The Registration Process for Undergraduate Students

Use this page for helpful information about registration-related matters that are specific to SPS undergraduate students. 

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.
  • 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 will result in a “W” (withdrawal) grade will be 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.

Course Audit

  • Certain undergraduate courses may be audited. Students who audit do not receive a grade or credit. 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.
  • Forms are processed within one to two business days. Students are responsible for verifying changes to enrollment via their CAESAR account.

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.

Pass/No Pass

The pass/no credit (P/N) option is designed to encourage students to learn more about subjects outside their fields of study without endangering their academic standing. It is available to students admitted into a degree program who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students in certificate programs may not take courses P/N.

Cross-Registration/Day School

  • Only degree-seeking students who have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and have completed a minimum of 22 units (at least 4 units at SPS) are eligible to request registration in a days school course.
  • Students requesting a day school course, will need to submit a Day School Form approved by their Academic Adviser and a Student Affairs Petition for consideration.
  • Student can request a Day School Form from their Academic Adviser. If approved, students must then submit a Student Affairs Petition for review.

Readmission

Students who have stopped attending for more than one calendar year must submit an Application for Readmission.

Completing the Degree or Certificate

  • Degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates are conferred quarterly for students who have met all of their degree requirements or stated program courses. If certificate students have modified their courses, they will need to submit a Student Affairs Petition to formalize the new curriculum after speaking with their academic adviser.
  • Only undergraduate degree–seeking students who have met all of their degree requirements may graduate.
  • 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 as they are finishing their final course. Completion of the certificate will be designated on the SPS transcript and a physical certificate issued.

Helpful Resources

CAESAR Student Help

Access comprehensive CAESAR Help and Northwestern Financial Services information.

CAESAR HELP

Undergraduate Registration FAQ

Is there a deadline to Add/Drop a course?
Students may register for courses from the time registration opens until the add/drop deadline, around the end of the second week of classes. Please refer to Important Dates for specific registration deadlines.


When does late registration begin?
The late registration period begins approximately two to four weeks before the term starts — a late registration fee of $75 will be applied to the student's account for late registration. Exact dates of registration periods are found in Important Dates.


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. For specific information on refunds, contact Student Financial Services.


How do I enroll in a closed class?
Students must contact the instructor of the closed class for permission. If given permission, students must submit a Change of Registration Form and send instructor permission to the registrar's office at onlinereg@northwestern.edu.

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