Registration Hold

A registration hold may be placed on a student's record that will prevent the student from registering until action has been taken to resolve the issue. If students are unable to register using Path@Penn, it is their responsibility to contact the College Office or other relevant office promptly to determine the cause of the problem and resolve it in a timely manner. Students may see what registration holds, if any, have been placed on their account by reading the messages on Path@Penn.

Any of the following circumstances may prevent a student from registering for courses:

  • A first-year student or a first-semester sophomore has not spoken with their pre-major advisor to discuss registration. The student should make an appointment to do so immediately.
  • A second-semester sophomore, a junior or a senior has not declared a major. The student should speak with their pre-major advisor and then make contact with the major department or program.
  • A student has a past due balance on their student billing account. Contact Student Financial Services.
  • A student may need to update their contact and emergency notification information in Path@Penn.
  • Student Health and Counseling does not have up-to-date insurance and immunization records.

Other Types of Registration Holds

  • Departmental hold: Certain departments require their majors to speak with a major advisor at points throughout their academic careers. The hold is removed by the department after the student has spoken with their major advisor.
  • Judicial hold: A judicial hold is the result of some judicial action or inquiry concerning the student. The student will be barred from registering until the hold is cleared and should contact the Center for Community Standards and Accountability for more information.