PhD Student Graduation Quarter No Registration Option

Doctoral candidates who defend and submit their approved dissertation by Friday of the first week of a quarter and apply to graduate in that quarter are not required to register as students in that quarter. At the request of the department/program, students meeting these requirements may hold the status of “no registration required in quarter of graduation.” Students in the “no registration” status:

  • Do not register for classes
  • Are ineligible for insurance (U-SHIP)*
  • Are not assessed the Student Services Fee
  • Do not receive funding from the University of Chicago

* The “no registration status” is U-SHIP ineligible. Students who had U-SHIP coverage for the previous six months, which includes PhD students, are eligible to apply for continuation coverage. Spring quarter graduates who were enrolled in Spring continue to have U-SHIP coverage through August 31 of that year.

International students considering this status must discuss their plans with the Office of International Affairs because their F-1 or J-1 record must be updated to reflect their earlier completion date. More information about finishing degree programs early is available on OIA’s website. International students should contact the PSD OIA adviser