Applying for Inactive Status
Undergraduate degree-seeking students who are leaving the university but who have every intention of returning are encouraged to apply for inactive status. Inactive status qualifies students who are eligible to return to the university with the following benefits intact: university-based scholarships, academic requirements, eligibility to qualify for on-campus residence and course registration priority. New freshmen and new transfer students are not eligible for inactive status.
Benefits of Inactive Status
- Students on Inactive Status DO NOT have to apply for Readmission when they return.*
- Students may take courses at a domestic institution (within the United States) while on Inactive Status and submit those courses through the transfer process.
- Students may utilize inactive status for a maximum of 2 semesters. These can be consecutive or not.
- Students will retain their university-based scholarships.
- Students will retain their original degree requirements.
- Students are eligible to qualify for and participate in the on-campus housing selection process.
- Students will retain their course registration priority in November or April.
*If a student on Inactive Status does not return for the next major semester, fall or spring, following their semester on Inactive Status, they must apply for Readmission to UM.
If you plan to leave UM and not return, please see the procedures to withdraw from the university.
Application Process
- Students must complete the online request for Inactive status.
- As part of the application process, students will be charged a $100 non-refundable fee.
- The request must be approved by the student’s Cane Navigator. Student Athletes must also have the approval of the Athletic Department. This will happen through a workflow in the online form.
- Once approved, all classes for the requested/approved semester will be dropped and the student’s status will be changed to Inactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take courses while on Inactive Status?
A: Yes, students may take courses at domestic institutions, those within the United States while on Inactive Status. They may not take courses at UM while on Inactive Status. Students who are considering taking courses while on Inactive Status should consult MATES and/or their Cane Navigator to understand how those courses will fit into your degree plan.
Q: Is there a fee to participate in Inactive Status?
A: Yes, there is a $100 non-refundable fee. It will be charged as part of the application process.
Q: What happens to my on-campus housing when I go on Inactive Status?
A: If you live on campus, you will need to cancel your housing contract and let them know that you are going on Inactive Status. You will also need to contact Dining Services to cancel your meal plan.
Q: How long can I be on Inactive Status?
A: Inactive status can be used for a maximum of 2 academic terms (Fall or Spring semester) and can be taken consecutively or not.
* Students may utilize inactive status for a maximum of 2 semesters. Students wishing to apply for Inactive Status are required to re-apply for this status the second semester. If a student does not reapply, and subsequently misses a major semester, he/she/they will have to go through the readmission process.
