Policies for Veterans

Unearned Tuition Assistance (TA) Policy for Veteran Students

The University of Maine at Farmington is committed to supporting veteran and active-duty students as they balance academics with military obligations. When a student using Tuition Assistance (TA) withdraws, UMF follows a structured return-of-funds schedule, ranging from a 100% return in the first two weeks to no return after the eighth week. Shorter courses may follow a different adjustment schedule. If a service member must stop attending due to military orders, UMF will ensure the student does not incur debt from returned TA funds.

UMF also maintains clear policies to support veterans, including reporting “L” grades for students who stop attending without withdrawing and offering withdrawal or incomplete-grade options for those called to active duty. Students may resume their studies upon return without reapplying. In accordance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, UMF will not penalize students for delayed VA payments as long as required documentation and payment arrangements are submitted on time.

Unearned Tuition Assistance (TA) Return Policy Summary

The University of Maine at Farmington returns unearned Tuition Assistance (TA) funds for veterans who withdraw based on a set schedule: 100% during the first two weeks, 75% by week four, 50% by week six, 25% by week eight, and no return after week eight. Shorter courses may follow a different adjustment schedule. If a service member stops attending due to military obligations, UMF will ensure the student does not incur debt from the returned TA funds.

Withdrawal and Readmission Policy

Students deployed for active duty may withdraw from courses or request an incomplete. Withdrawals appear as “W” on the transcript and do not affect GPA; incompletes appear as “I” and may be granted automatically if at least two-thirds of coursework is complete, otherwise at the instructor’s discretion. Incomplete work is generally due by the end of the following term, and if not completed, the grade converts to a “W.”

If a student withdraws, charges are adjusted according to the Unearned TA Policy, and room and board are prorated. After returning from military duty, students may resume their program without reapplying, and UMF will help create a path to completion if their program has changed or been discontinued.

VA Payment Policy

In accordance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, UMF will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, due to the covered individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the school as a result of the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

The student, however, must take the following actions:

Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of classes.
Complete a Veteran Request for Certification prior to the start of each semester, and submit it to the UMF Certifying Official.
Pay in full, or sign up for a payment plan, for the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement, by the billing due date each semester. Late fees may be assessed, and holds assigned, for any balance due not covered by the VA.

If you have questions, please contact us. We look forward to helping you.

Merrill Center Student Services
University of Maine at Farmington
224 Main Street
Merrill Hall
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel 207-778-7100
fax 207-778-7555
TDD/TTY 207 778-7244
umfaid@maine.edu