Course Registration

Once you are admitted into the Returning Scholar program (RS), you will work closely with the Program Director and the GSAL admissions team to get enrolled in suitable courses of your choice. You may preview upcoming undergrad and graduate courses here. Students are admitted every academic quarter: Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer.

Rekindle your love for learning

Whether you wish to gain knowledge in a particular field of study, satisfy your lifelong love of learning, sharpen your edge in a singularly rigorous academic setting, or miss the challenges of an academic classroom, our Returning Scholars program allows you to build credentials without the pressure of grades or earning credit toward a degree. Students may enroll in undergraduate courses at the College and/or graduate courses in the Divisions of the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities, and at the graduate schools in Divinity, Public Policy, Social Work, Business, and Law, and Liberal and Professional Studies.

Maintain active status by registering for classes each quarter after admission to the program. Failing to do so will result in losing Student Life benefits. To renew status or for any restrictions or alerts on your account, please contact Program Director Esther Pandian-Riske. Ensure there are no holds on your account before registration that may impact to enroll in upcoming undergraduate and graduate courses. Prior to the registration period, use the online registration tools available at MyUChicago.

^{Please note: All GSAL students considering any MA or PhD program at the University of Chicago must consult with the Admissions/Program Directors of their intended graduate program to determine if any courses taken through GSAL can be transferred upon successful admission. GSAL courses do not automatically transfer into any MA or PhD program. Please note that no courses transfer into MAPSS.}

With instructor consent, GSAL students are able to add courses during the first three weeks of a academic quarter, although most classes are closed after the first week. Students are permitted to drop classes through Friday of the third week of the quarter.

• Weeks 1–3: Drop requests submitted by 4:30 pm Friday of third week will receive 100% tuition refund.
• Week 3: Classes may not be dropped after Friday at 4:30 pm.
• Week 4–10: Withdraw from courses. Must be done before the final exam. 
• Withdrawal Policies:
  • In some cases, withdrawal requests must be made earlier in the quarter. Please check with GSAL admission staff for specific divisional policy. 
  • A grade of W will be recorded on the transcript, and no tuition refund will be granted.
  • Students considering withdrawal should contact Program Director Esther Pandian-Riske.
• Class attendance: Non-attendance does not constitute dropping or withdrawing and may result in a failing grade.

• Academic Departments: Explore various departments and their offerings.
• College Catalog: Access detailed course descriptions and academic policies.
• University Academic Calendar: Stay updated on important academic dates and deadlines.
• University Time Schedules: View class schedules and availability.