Resuming Studies at World Campus

If you have previously been enrolled as a degree-seeking Penn State student or are a Penn State graduate, you may be able to use your prior credit to complete or begin a new undergraduate degree. The admissions process for resuming studies as a Penn State student is called either re-enrollment or reinstatement.

Undergraduate Re-enrollment and Reinstatement: Which is Best for You? 

If you are a returning Penn State student, you may submit either a re-enrollment or a reinstatement request. The following can help you decide which type of admissions process is right for you:

Students who qualify for re-enrollment:

• have a 2.00 or higher cumulative GPA as of their most recent semester at Penn State
• meet the admissions requirements of their intended degree program
• are in good disciplinary standing with the University

Students who qualify for reinstatement:

• have below a 2.00 cumulative GPA; were dropped for poor academic performance; or have nondegree conditional status as of their most recent semester at Penn State
• otherwise meet the admissions requirements for their intended degree
• are in good disciplinary standing with the University
• have been away from Penn State for four or more years

For students considering reinstatement, academic renewal is frequently an option. To qualify, returning students must not have taken any Penn State courses in the last four years. Academic renewal allows a returning student to retain any Penn State courses with a C or higher letter grade, and to start a new GPA.

How can I request re-enrollment, reinstatement, and academic renewal?

To request re-enrollment, reinstatement, or academic renewal, you will need to submit your completed request (official form) at least one month prior to the semester in which you wish to return. To begin:

1. Email World Campus Advising the following information: first name, last name, telephone number, date of birth, last semester attended, intended degree program, and Penn State ID (if known). A World Campus adviser will contact you.
2. Once you know which process is right for you, complete the appropriate form:
   Re-enrollment form (online form)
   Reinstatement form (online form)
   Academic Renewal (PDF—print this form out)

Once the University and academic college review your request, you will be notified of their decision by post mail. All students approved for a World Campus undergraduate degree will be assigned a World Campus adviser who will contact you within two weeks of the approval.

Returning graduate students

If you wish to resume your graduate studies, or wish to change your graduate degree or major, please complete the Graduate School’s Resume Study/Change of Graduate Degree or Major form and submit it to Graduate Enrollment Services (GES) for processing. GES will review your academic record and, if acceptable, will forward your request to the intended program of study for final consideration and review. Please contact your intended program of study to determine if additional information and/or application materials are required in order for the program to make an admission decision. Students seeking admission into a certificate program must complete the Graduate School’s online certificate application. Please refer to the How to Apply page for admissions requirements for the certificate program of your choice.