If you are unable to complete the semester, you may choose to withdraw from the semester (policy 48-20, 56-30).
Keep in mind that:
- You may withdraw at any time during the semester, including the last day of classes.
- Withdrawal will delay normal degree progress, may affect academic programming, and may have financial implications. Read our tuition adjustment policy and refund policy for more information.
- Withdrawal will terminate enrollment in all resident instruction and continuing education courses for current and future semesters.
- Withdrawal results in a "W" symbol recorded on your transcript.
- If a course was completed before a withdrawal was processed, a grade or appropriate symbol is recorded.
- Reason for withdrawal will be stated in the special actions and notes section of the student's transcript.
- If you desire to withdraw from summer classes but retain your fall class schedule, you may not use the eLion "Withdrawal" application.
- You can always contact your academic adviser to discuss alternatives to withdrawing.
Withdrawal Process
- Undergraduate students initiate a withdrawal through eLion by selecting "Withdrawal" or completing a Withdrawal Form, and sending it via email to coursedrops@outreach.psu.edu or fax to 814-865-3290.
- Graduate students — please visit the Penn State Graduate School for the withdrawal process.
Re-enrollment
In order to become a Penn State student again, you will need to apply for re-enrollment to the University. If you're a nondegree or certificate student, you may qualify for an exception from the re-enrollment process. Contact the World Campus registrar if you have questions.
Implications on student aid and veterans benefits
If you are a student enrolled in one of the following categories, you should contact a representative from that office to discuss the impact your withdrawal will have:
- Student aid recipients — please call 814-865-6301
- Veterans benefits recipients — please call 814-863-0465
- Active duty benefits recipients — please call 814-863-8300
Military Withdrawal
If you're called to active duty during a semester or session, you should initiate a military withdrawal (policy J1). You will not be charged tuition for the semester of withdrawal, and you will be eligible for "military re-enrollment" to the University, which assures you access to the same major and location assigned at the time of withdrawal. There’s normally a re-enrollment fee, but this will be waived if you're re-enrolling after completing a military withdrawal.
Additionally, the Office of Student Aid and the Bursar's office will be notified automatically by the Registrar after they have processed your paperwork.
Eligibility
Students in basic training are not eligible for military withdrawal.
Military withdrawal process
Undergraduate students may withdraw by sending a signed written request for a military withdrawal along with a copy of your military orders to your academic adviser. Graduate students may withdraw by sending a signed written request for a military withdrawal along with a copy of your military orders to the World Campus registrar.