Military Accommodations

The University of New Hampshire is committed to supporting students who serve in the United States Armed Forces, including active duty military, reservists, National Guard members, and other commissioned corps. UNH recognizes that military obligations are often unpredictable and outside of a student's control, and the University will work with students to minimize the academic and financial impact of such obligations, in accordance with federal law regarding readmission requirements for service members pursuant to 20 U.S.C. §1091c(c)(2) and 34 CFR §668.18 and New Hampshire State Law RSA 187-A:20-d, II (b) and (c).

Scope

This policy applies to students who are called to active duty, activated for reserve or National Guard training, or otherwise required to fulfill official military service obligations that conflict with their enrollment at UNH. Students called to active military duty have important rights and protections under federal law. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these protections and to contact the Military and Veteran Services office for guidance on how they may apply to their specific situation.

Flexibility for Required Military Service

Students are encouraged to contact Military and Veteran Services when called for required military service as early as possible to determine which option best fits their circumstances.

Depending on the timing and duration of a student's military obligation, available accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

  • Short-Term Flexibility – Students with brief military obligations that do not render them unable to fulfill the requirements of the course (e.g., weekend training, short-duration activations) may work directly with their instructors to arrange excused absences, modified deadlines, or alternative assignments. Faculty are required to excuse absences for required military service. Students are encouraged to notify instructors as early as possible when they learn of required service. Students should be prepared to provide documentation of the required service upon faculty request.
  • Incomplete Grade – Students who have completed a substantial portion of their coursework may be eligible for an incomplete grade, allowing them additional time to finish after returning from service. To request an incomplete, students should contact the faculty of their course. More information on incompletes can be found on the Registrar’s website.
  • Course Drop/Withdrawal – Students may be eligible to drop or withdraw from individual courses in line with the university deadlines. Academic deadlines are outlined on the university calendar.
  • Military Leave of Absence – If a student is called for required military service that will cause them to miss class for an extended period and render them unable to adequately fulfill the standards and requirements of the course as determined by the instructor, that student should pursue a leave of absence. Students who take a leave of absence for required military service are given a full tuition and fee refund regardless of the point in the semester the leave is taken. If the student lives in University Housing will receive a pro rated refund based on their move out date. The deadline to take a Military Leave of Absence is the last day of classes for the semester in which the leave is taken. If they have missed the withdrawal deadline, they will also still be eligible for a withdrawal grade. Students requesting a military leave should contact Military and Veteran Services.

Re-Enrollment

Students who take a leave due to required military service will be allowed to reactivate into their original program requirements as long as they can provide official orders corresponding with their absence from the College. To initiate this process, students should contact Military and Veteran Services who will review the documentation. Federal rules provide readmittance to an academic program within five years of the original date of leave.

Contact and Resources

Military and Veterans Services is available to assist students seeking flexibility under this policy. Students are also encouraged to work closely with their Academic Advisor and the appropriate college Dean's Office throughout this process, particularly for situations where they are required to miss a longer period of class. The University will make every effort to ensure that no student is penalized academically or financially for fulfilling their military service obligations.