Undergraduate Student Registration

Use this page for helpful information about registration-related matters that are specific to SPS undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students. Students should visit the SPS Academic Catalog to view all policies related to undergraduate registration.

Registration in CAESAR

Registration for all SPS courses is handled through CAESAR,  Northwestern University's registration system. Students can view the CAESAR Registration Tip Sheet for help registering in CAESAR.  All students must manage their own class registrations. Students should register for classes by the deadlines published in the SPS Academic Calendar.

 

Add/Drop

  • Undergraduate Students are able to drop/add course(s) via CAESAR before the start of the term. After the term begins, the system will not allow you to drop your last remaining course. Students will need to submit a Change of Registration Form to the SPS Registrar’s Office requesting assistance.
  • Change of registration forms are processed within one to two business days. Students are responsible for verifying changes to enrollment via their CAESAR account.

Withdrawals

  • All withdrawals after the drop deadline for a given quarter will result in a “W” (withdrawal) grade being posted to the student’s official transcript.
  • Students requesting to withdraw will need to submit a Change of Registration Form to the SPS Registrar's Office.
  • Forms are processed within one to two business days. Students are responsible for verifying changes to enrollment via their CAESAR account.

Auditing courses

  • Certain undergraduate courses may be audited. Students who audit do not receive a grade or credit for that course. Students are able to attend lectures and participate in discussions but do not submit any work to be graded.
  • Students requesting to audit a course will need to submit a Change of Registration form and select the "Audit" option on the form.

Independent Study

  • An Independent Study is a customized course of study undertaken by a single student under the guidance of an instructor. Denoted by the course number 399, independent studies are comparable in their demands to other undergraduate-level courses.
  • Students requesting an independent study course will need to submit an Independent Study Application that includes syllabus, reading list, assignments and grading basis.
  • Students should contact their academic adviser for guidance on the independent study approval process.

Completing the Degree or Certificate

  • Degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates are conferred quarterly for students who have met all of the degree requirements for their program.
  • Undergraduate degree–seekers should submit an Application for Bachelor's Degree to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline posted in the SPS Academic Calendar.
  • Post-baccalaureate students should submit a Program Completion Form to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline posted in the SPS Academic Calendar.
  • Completion of the degree or certificate will be designated on the student's SPS transcript. A physical diploma/certificate will be mailed to the student.

Registration FAQ

Where can I find the registration deadlines?

Students can visit the SPS undergraduate important dates page to view registration dates and deadlines.

When does the late registration period begin?

The late registration period begins approximately two weeks before the term starts. Undergraduate students who register after this deadline will have a late registration fee of $75 applied to their account. Students can add/drop classes after the late registration deadline, but a late fee will be applied if they did not register for the first time before the deadline. Exact dates of registration periods are listed on the Important Dates page.

I have a registration hold on my account. How do I remove it?

Students can log into CAESAR to view information about removing the holds on their account. In the tasks section, students can view information on removing their registration holds. All registration holds must be removed before you can register for classes. The SPS Registrar's Office is not able to register students if there is a registration hold on their account.

Will I receive a refund if I drop my course?

If a student drops a course before the add/drop deadline, they may be eligible for a refund. The Student Finance office maintains a withdrawal calculate which allows students to view their anticipated refund: https://www.northwestern.edu/sfs/payments/withdrawing-from-the-university/withdrawal-calculator.html.

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