Return from Leave of Absence | University of Pennsylvania

When a student wishes to return from a leave of absence, he or she must submit a request to return no less than six weeks prior to the start of the desired semester (July 15 for the fall semester, November 15 for the spring semester), or before the beginning of the relevant Advance Registration period, if the student wishes to advance register. This is done by contacting an advisor in the College Office and asking for the request to return from leave form.

Any return request submitted to the College later than the above-indicated deadlines may be denied by the College. Timely submission of requests and documentation is a condition of all leaves.

The standard length of a College leave of absence is one 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.

Conditions for Return from Leave

All conditions for return as specified in the original notification granting approval for the leave must be satisfied before the beginning of the term in which the student wishes to enroll. Students who have not satisfied all conditions of their return by the first day of classes may be denied return from leave, or, if they have been provisionally returned, may be placed back on leave until the following semester.

All students returning from a leave of absence will be required to meet with a College advisor to discuss their plan for re-integrating themselves in the academic community of the University. This discussion will include plans for completing the student’s degree program as well as the use of appropriate University support services.

Resolving Incompletes before Returning

Students with Incompletes will be required to resolve them and receive final grades for the courses in question before they may return from leave.

Return for Students on Financial Hold

Students who have been placed on financial hold by the Student Financial Services office must resolve these issues and have the hold cleared before the start of the term in which they wish to re-enroll.

Return from a Leave Due to Medical Circumstances

Students whose leave request indicated medical circumstances as at least part of the reason for that request will be required to present an appropriate physician’s current evaluation of the medical condition to the relevant health office (Counseling and Psychological Services and/or Student Health Services). The College, in consultation with these offices, will determine whether the results of the evaluation suffice to satisfy the conditions set forth in the original message granting approval for the leave.