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Office of the Registrar

Mission Deferment

Find guidance and next steps for students who are preparing to defer enrollment for a mission.
Students planning to leave BYU–Hawaii for a mission should take appropriate steps to ensure a smooth transition and future return.
Departing Missionaries
Returning Missionaries

We want to help you begin your mission with a clear understanding of your mission deferment and confidence that you can smoothly transition back to BYU–Hawaii when you return.

Before You Leave

Students are strongly encouraged to:

  • Meet with an academic advisor to review degree progress and plan for return
  • Review your Academic Plan in Workday
  • Contact Financial Aid to understand the impacts on scholarships, grants, or loans
  • Resolve any holds or outstanding obligations
  • Consult with International Student Services if applicable

  • Students planning to serve a mission must complete the Institutional Withdraw process in Workday before leaving. Deferment is only approved for missionary service.

    To keep your enrollment and scholarships active without reapplying, please note the following:

    • You must be admitted as a degree-seeking student before submitting a deferment. Early application is recommended.
    • Submit your deferment request after receiving your mission call and before the end of your expected enrollment semester.
    • Students admitted for Spring or Summer must submit their deferment by the end of the Fall semester.
    • Students on academic suspension or dismissal are not eligible for deferment.
    • A leave of absence may be used before submitting a deferment, but university policies must still be followed. See Leave of Absence guidelines for details.
    • If your mission timeline changes or you have questions about deadlines, contact the Office of the Registrar.

  • To help you plan your return from your mission and resume your studies smoothly, use the following guidelines based on your return date:

    Return from MissionEnroll No Later Than
    May - SeptemberWinter Semester
    October - DecemberSpring Semester
    January - AprilFall Semester

  • Once a mission deferment is submitted, students will not be able to register for classes. Please note:

    • Do not register for classes during the semester you plan to begin your mission.
    • If you are already enrolled, you must withdraw from your classes before submitting a deferment. Contact the Office of the Registrar if you need help.
    • If you complete a semester before leaving, you must still submit your deferment before the deadline.
    • Newly admitted students must either enroll in their admitted semester or submit a deferment.
    • Failure to enroll or submit a deferment may require you to reapply for admission.

    1. Log in to Workday Student.
    2. Search for “Request Withdrawal.”
    3. Select the withdrawal option.
    4. Enter the standard start date for the semester you plan to leave.
      (Fall: 08/26, Winter: 12/26, Spring: 04/26)
    5. Select:
      • Mission (No Previous Coursework), or
      • Mission (With Previous Coursework)
    6. Click OK.
    7. In the comment box, enter the semester you expect to return. Refer to the Academic Dates & Deadlines calendar.
    8. Review your information, check the confirmation box, and click Submit Request.

    Your request will then be reviewed and processed.

Here you’ll find important and detailed information designed to help you prepare for your mission and stay fully informed about the steps you will need to take when you return to BYU–Hawaii.

This page brings together essential requirements, timelines, and resources so you can understand what is expected before you leave, stay organized while you are away, and be aware of the processes that will guide your return to campus.

  • Update Your Mission Deferment

    If your plans change, update your mission deferment information to reflect your expected return semester or release date. Keeping your information current will help ensure accurate planning for your return.

    • Domestic students should contact the Office of the Registrar at Brigham Young University–Hawaii for assistance with updating deferment details.
    • International students should contact the Admissions Office to update their information and receive guidance on next steps.

    Scholarships and Financial Aid

    Returning students may be considered for financial support based on eligibility. Be sure to review available options early and apply by the appropriate deadlines.

    • Domestic Students:
      Students are encouraged to apply for the Hukilau Scholarship and complete the FAFSA to be considered for need-based financial aid.
    • International Students:
      Students should consider applying for the IWORK Program, which provides need-based assistance combined with on-campus employment opportunities.
    • Additional Opportunities:
      Students may also explore External Scholarships and the Returned Missionary Scholarship. Eligibility for the Returned Missionary Scholarship requires approval from the student’s mission president.

    Check Your BYU–Hawaii Email

    Your BYU–Hawaii email is the university’s primary method of communication. Important updates, deadlines, and instructions will be sent to this account. Check your email regularly to stay informed.

  • Honor Code Commitment

    All returning students must reaffirm their commitment to the Church Educational System (CES) Honor Code, which reflects standards of integrity, honesty, and appropriate conduct in both academic and campus settings.

    Ecclesiastical Endorsement

    An active Ecclesiastical Endorsement is required to register for classes. If your endorsement has expired, you will need to renew it through your bishop and stake presidency or appropriate ecclesiastical leader.

    Renew Your Endorsement

    Register for Classes

    Students register for courses through the Workday Student system during their assigned priority registration period. It is recommended to meet with an academic advisor and review your degree plan before registering.

    Register for Classes

    Language Challenge Exams (If Applicable)

    If you served a foreign-language mission, you may be eligible to earn credit through a language challenge exam.

    More Information

    Housing

    All single undergraduate students must live in approved housing options, including on-campus housing, BYU–Hawaii contracted housing, or qualifying family housing. Housing should be arranged early. Contact the Housing office for more information.

    Apply for On-Campus Housing

    Student Employment

    On-campus employment opportunities are available and provide valuable experience. Hiring requirements, including identity verification, must be completed before starting work. Contact Student Employment for more information.

    External Job Board

    Contact Information Updates

    Keep your contact information updated in the BYU–Hawaii system to ensure you receive important university communications.

    Health Requirements

    Students who have served outside the U.S. for extended periods may be required to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test before starting classes. See Medical Requirements and Exemptions for more information.

    Academic Dates and Deadlines

    Be sure to stay aware of important academic deadlines each semester, including registration periods, tuition payment deadlines, and add/drop dates. Missing key dates may result in registration holds or changes to your class schedule. Students are encouraged to regularly review the academic calendar and plan ahead for each semester. See Academic Dates to Remember page.

    Student Health Insurance

    Students who are registered full-time at BYU–Hawaii are required to maintain health insurance coverage. Students are automatically enrolled in the Student Medical Benefit unless they submit a waiver with proof of qualifying coverage by the deadline.

    Students are expected to use the BYU–Hawaii Health Center first for care when possible. Domestic students with qualifying insurance may opt out by submitting a waiver and required documentation.

    For more information, see Student Medical Benefit page.

    Stay Connected

    Stay updated on important announcements, deadlines, and student resources by following official BYU–Hawaii communication channels and checking your school-provided email.

    BYU–Hawaii ID Card

    Your BYU–Hawaii ID card is required for access to campus services such as housing, dining, and other facilities at Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

    ID photos are taken upon arrival on campus at the ID Desk Office, or students may request to upload a personal photo that meets the official photo standards provided by the ID Desk Office.