If you are unable to complete the semester, you may choose to withdraw from the University.

  • Students may withdraw at any time during the semester including the last day of classes.
  • Withdrawals are effective the date the form is received by the Registrar's office.
  • Withdrawal will delay normal degree progress, and may have financial implications.
  • Undergraduate students should contact their academic advisers to discuss alternatives.
  • Withdrawal will terminate enrollment in credit courses for current and future semesters except in the case of "summer-only" withdrawal.
  • Withdrawal results in a "W" symbol recorded as the course grade(s) on your transcript.
  • If a course was completed before a withdrawal was processed, a grade or appropriate symbol is recorded.

Reasons for Withdrawing

  • Poor academic performance
  • Financial issues
  • Family/personal issues
  • Transfer to another college
  • Active military duty
  • Health problems

If applicable, contact offices on campus concerning your withdrawal:

  • Housing and/or meal plan contract: Port-Sky Café office
  • Financial Aid: W113 Smith Building
  • Tuition: W111 Smith Building - tuition adjustment policy may apply based on the withdrawal date

International Students

You may need to return to your home country immediately upon withdrawal from the University. Meet with the Coordinator of International Student Services in 103 Slep Student Center

Overview of the Withdrawal Process

More information available on the Penn State Altoona Registrar site.

Fall and Spring Withdrawal

  1. The student submits the withdrawal form and completed a checklist to the Penn State Altoona Registrar's Office in 130 Smith Building. A copy of both forms will be given to the student to share with parents and family and/or to retain for their own record.
  2. Penn State Altoona Registrar’s Office submits the completed form to UP for final processing
  3. All current semester courses will be noted as withdrawn (W) on the student’s transcript
  4. All future semester courses will be canceled from the student’s record
  5. Once a withdrawal is processed, a student must file either a Re-Enrollment Form ($20 charge) or a Non-Degree Enrollment Form (depending on their academic status at the time of withdrawal) to return to Penn State.

Summer Withdrawal

  1. Student submits a withdrawal form to the Penn State Altoona’s Registrar’s Office
  2. Penn State Altoona Registrar’s Office submits the completed form to UP for final processing
  3. All current semester courses will be noted as withdrawn (W) on the student’s transcript
  4. All Fall Semester courses will remain on the student’s record
  5. The student remains in inactive status in LionPATH; It is not necessary to file a re-enrollment or a non-degree enrollment form for the Fall Semester

Returning to Penn State

Once a withdrawal is processed, a student must file either a re-enrollment form or a non-degree enrollment form (depending on your academic status at the time of withdrawal) to return to Penn State.

Next: Alternative Grading