Absence Overview (LOA & RLOA)
Students take time away from their studies for a wide variety of reasons including:
- pursue career-related opportunities
- manage a medical concern
- fulfill a family obligation
- complete military service
- take a break
- work on a political campaign
While interrupting your studies to take time away may seem intimidating, a leave is a means to the successful completion of a degree, not a barrier to graduating. Taking a leave of absence is far more common than most students believe with 5% of the class that graduated in 2013 (125 of 2,521 traditional undergraduates) having taken a leave of at least one semester. Almost all students who take a leave of absence return and complete their degrees.
If you are considering a leave, take time to think carefully about your goals for your time away and for when you return. Speaking with an academic advisor is an important first step. Depending on your circumstances you should get advice from other sources as well. Students taking time away in order to manage a medical condition should discuss the leave with their healthcare provider. Your school advising office will help you connect with other campus resources as you prepare to take a leave of absence, such as Student Financial Services, Housing, and International Student and Scholar Services.
Students typically take a leave for a full academic year. Entering first year students requesting a leave of absence, if approved, must take a leave for a full academic year. Individual circumstances may require more or less time; the length of the leave is determined by the school. Students on leave should remain in contact with their advisor and update them about changes in plans. The return from leave process supports students in a successful re-entry to academic life at Penn. When preparing to return, students must consult their school advising office to develop a plan that includes connection with appropriate resources.
General questions or concerns regarding Engineering Leave of Absence (LOA) or Return from Leave of Absence (RLOA) policies and procedures should be directed to Office of Academic Services (OAS), Student Affairs via studentaffairs@seas.upenn.edu.