Military Leave Policy

We understand that you may be called to military service while enrolled at San Francisco State University, and we want to ensure you have the support you need to balance your service and your education.

If you are called to military service, whether for a short-term (less than 30 days) or long-term (30 days or more), we offer supportive options.  If you are called to long-term service, you may take a long-term military leave of absence and withdraw from the university with a full refund for the semester, and you do not need to re-apply for admission.  If you are serving less than 30 days, you have the same option to withdraw from the university with a full refund for the semester, but there are additional options that may allow you to remain in the class with accommodations.

If you have been called to military service, please contact the Veterans Services Office by emailing veterans@sfsu.edu or calling (415) 338-2336, and we can assist you with the steps to request a short- or long-term military leave of absence.

Steps to request a short- or long-term military leave of absence

1. Notify and provide proof of your military service to the Veterans Services Office (when possible, this should be done before your military service begins).
   • Military Orders with dates provided
   • DD214
2. Request the type of action you want to take for the semester:
   • Withdraw from one or all your classes
   • Rescheduling of exams or quizzes
   • Alternative assignments
   • Request online opportunities to participate in class
   • Request alternative dates, times, or modalities for presentations
   • Request independent study options to complete course requirements
   • Request an incomplete (if at least 75% of the class was completed)
3. Veterans Services will review your documentation and provide a memo to you and your instructors about your request or notify the Registrar’s Office and Bursar’s Office of your withdrawal from one or more of your classes.

For detailed information about military leave: