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Veterans Services Student Affairs

Military Leave of Absence

An undergraduate or graduate student who is a member of the U.S. military, National Guard or other armed forces reserve unit who is called or ordered to active duty elsewhere may be granted a Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) from the University for the period of not more than five years, cumulatively. Students with the MLOA need not reapply for admission to UAB and are readmitted with the same academic status as before deployment. With notice from the student, the MLOA allows students to preregister for classes during the early registration period prior to the term when they plan to return to campus.

Instructions Prior to Departure

  • Students Deployed Before Classes Begin

    1. Complete the MLOA application.
      • Students should complete the application prior to their departure from the University.
      • MLOA application must be accompanied by a copy of the military orders indicating the date on which the student is to report for active duty.
      • Students may submit their MLOA application by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or in person at the Office of Veteran Recruitment and Student Services.
    2. Officially withdraw from your classes via BlazerNET, or contact MLOA application for assistance.

  • Students Deployed After Classes Begin

    1. Complete the MLOA application.
      • Students should complete the application prior to their departure from the University.
      • MLOA application must be accompanied by a copy of the military orders indicating the date on which the student is to report for active duty.
      • Students may submit their MLOA application by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or in person at the Office of Veteran Recruitment and Student Services.
    2. Complete a Request for Exception to Academic Policy form and submit to the Office of Veteran Recruitment and Student Services.
    3. Withdraw from your classes via BlazerNET or contact One Stop Student Services for assistance.
      • A full reduction in tuition and fees will be made; however, such refunds will first be applied to any outstanding obligations and to any scholarship, grant or loan you have received for that term.
    4. If you are receiving Federal Title IV Financial Aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 205-934-8223.

Instructions Upon Return

  1. Notify the Office of Veteran Recruitment and Student Services of your intent to return to UAB.
    • If you completed an MLOA application prior to departure, complete a Military Re-Admission Update form and submit it to the Office of Veteran Recruitment and Student Services.
    • If you did not complete the MLOA application prior to departure, you will need to provide a copy of your military orders to the Office of Veteran Recruitment and Student Services.
  2. Once the Military Re-Admission form is submitted, you may pre-register for classes during the early registration period prior to the term when you plan to return to campus.
  3. If you have attended another college or university, or taken the CLEP exam, you will need to submit official transcripts to update your record.