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IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECEIVING YOUR CALL
Watch the Missionary Deferment Workshop
There is a lot to keep track of when preparing to leave BYU to serve a mission. Watch the Missionary Deferment Workshop to learn what you need to do before leaving for missionary service and how to be prepared to start classes when you return.
Start or Update Your Mission Deferment
Complete the online Mission Deferment Form to defer both enrollment and academic scholarships without having to reapply to BYU.
Defer Financial Aid
If you took out a federal student loan for school before your mission, you will go into repayment while on your mission. Please contact your loan servicer directly to notify them of your plans and to ask about loan repayment options. Most loan servicers will work with you to make arrangements for a minimal or no monthly repayment option while you are away.
Defer Scholarships
By submitting your mission deferment, the fall/winter portions of your on-campus scholarships (except athletic scholarships) are deferred until you return. Check with your department for other awards. You can defer off-campus scholarships (for missionaries only) as long as your donor approves.
Complete Verification for Cougar Pell Promise
If you are selected for financial aid verification, it must be completed prior to leaving on your mission or military service to establish initial eligibility. You must complete verification within 30 days of notification to complete it, even if you have not attended BYU prior to your service. If verification is not completed, you will lose eligibility for the Cougar Pell Promise for all eight semesters.
Set Up Guest Access
You should not share your login information with others. Guest Access allows you to give another person access to your BYU account. We cannot discuss your account or records with your parent or a third party without Guest Access.
Notify Your Housing Unit or Landlord
Make arrangements by either submitting a petition to on-campus housing or potentially selling your housing contract if you have one that conflicts with your mission call.
SHORTLY BEFORE LEAVING
Review Your Student Account
Before leaving on your mission, review your My Financial Center account and pay any outstanding charges. Have someone with Guest Access periodically check your balance on My Financial Center while you are serving to make sure no outstanding charges are put on your account after you leave. Past due balances 90 days or more may be sent to a collections agency while you are gone.
Cancel Your BYU Student Health Plan
If you are on the student health plan, you must notify the Health Plan Business Office before you leave BYU. You are not eligible for the health plan while you are on your mission.
Meet with Your Academic Advisor
Before leaving on your mission, you should determine which courses to register for when you return. You may want to meet with an advisor in your college advisement center for help in determining an appropriate schedule.
Meet with Your ISS Counselor (International Students)
If you are an international student, you should meet with your International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) counselor prior to leaving campus to ensure the proper handling of your SEVIS record.
Cancel Your Mission Deferment
If you need to begin classes a different semester, revisit your deferment form and change the semester you plan to attend. If you return earlier than anticipated, update your release date and select the semester you plan to attend from the available options.
