlord or mortgage lender. Guidance and protections can be found under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

Others to notify:

• Lenders/Credit Card Companies: The following types of financial obligations are currently eligible for the 6 percent SCRA interest rate benefit: credit cards; automobile, ATV, boat, and other vehicle loans; mortgages; home equity loans; and student loans.
• Student Loan Lender: You are typically expected to start paying on your student loans 6 months after your last enrollment. Provide your lender with a copy of your orders and request a military deferment on payments.
• Other Campus Agencies: Notify anyone from whom you receive assistance (i.e. Financial Aid)