What is the Military Activation Withdrawal (MAF), and how do you complete the process?
If you are called to military duty while enrolled at Arizona State University, you can use the Military Activation Withdrawal (MAF) process to withdraw from your courses without the usual academic penalties. This article explains who is eligible, how to request a Military Activation Withdrawal, how it may affect your VA education benefits and financial aid, and where to get assistance throughout the process.
Before you begin, you should have:
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A completed Military Activation Withdrawal Form identifying the course(s) from which you want to withdraw.
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A copy of your military orders.
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If official military orders are unavailable, a Memorandum for Record from your commander explaining your activation.
The Military Activation Withdrawal (MAF) is a process that protects students who are activated for military duty beyond the normal line of duty, including deployment, temporary duty (TDY), or permanent change of station (PCS), while enrolled at Arizona State University. The process allows you to withdraw from eligible courses without the usual academic penalties and may also be applied retroactively after the semester has ended.
The Military Activation Withdrawal process is supported by the Student Success Manual (SSM) 201-18: Accommodating Active Duty Military.
Determine whether you are eligible
You may be eligible if you are an ASU student who is activated for military duty while enrolled in classes beyond the normal line of duty.
Start the Military Activation Withdrawal process
To begin the process, contact a Student Success Advocate at the Pat Tillman Veterans Center by emailing ptvcadvocate@asu.edu. The advocate will provide the required Military Activation Withdrawal Form and guide you through the process.
Submit your documentation
After you complete the Military Activation Withdrawal Form and provide your supporting military documentation, your Student Success Advocate will submit your materials to the Office of the University Registrar for review and approval.
Monitor your My ASU account
After your request is processed, changes typically appear in My ASU within approximately 2 business weeks.
If you do not see the updates after that time, contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center for assistance.
What are the benefits of a Military Activation Withdrawal?
Using the Military Activation Withdrawal allows you to:
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Withdraw from eligible courses without receiving a "W" on your transcript.
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Request the withdrawal retroactively, even after the semester has ended.
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Return and retake the withdrawn courses in a future term.
Your transcript is updated as though you were never enrolled in the withdrawn courses.
How does the Military Activation Withdrawal affect your VA education benefits?
Your VA education benefits are administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and each situation is reviewed individually.
Can you receive GI Bill entitlement back?
It depends.
The VA reviews each Military Activation Withdrawal individually based on your withdrawal date and whether you submit mitigating circumstances.
Typically, the VA restores entitlement for the period beginning on your withdrawal date (or your last reported date of attendance) and ending at the end of the academic term.
If you want to request restoration of your GI Bill entitlement for the entire term, you may submit mitigating circumstances explaining how your military activation affected your enrollment.
What are the risks of requesting full entitlement restoration?
If you request restoration of your full education benefit entitlement following a Military Activation Withdrawal, you may be required to repay the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for benefits you have already received, such as your book stipend or Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).
Because repayment requirements vary based on your individual circumstances and VA policies, you should carefully consider the potential financial impact before requesting full entitlement restoration. If you have questions about how this may affect your benefits, contact the VA or speak with your School Certifying Official (SCO) for guidance specific to your situation.
How does the Military Activation Withdrawal affect your financial obligations?
Although the Military Activation Withdrawal removes academic penalties, it does not automatically eliminate financial obligations.
If you receive grants, scholarships, loans, or other financial aid, contact ASU Financial Aid at 1-855-278-5080 to discuss how your military activation may affect your aid.
If you have questions about refunds or sponsor payments after your Military Activation Withdrawal has been processed, contact ASU Financial Aid or ASU Sponsor Billing at 1-855-278-5080.
What if you paid for Digitally Integrated Course Materials?
If you paid for Digitally Integrated Course Materials and later request a Military Activation Withdrawal, complete the ASU Bookstore request form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO0hDCY1i8hkH2FLHPUYAqfEBYOp_dtt0EiZZGyq9dxWvWFQ/viewform?pli=1
When completing the form:
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Enter your ASU Student ID.
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Enter your ASU email address.
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Select Charges on My ASU Account as the request type.
After you submit the form, the ASU Bookstore will review your request. Be sure to let the bookstore know that you received a Military Activation Withdrawal so staff can determine whether you are eligible for a refund.
My Military Activation Withdrawal has not appeared in My ASU.
Allow approximately two business weeks for processing. If your account has not been updated after that time, contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center.
I have questions about my VA education benefits.
Because VA entitlement decisions are made individually, contact your School Certifying Official (SCO) or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for benefit-specific guidance.
I have financial aid or refund questions.
Contact ASU Financial Aid or ASU Sponsor Billing at 1-855-278-5080.
I need help completing the Military Activation Withdrawal process.
Email the Pat Tillman Veterans Center at ptvcadvocate@asu.edu. A Student Success Advocate can answer your questions and guide you through each step of the process.
