Deferment (Leave of Absence)
If you need to defer your admission or scholarship for military service, a church service mission, or other activities, please follow these steps so we can make sure you are set to return as a T-Bird.
Applying for Deferment
By completing the deferment process, you can return to SUU without needing to reapply for admission. Your deferment also allows eligible scholarships to be held until you return. You may request deferment for military service, church service missions, medical reasons, or other approved circumstances. Approved deferments can help you avoid reapplication requirements, keep your eligible scholarship awards, and simplify your return process as a future T-Bird.
- International Students: International students attending on a visa must contact International Admissions at intladm@suu.edu . Please do not complete this process.
- Scholarship-only Deferment: If a student is wanting to ONLY defer scholarships and not Admission, please reach out to the Financial Aid team directly at suuscholarships@suu.edu.
Required:
(if not already attending)
(if applicable)
Strongly Encouraged:
Complete this if a parent or guardian will need to assist you with SUU tasks during your deferment.
before your deferment to receive priority class registration upon returning
Notify SUU prior to your return semester to begin reactivation and registration next steps. Your admissions rep can help you get started.
Your admissions rep can help walk you through these steps and make sure we have everything in place for you before you go!
Before You Leave
3-6 Months Before You Leave
- Apply to SUU! (If not already admitted)
- Accept all awarded scholarships
- Pay your Enrollment Deposit. Once the deposit is paid the student will receive an email with instructions on the registration process from their assigned academic advisor.
- Submit your deferment request online
1-2 Months Before You Leave
- If you are currently registered for courses, complete the Online Semester Withdrawal form.
- Confirm approval of your deferment request
- Activate your mySUU Portal
- Set up communication during deferment. This can be forwarding your email, or setting up access for someone else.
Right Before You Leave
- Incoming students, meet with your Admissions Counselor to finalize your return timeline
- Current students should be meeting with Withdrawal Support
- Meet with your Academic Advisor
- Meet with our Financial Aid Team
Returning from Deferment
We are excited to welcome you back to Southern Utah University. As your return semester approaches there are a few important steps that can help you smoothly transition into life on campus. Here is a timeline for you to prepare:
3-6 Months Before You Return
- Contact your Admissions Counselor to verify your application is ready to go.
- Pay your Enrollment Deposit and complete your T-Bird Takeoff Questionnaire (TTQ).
- Explore your housing options (Both on and off campus)
- Set up an appointment with Financial Aid to begin thinking about budgeting for books, housing, etc.
- If you are returning from your deferral early or need to adjust/extend, please email admissions@suu.edu
1-2 Months Before You Return
- Access your mySUU Portal
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to go over degree requirements and make your class schedule.
- Look at Language Credit Options
- Confirm Scholarship awards and your expected tuition responsibilities.
- Finalize housing plans and logistics for moving in.
- Incoming Students: Connect with your Ace and learn about on-campus resources and involvement opportunities.
Returning students: make a Return to Campus appointment with the Student Outreach & Support (SOS) office to go over resources, support, and connection to campus involvement.
Within 4 Weeks Before You Return
- Purchase textbooks
- Review campus maps and secure your parking permit (If you are bringing your own vehicle)
- Attend Orientation
- You will not need to reapply. Simply follow the steps included on the New Student Checklist.
- Look for other scholarship opportunities, like our T-Bird Promise award!
Frequently Asked Questions about Deferment
You can submit a deferment for up to six semesters. If you exceed that timeframe, reach out to the admissions office for help: admissions@suu.edu
You cannot attend another institution while on deferment from SUU. If you do, you will have to re-apply as a Transfer Student. Please reach out to Admissions with any questions: admissions@suu.edu
Anyone registered for courses and looking to withdraw from the entire semester need to be submitting an Online Semester Withdrawal form.
Your federal loans/grants may require separate action with loan servicers or FAFSA, check with your Financial Aid Counselor to see what you need to do.
You don’t have to be committed to defer, but we highly suggest completing your Enrollment Deposit so you can review your course plan before you leave!
You won’t! If your deferment is approved, it allows you to return without reapplying for admission.
There is no deadline to submit your deferment form, but there are deadlines regarding tuition refunds, course registration, drop dates, and transcript notes that are taken into account while processing deferment requests.