Academics
Enrollment
The College requires forty-two course credits to graduate. A full-time course load is comprised of either three or four courses. The academic year consists of Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarters. Most students do not register for courses in the summer, nor is it necessary to do so in order to graduate on time.
- Course Load
Many first-year students take three courses as they adjust to college life. Advisers help students assess the demands of specific courses and other competing demands of college life (e.g., athletic participation, graduate school applications, or a full-time job search) in choosing a course load. The forty-two courses required for graduation may be completed in four years by registering for three courses half of the time and for four courses the other half of the time.
Some students can complete graduation requirements in less than four years. Before making a decision about early graduation, families should weigh the apparent benefits of financial or other personal considerations against certain disadvantages. A three-year graduate seeking employment or applying to a graduate program may be at a competitive disadvantage when compared to a four-year graduate with greater maturity and additional academic experience.
- Part-Time Enrollment
For various reasons (e.g., illness, personal considerations, or being near to completion of graduation requirements), students sometimes register for just one or two classes a quarter. Before making a decision to enroll part time, students should consult their advisers. Part-time students lose financial aid and, in most cases, they may not live in College housing. Students must change to part-time status by the end of the first week of the quarter to receive a full tuition refund. Partial refunds of tuition will be made during the following two weeks, and no refund is made after the end of the third week.
- Leaves of Absence
Students occasionally take a leave of absence from the College. Perhaps they are not working effectively and need to reassess their goals. Or they want to use time away for academic work at another institution, for paid employment, or for travel. The College, recognizing that a leave can be constructive, supports students who make this decision. Most students return to the College to finish their degree.
- Withdrawing from the University
Students who withdraw from the University of Chicago to transfer elsewhere sometimes have a change of heart and decide to return. If they left in good standing, the College usually allows them to return to finish their degree, as long as they have not received a degree from another school.
- Resuming Studies
A student who wishes to resume studies should submit a request in writing to the Dean of Students in the College at least six weeks before the start of the quarter in which he or she wishes to return. The students should contact the Office of College Aid and the Office of Undergraduate Housing even further in advance of returning.
- Studying Abroad
The College sponsors a number of programs for study abroad in Austria, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain. In addition, students have access to outside programs in Botswana, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Tanzania. Although the third year is the most common time to study abroad, the second or fourth year is a better fit for some students. Students should discuss with their advisers the impact that study abroad will have on their degree programs.
- Summer Course Work
Students who take summer courses on campus rarely receive grant aid for tuition, however they may qualify for loan aid and/or the summer Federal Work/Study Program. Because the first year of college makes especially challenging demands on students, the College recommends that the summer following the first year be spent in a nonacademic activity. In advance of taking summer course work elsewhere, at any point during their four years, students must petition for tentative approval of transfer of credit, which is awarded subject to College guidelines.
- How can I obtain a letter verifying my student’s enrollment at the University for insurance purposes?
Students may request enrollment certification reports though the student online portal, cMore.
- Where can my student get a transcript?
Most students request transcripts through the student online portal, cMore. Students may also make transcript requests directly to the Registrar’s Office in person or via postal mail. Transcripts can be delivered via email or postal mail, or be picked up at the Registrar’s Office.
- Where can I access the academic calendar? When does the quarter start? When does the quarter end? When is graduation?
The academic calendar is planned years in advance. Quarter start and end dates, University holidays, and graduation dates may be viewed on the online calendar.
- Where should my student buy their textbooks?
Two options are available on campus, the University Bookstore operated by Barnes & Noble or the Seminary Co-Op. Additionally, students may purchase both new and used books online through a variety of on and off campus organizations and there are a number of bookstores in Hyde Park.
- Where can my student and I get more information on Convocation? When can my student graduate?
There is a Convocation ceremony for graduating students at the end of each quarter. Students must apply for their degree by Friday of the first week in the quarter in which they plan to graduate. They may graduate if they have applied for their degree, completed all degree requirements, and met all financial obligations by the stated deadlines. Students may only march in the ceremony in the quarter in which their degree is conferred.
In May, graduating students will be able to register for up to six tickets for family and friends for the Spring Convocation. More information regarding travel to Chicago will be mailed to parents at the beginning of the Spring quarter prior to graduation and can also be viewed on the parents website in the months preceding the ceremony. The schedule will highlight events designed for families to celebrate their student’s achievements. Please visit the University’s official Convocation website.
