After two (2) consecutive semesters are completed, a student on F-1 status may request a semester break.
Students are able to take a full break or partial break.
Examples of full semester break: Break request for Fall and come back Spring semester
Example of partial semester break: Break request for Fall and come back Late Fall semester
Important Notes:
- Harrisburg University operates on a trimester schedule and full time enrollment is expected year round. You must be approved for a semester break by the International Student Office (ISO).
- A student may NOT be employed on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) while on a semester break.
- When a semester break is approved, CPT must cease as of the last day of classes of the semester before the break.
- A student on break is not required to leave the U.S.
- Students are permitted to travel outside the U.S. as long as they have a valid passport, visa, and active form I-20.
How to request a Semester Break:
Breaks requests need to be submitted no later than the last day of their current semester before the break. Students should submit a request for a semester break via their student portal in Terra Dotta or by clicking HERE.
Note: H-1B and All Non-F1 students
Students on H-1B or other valid Visas that are NOT F-1 status may request a break from their studies after completing the following steps:
1. Students will need to notify the ISO office that their status has changed from F1 to H1B or other type of visa that is not F-1 by providing a pdf copy of the I797A.
2. Once your record has been updated, you will need to contact the office of records and registration to request a break by submitting a ticket HERE
If you wish to take longer leave beyond a break, you may want to consider withdrawing from HU. When you want to return to HU to complete your studies, you will need to apply for readmission.
Please check out the Office of Records and Registration Student Support Portal for more information about the withdrawal and readmission processes.