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Veteran Services Student Affairs

Active Duty and Deployment

Student soldiers standingin front of a buildingMilitary Leave of Absence

Undergraduate and graduate students who are members of the U.S. military, National Guard, or armed forces reserve and are called or ordered to active duty may be granted a Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) from UAB. 

An MLOA protects your place at UAB. You will not need to reapply for admission when you return and will be readmitted with the same academic status you had before your departure. 

The MLOA may be granted for a cumulative period of up to five years. 

Please contact our office as soon as you receive orders. 

 

Before You Leave

  • If you are called to duty before classes begin

    Step 1 - Submit Your MLOA Application

    Submit your MLOA application and a copy of your military orders to UAB Veteran Services.

    • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • In person: Hill Student Center, Suite 313

    Download the MLOA Application Opens an external link.

    Step 2 - Withdraw from Your Classes

    Withdraw from your classes through BlazerNET.

  • If you are called to duty after classes begin

    Step 1 - Contact UAB Veteran Services

    Contact our office immediately. We will collect your military orders, verify your eligibility, help you understand your options.

    Step 2 - Submit Your MLOA Application

    Submit your MLOA application and a copy of your military orders to our office.

    Download the MLOA Application Opens an external link.

    Step 3 - Choose Your Option

    • Option A - Military Withdrawal
      You withdraw from all coursework and request a full tuition refund. To request a tuition refund, you must submit an Academic Policy Appeal through UAB One Stop Student Services. Include a copy of your military orders with your appeal.

      Submit an Academic Policy Appeal Opens an external link.

    • Option B - Course Completion or Incomplete Grade
      If you are near the end of the semester, you may work with your instructors to complete coursework early or receive an Incomplete grade. You would not receive a tuition refund under this option but would earn the credits for the term.

When You Return

  • Step 1 - Notify UAB Veteran Services

    Step 1 - Notify UAB Veteran Services

    Contact our office to notify us of your intent to return to UAB.

    • If you completed an MLOA application before leaving: Complete the Military Re-Admission Update form and submit it to our office
    • If you did not complete an MLOA application before leaving: Provide a copy of your military orders to our office at the time of your return
  • Step 2 - Pre-Register for Classes

    Step 2 - Pre-Register for Classes

    Once your Military Re-Admission Update form is submitted, you may pre-register for classes during the early registration period for the semester you plan to return.

  • Step 3 - Submit Transcripts if Applicable

    Step 3 - Submit Transcripts if Applicable

    If you attended another college or university or took CLEP exams while on active duty, submit official transcripts to UAB to update your academic record.

Questions?

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (205) 934-8804
Location: Hill Student Center, Suite 313
Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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