Call to Active Duty

Your Academic Progress is protected in accordance with 34 CFR § 668.18 and the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership MOU. USC guarantees that students who must suspend their studies due to service requirements will suffer no adverse action regarding their admission status or academic progress.

Our Commitment to You:

• Prompt Readmission: You will be readmitted to your exact program of study with the same academic status you held when you left.

If you receive orders to deploy, please follow the steps below based on your timeline.

Scenario A: Deployment Before the Withdrawal Deadline 

Best for early-semester activations.

1. Submit Orders: Send a copy of your military orders to the Registrar’s office via askUSC.
2. Action: The Registrar will cancel your registration for the current semester.
3. Outcome: 100 percent of tuition charges will be reversed. No “W” (Withdrawal) grades will appear on your transcript.

Scenario B: Deployment After the Withdrawal Deadline 

Best for late-semester activations.

1. Submit Orders: Send a copy of your military orders to the Registrar’s office via askUSC.
2. Coordinate with Professors: Contact your instructors to request a mark of Incomplete (IN).
3. Outcome: You will have up to four semesters (instead of the usual one) to complete the remaining coursework. If you cannot finish the work, the “IN” can be converted to a non-punitive Withdrawal (“W”).

Scenario C: Short-Term Absence (Training/Drill) 

For absences of fewer than 30 days.

• Notify your professors immediately. USC policy requires instructors to make reasonable accommodations for military training obligations that do not result in a full withdrawal.

When you are ready to resume your studies, the process is streamlined.

Step 1: Notification of Intent 

Contact your academic advisor and the Veterans Certification Office to notify us of your intent to return. You must do this within three years of completing your service period.

Step 2: Lift Holds 

Your advisor will remove any “Leave of Absence” holds on your account.

Step 3: Register 

You may register for the next available classes. You will resume your enrollment with the same number of completed credits and the same academic standing as when you left.

If you have received orders, we recommend contacting us immediately so that we can process the paperwork with you.

Email: askUSC (Subject: “Active Duty Activation”)