This	Replaces
File:	170.72	new
Date:	9/19/01

ORIGINATOR: Provost and Chief Academic Officer

SUBJECT: UMUC Special Situation Student Withdrawal/Refund Policy

1. Introduction
   1. University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Policy 170.71 provides students with the option to withdraw, with no academic penalty, up to two weeks prior to the end of a semester.
      
      
   2. UMUC Policy 351.2 will apply except in unusual circumstances noted below.
      
      
   3. Institutionally declared exceptions to Policies 170.71 and Policy 351.2 will be announced when warranted by unusual circumstances and will be limited to specific time periods (i.e. by term).
      
      
2. Institutionally Declared Exceptions
   1. Civilian Students
      1. Civilian students will be required to follow the refund procedure published in the Catalog/ Schedule of Classes of the division/campus at which they are registered. Exceptions to the published refund policy will require written documentation that indicates compelling justification from an employer, physician or other authority that clearly documents responsibilities and or commitments that were not pre-existing at the time of registration, a declared state of emergency or other defined grave situation. Documentation must describe the students commitments and or responsibilities related to national security (if not confidential) which may preclude participation and or timely completion of course work. If possible, a [anticipated] time frame should be attached these commitments or disabilities.
         
         
      2. Decisions on exceptions will be determined on a case by case basis and are not to be interpreted or intended to become standard University policy.
         
         
   2. Military Students
      1. Military students, including Reservists and State National Guard members will be required to follow the refund procedure published in the Catalog/ Schedule of Classes of the division at which they are registered. Exceptions to the published refund policy may apply during periods of heightened military activity and or for events not pre-existing at the time of registration. Request for exception to the policy will require written documentation from an appropriate authority. Decisions on exceptions will be determined on a case by case basis and are not to be interpreted or intended to become standard University policy. Other factors to be considered in a refund decision include but are not limited to the following:
         
         
         1. Unexpected deployment (eligible for combat pay)
         2. Assigned extra military duty (guard duty due to higher security requirement)
         3. Sent to other installation to cover for service members who have been deployed.
         4. Working longer hours at regular job due to deployments that cut staffing levels.
            
            
      2. Students are expected to factor into their registration decisions, during identified periods of heightened military activity that a greater than usual risk of non-completion exists.
         
         
      3. The University will announce refund policy adjustments specific to military students and identify specific time periods in which they may apply. Announcements on policy changes will be released regularly thereafter.
         
         
      4. In addition to the published procedures the following requirements may apply:
         1. Complete an official UMUC withdrawal process and have it processed through the appropriate military education office.
         2. Complete and sign an official UMUC special exception document (form or letter) confirming that the withdrawal is for the reason (s) that UMUC is allowing a refund.
         3. Obtain a signature from his/her commander on the official UMUC special exception document confirming that the withdrawal is for the reason(s) that UMUC is allowing the refund.