If I was not back by the time of the third semester, I would have to re-apply to the university. (On a side note, missionaries could defer enrollment for the duration of their mission.) It's possible that something similar is happening to Hoffman. Perhaps he's being asked to reapply because he's been gone too long to simply resume taking classes.

Maybe at this point in his life, an ecclesiastical endorsement isn't something he feels he needs or he doesn't want to recommit to the Honor Code. Or maybe he has unpaid parking tickets or he didn't leave in good academic standing.

There is so much more to this story that we just don't know. That it's tough to form an accurate opinion.