Taking a Break at Weber State
Life happens, and sometimes you need to hit pause. Whether you're stepping away for military service, a religious mission, AmeriCorps, or personal reasons, this page will guide you through the steps to ensure a smooth return.
If you have scholarships, it's crucial to follow these steps to avoid losing them. Even without scholarships, these steps are still important for an easy transition back.
HOW TO PAUSE YOUR STUDIES
Step One: Let Us Know You're Taking a Break
If you plan to step away from Weber State for a semester or more, for any reason, please fill out the Deferment Form to tell us:
- Why you are taking a break
- When you plan to return
We use this information to keep your student record active, pause most outreach communications (although you may still receive some), and assist you in returning when the time is right.
Step Two: Accept Scholarships Before You Go
If you leave Weber State without deferring, you could risk losing academic scholarships. Deferment protects your spot and benefits. If you've been awarded academic scholarships and want to keep them, you must accept them before you leave.
To accept a scholarship awarded through Scholarship Universe, log in to the Scholarship Universe app in your eWeber portal, locate your award, and click “Accept.”
After accepting:
- You can request to defer your academic scholarship using the same Deferment Form.
- You’ll need to upload documentation supporting your reason for the break.
Deferments are generally approved for:
- Military service or deployment
- Religious service
- Internships
- AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or similar programs
- Medical leave, with medical documentation
Other reasons (such as travel, employment, or attending another institution) are typically not eligible, but you’re welcome to submit a request for something we might not have considered.
Submission of a deferment request for scholarships does not guarantee approval. Each request is reviewed individually, and deferments are granted at the university's discretion, based on documentation, timing, and eligibility criteria.
How Do I Know if My Scholarship Has Been Deferred?
Students will receive a notification to their student email address if their application is accepted or denied. If their status is left pending, they do not receive an email, but a comment on why their application has not moved on in the process will be left in the Deferment Application portal. Students should check back regularly if they do not receive confirmation of the status of their deferment application within a month.
Step Three: On-Campus Housing
If you have on-campus housing or a meal plan, contact the Housing & Residence Life office to cancel your contract and avoid future charges.
- Phone: 801-626-7275
- Email: housing@weber.edu
Step Four: Grant Proxy Access (Optional)
While you're away, you may want someone to help manage your Weber account, such as checking financial aid, paying tuition, or viewing grades.
Grant Proxy Access: Student Information Release Form (FERPA)
RETURNING TO WEBER STATE
Step One: Reset Your Login Info
Forgot your Wildcat username or password? Use password recovery tools or call the IT Service Desk at 801‑626‑7777.
Step Two: Transfer Your Credits From Other Schools (if applicable)
Did you attend another school while away? If you took college classes at another institution during your break, send your official transcripts to admissions@weber.edu.
For more info, visit weber.edu/admissions/transfer.html
Step Three: Receive Credit for Skills You Gained While Away
Did you serve a mission, work, or gain skills while away? You may be eligible for Prior Learning Credit for language skills, service, or job experience. Email any questions to records@weber.edu.
Step Four: Meet With Your Academic Advisor
Not sure where to begin or want to make sure you’re registering for the right classes? Use the Find My Advisor tool to connect with your advisor and plan your return.
Your advisor can help you:
- Choose the right classes
- Plan your schedule
- Get back on track toward graduation
Step Five: Register for Classes
Use the Register for Classes Guide to view instructions, access the registration portal, and plan your schedule. Having trouble? Contact the Registrar’s Office at 801‑626‑6100.
Step Six: Reactivate or Accept Financial Aid and Scholarships (if applicable)
If you deferred scholarships, email scholarship@weber.edu or call 801‑626‑7569 to reactivate.
If you did not defer before you left, submit a petition to Financial Aid & Scholarships and include any documentation (such as a mission call, military orders, or a doctor’s note).
Step Seven: Complete The FAFSA And Scholarship Application For This Year
Even if you weren’t eligible before, your situation may have changed.
Complete the FAFSA each year at studentaid.gov. Get help with FAFSA.
You may now qualify if you’re married, have children, or are 24 or older; these factors make you an independent student. Formulas may also have changed on the application since the last time you applied!
Find WSU and national scholarships by creating a profile in Scholarship Universe
Step Eight: Handle Housing or Meal Plans (if needed)
Returning to campus living? Contact Housing & Residence Life early. Call 801‑626‑7275 with any questions.
Step Nine: Update Your Info on eWeber
New phone number or address? Log in to eWeber and update your Personal Information to ensure you get timely updates and access.
Legal name change? Find instructions on how to change your name and provide documentation to update your record.
Step Ten: Check Your Math and English Placement
Placement scores (based on completed coursework, ACT or SAT scores, or ALEKS or Accuplacer scores) may expire after a certain period. If it's been a while since you last enrolled, check your current placement status in CatTracks and sign up for placement testing if needed. If you have questions, please contact your academic advisor.
Questions?
Scholarships (e.g., tuition waivers, scholarships, four-year awards): scholarship@weber.edu | 801‑626‑7569
Admissions: admissions@weber.edu | 801‑626‑6743
Financial Aid (i.e. Pell Grants, federal loans, work study): financialaid@weber.edu | 801‑626‑7569
Registration: registration@weber.edu | 801‑626‑6100
IT Help Desk: csupport@weber.edu | 801‑626‑7777
Academic Advising: weber.edu/advising