Drop, Withdrawal, and Leave of Absence for Military Students

If you are deploying, participating in an extended training exercise, or making an unexpected change of duty station, you may change your enrollment to accommodate your military service obligation.

Graduate Students

Graduate students may request a short-term absence, extended absence, leave of absence, or a partially canceled schedule. Contact the Graduate School for more information.

Undergraduate Students

If your courses have already begun, you can reduce your course load using a military drop or cancel your enrollment in all of your courses using a military withdrawal.

You will not be charged tuition for dropped courses or for the semester of withdrawal. If you withdraw, you will be eligible to re-enroll to the University in the same major. Your adviser will work with you to review your degree requirements and schedule your courses when you return.

To request a military drop, submit the Military Registration Drop Form and upload a copy of your military orders.

To request a military withdrawal, complete these steps:

  • Complete a Military Withdrawal Form and upload a copy of your military orders.
  • If the timing or the situation does not permit you to provide your military orders at the time you withdraw, you should still submit the withdrawal form. When time allows, you can work with your adviser to provide your military orders. If the semester ends before you are able to provide your orders, you can work with your adviser to do a retroactive military withdrawal.

If your courses have not yet begun, you can request a Military Leave of Absence. This will allow you to return after your leave without applying for re-enrollment. To request a Military Leave of Absence, submit the Military Leave of Absence Form and upload a copy of your military orders.

For more information about military drop, withdrawal, and leave of absence, please visit the Penn State Office of the University Registrar website. If you have any questions about University policies and procedures, contact your academic adviser.