Students can use time off from school to explore potential future career directions, earn money or get experience at a job or internship, volunteer for an organization or cause they believe in, or engage in a variety of special programs. In general, students are advised against taking courses at another institution while out, since Penn will not grant credit for any such coursework. Advisors in the College Office stand ready to talk to students about their time off. The Career Services office can also help students think through the best way to use that time.
Leave of Absence Checklist: While Away from Penn
Conditions for Return
All conditions for return as specified in the original notification letter must be satisfied before August 1 for a fall return, December 1 for a spring return and May 1 for a summer return. Students who have not satisfied all conditions may be denied return.
Meeting with Advisor
All returning students will be required to meet with an advisor in the College Office 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 August 1 for a fall return, December 1 for a spring return and May 1 for a summer return.
Returning 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 August 1 for a fall return, December 1 for a spring return and May 1 for a summer return.
The College, in consultation with these offices, will determine whether the results of the evaluation satisfy the conditions set forth in the original notification letter.