Requesting a Leave of Absence | University of Pennsylvania

Students must meet with an advisor in the College Office to discuss a leave request.
The student must submit a written request for leave of absence, detailing the reasons for the desired leave. Written parental approval is required for students under 17 years of age.
The leave request will be evaluated by the College. If the request is approved, the College will stipulate conditions that must be met by the student before returning from leave.
The student will be notified with the result of the leave request. The College may deny any request for leave. In granting leaves, the decision of the College is final.

Timing of Request

Students are encouraged to request a leave of absence before the beginning of the semester in question. Leaves requested after the beginning of the semester may be denied. If a student is granted a leave after the beginning of the semester in question, the normal drop and withdrawal deadlines apply.

Students who are granted a leave of absence after the first five weeks of the semester will receive the notation of W (withdrawal) after each course on their transcript. After the withdrawal period (10th week) a leave of absence will be granted only under extremely extenuating circumstances and with proper documentation.

Duration

The standard length of a College leave of absence is one full (calendar) year. Students may request an early return from leave after one full semester on leave, but should bear in mind that this request may be denied.

Students who remain on leave longer than two years and who do not respond to the University's attempts to contact them will be withdrawn from active status.