Drops and Withdrawals

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• Dropping Courses
• Late Dropping a Course
• Withdrawing from Penn State

Dropping Courses

Registration is a continuous process at Penn State. While exceptional circumstances may necessitate the need to process schedule changes after classes begin, students are encouraged to finalize all schedule changes prior to the first day of the semester. Once the semester begins, the process of changing the student's course schedule is referred to as dropping/adding courses (policy 34-89). There are financial issues to consider when dropping courses. Before making any registration changes, consult with your academic adviser.

Dropping a Course During Regular Drop/Add Period

The drop/add period is the period of time at the start of each course when dropping and adding a course can be made without penalty. Dropping and adding a course during this time means that:

• Length of drop/add period is ten days during fall/spring full-semester courses and is a calculated proportional length for all other courses (see eLion "Course Drop Dates" application)
• No signature(s) required
• No fee

1. On eLion using the "Drop/Add" application
   • To drop a course:
     • Click to choose the schedule number of the course that you want to drop
     • Click on Adjust registration.
       • If the course is not dropped from your schedule, an error or warning message will appear.
   • To drop and add courses at the same time
     • Click to choose the schedule number of the course that you want to drop
     • Type the schedule number of the course you want to add in the Schedule No box
     • Click on Adjust registration.
       • If the courses could not be dropped and added simultaneously, an error or warning message will appear. Try scheduling it anyway by entering its six-digit schedule number on eLion; it may have a space.
       • If, according to eLion, the course you are trying to schedule is actually full, try reentering the schedule number again later. If that section or other sections of the same course have spaces, eLion will identify alternate sections for you.
       • Be persistent; someone may drop the course.
2. In person using a Registration Drop/Add Form. Submit the form to the department offering the course, the advising center, or the Registrar's office.

See also: Refund Policy, Tuition Adjustment Policy

Late Dropping a Course

Students dropping a course after the regular drop/add period and before the end of late drop date (policy 34-89) can drop a course with certain restrictions and requirements. They are:

• No signature(s) required
• $6 fee for each transaction
• Courses are recorded on the student record
• Late drop credit limitations during academic career:
  • baccalaureate degree — 16 credits
  • associate degree — 10 credits
  • nondegree — 10 credits

1. On eLion using the "Late Course Drop" application
2. In person using a Registration Drop/Add Form. Submit the form to the World Campus office.

See also: Refund Policy, Tuition Adjustment Policy

Withdrawing from Penn State

If you are unable to complete the semester, you may choose to withdraw from the University (policy 48-20, 56-30).

• 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.
• Contact your academic adviser to discuss alternatives.
• 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.

1. Undergraduate, provisional, and nondegree students initiate a withdrawal through eLion by selecting "Withdrawal" or completing a Withdrawal Form which requires you to obtain the signature of your college dean.
2. Graduate students must initiate a withdrawal through the Graduate Enrollment office at their campus.
3. You will need to apply for re-enrollment to the university if you choose to return.

Students enrolled in the categories identified below should contact a representative from that office to discuss the impact withdrawal will have.

• Student Aid recipients — please call 814-865-6301
• Veterans benefits recipients — please call 814-863-0465

Military Withdrawal

Students called to active duty during a semester or session should initiate a military withdrawal (policy J1).

• Will not be charged tuition for the semester of withdrawal
• Eligible for "military re-enrollment" to the University, assuring the student access to the same major and location as was assigned at the time of withdrawal
• Re-enrollment fee waived
• Office of Student Aid and the Bursar's office will be notified

1. Present a copy of military orders to the Registrar's office, 114 Shields Building.
2. If timing does not permit a student to present their military orders prior to leaving campus, the student may withdraw by sending a signed written request for a military withdrawal along with a copy of their military orders to the Registrar's office by mail or fax.