Advising, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

When does registration open?

Registration dates for each quarter can be found on the Important Dates calendar.

When do classes start?

Start dates for each quarter can be found on the Important Dates calendar.

I'm a newly admitted student. Where do I start?

Find next steps on the Welcome to Northwestern page.

How do I pay my undergraduate tuition deposit?

Prior to first-time enrollment, undergraduate students must make a 60% payment on their first quarter’s tuition or confirm they are receiving financial aid. Northwestern employees who are eligible for and utilizing employee tuition benefits must instead pay their first quarter's full tuition (10%) as their deposit. Steps:

1. Calculate your 60% payment for your first quarter’s tuition. SPS tuition rates may be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid page. If you are a Northwestern employee utilizing employee tuition benefits, calculate 10%. 
2. Make a payment in CAESAR. Find instructions in this guide. Once you have made your payment, you will receive an email confirmation.
3. Forward your payment confirmation email to confirm@northwestern.edu to have your registration released. Registration will be released in one to two business days.

If you are receiving financial aid, email confirm@northwestern.edu so that your eligibility can be confirmed with the Financial Aid Office. Financial aid questions may be directed to the Financial Aid Office. Questions about Northwestern employee benefits may be directed to the Northwestern Benefit’s Office. 

I am attempting to register for classes and am receiving the error, "You do not have active enrollment at this time." How can I register?

Email the SPS Registrar at onlinereg@northwestern.edu using your student email address and request a term activation.

How do I add a class after classes start?

Students are able to add courses in CAESAR until the end of the first week of classes. Find registration periods on the Important Dates calendar. If you receive an error message in CAESAR, you can add a course by submitting a Change of Registration form on the Forms and Documents page. If the registration period has ended, please contact your academic adviser.

After I register, can I switch a class with another class?

Yes, students may drop a course and then add a course. Students may drop/add courses in CAESAR until the end of the first week of the term (find registration periods on the Important Dates calendar). After the term begins, the system will not allow students to drop their last remaining course. To drop a course, students will also need to submit a Change of Registration form on the Forms and Documents page. Forms are processed within one to two business days. Students are responsible for verifying changes to enrollment in CAESAR. If the registration period has ended, please contact your academic adviser.

How do I drop a class?

Students are able to drop/add course(s) in CAESAR before the start of the term. After the term begins, students will also need to submit a Change of Registration Form on the Forms and Documents page. Forms are processed within one to two business days. Students are responsible for verifying changes to enrollment in CAESAR. Requests to drop a course must be submitted within the allowable drop period, which can be found on the Important Dates calendar.

I need to drop a class. When is the last day to get a full refund?

Please consult the Important Dates calendar and the refund schedule.

Do I need instructor permission to enroll in a course the first week of classes?

No, instructor permission is not needed for open courses. Registration remains open the first week of classes. Find the dates of the registration period on the Important Dates calendar.

It's the first week of classes. Why isn't my course showing up on Canvas?

Most faculty members will open the course 1-2 days before the term starts, while some wait until the first day of classes. It is entirely up to the faculty member when courses become available. If your course does not become available in Canvas by the first day of the quarter at 8:30 a.m. CT, reach out to your instructor or notify your academic adviser.

I registered during the first week of classes. When can I anticipate my class becoming available in Canvas?

Students who register once the course is already in session should allow 24 hours before their course will become available on their Canvas dashboard.

Can I take time off?

SPS students are allowed to take off two consecutive quarters while remaining an active student. Upon the third quarter of non-enrollment, students will be discontinued at the end of the registration period. See Continuous Enrollment Requirement in the General Registration Policies.

Can I defer my start date?

Students may defer their enrollment date for up to four quarters. Email the SPS Registrar at onlinereg@northwestern.edu using your student email address and request to defer.