Each college within the University is free to establish its own rules and regulations concerning absences from class. However, University regulations require that students be allowed to make up examinations which have been missed due to illness, religious holy days, military service obligations, including service-related medical appointments, or other unavoidable circumstances or other University-sponsored activities. Students should work with faculty regarding making up other missed work, such as assignments, quizzes, and classroom attendance.

See Full Policy in Operations Manual.

Students absent from class or class-related requirements due to U.S. veteran or U.S. military service obligations (including military service-related medical appointments, military orders, and National Guard Service obligations) shall be excused without any grading adjustment or other penalty. Instructors shall make reasonable accommodations to allow students to make up without penalty tests and assignments they missed because of veteran or military service obligations. Reasonable accommodations may include making up missed work following the service obligation; completing work in advance; completing an equivalent assignment; or waiver of the assignment without penalty. In all instances, students bear the responsibility to communicate with their instructors about such veteran or military service obligations, to meet course expectations and requirements.

The University recognizes and appreciates the important contributions made in service of our country by these men and women. In support of these students, the University has developed procedures to provide each student with maximum flexibility. Consistent with the policy developed during the Middle East crisis of 1990, veterans, members of the national guard, US military reservists, spouses and dependents that are affected by military activation have the following options:

Withdraw the entire registration and 100% of the tuition and mandatory fees would be refunded.
If arrangements are made with the instructor for grades or incompletes (to be made up later) in the courses, the registration would remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees would be assessed in full.
If arrangements are made with only some of the instructors for grades or incompletes, the registration for those courses would remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees would be assessed for those courses. Any courses for which arrangements cannot be made for grades or incompletes could be dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for those courses would be refunded.

The option the student chooses obviously depends on the point in the session when the student is called to active duty. Financial aid is refunded in accordance with existing University and Federal policies for each of the above situations. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid. These procedures do not apply to reservists who are fulfilling their annual two-week active duty.

In addition to the above mentioned University of Iowa policy there are implications related to any financial aid you may have through the various federal programs. The rules on these are not necessarily within the control of this institution. Consultation with the Office of Student Financial Aid in the University Capitol Centre is advised as soon as is convenient.

If you were previously enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and are returning, or have returned, to the University of Iowa after an extended absence (four consecutive years or more), you may use the CLAS ReStart option to request removal of one or more of your previously completed CLAS academic sessions (i.e. semesters or winter/summer enrollments) from future grade point averages and satisfaction of degree requirements.

See Policy 

All students that have completed their GI Bill® Benefits worksheet and have been certified by the University, will not be restricted in any way for the first 90 days of a semester if the reason for the delay in making payments for the certified semester is due to a delay in receipt of benefits from the VA.  This will include assessing late fees, charging restrictions or registration holds. After the 90 days, the University will treat each Veteran on a case by case basis. 

Veterans in College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) who have been deployed overseas may have the International and Global Issues GE CLAS Core requirement satisfied by this military service if such service is noted on the Veteran’s DD-214 form. DD-214 forms should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. If you believe you should qualify, but it is not noted on your degree audit, please email registrar-vets-office@uiowa.edu or visit the IVETS office at 207 Calvin Hall.

The IGI requirement will be satisfied by this overseas service, but no credit will be awarded and there will be no reduction in the hours needed for graduation.

This policy applies to both new students and those continuing in CLAS.