Leave of Absence

Baccalaureate Degree, Associate Degree, and Medical Degree students:

The purpose of a leave of absence (policy 56-70) is to allow students to interrupt continuous enrollment (usually for not more than one year) without having to apply for re-enrollment and without changing conditions of their academic program.

  • The deadline for filing a Leave of Absence Form is the last working day prior to the first day of classes for the semester the leave will begin.
  • A leave of absence is not required for summer session.
  • You will be expected to return to the University according to the conditions of your approved leave.
  • If you return to school earlier or later than approved, you must make application for re-enrollment.
  • You may not enroll in any Penn State courses.
  • You may enroll in courses offered by another accredited institution.
  • Students receiving federal financial aid loans are considered to be in an "out of school status" and may use their loan repayment grace period and could possibly enter loan repayment. Borrowers should check first with their loan servicer.
  • Students on official leave of absence maintain access to their Penn State Access Account.

Process:

  1. Submit a Leave of Absence Form.

Doctorate Degree and Master's Degree students:

The purpose of graduate administrative policy GSAD-906 Graduate Student Leave of Absence is to define the conditions under which graduate students may request a Short-Term Absence, Extended Absence, or Leave of Absence [full semester(s)] from their program of study, and the process for resuming their studies.

  • The deadline for filing a Leave of Absence Form with Graduate Enrollment Services is the last working day prior to the first day of classes for the semester the leave will begin.
  • A leave of absence is not required for summer session.
  • You will be expected to return to the University according to the conditions of your approved leave.
  • You must notify your Graduate Program Head and adviser of intent to return at least 30 days prior to the date of return.
  • If you return to school earlier or later than approved, you must apply to resume study.
  • You may not enroll in any Penn State courses.
  • Students receiving federal financial aid loans are considered to be in an "out of school status" and may use their loan repayment grace period and could possibly enter loan repayment. Borrowers should check first with their loan servicer.
  • Students on official leave of absence maintain access to their Penn State Access Account.

Process:

  1. A Leave of Absence Form and supporting materials from Graduate Program Head (1. Reason for request; 2. Begin/end dates for Leave of Absence; 3. Written summary of remaining requirement for degree; 4. Statement indicating whether or not Graduate Program Head supports request and if not, why) are submitted to Graduate Enrollment Services at 114 Kern Graduate Building. (GSAD-906)

Military Leave of Absence

Information about Military Leave of Absence can be found on the Military Leave of Absence, Military Withdrawal and Military Drop page.