2011 2012 Non-Degree Credit and Audit Programs GRADUATE STUDENT-AT-LARGE & RETURNING SCHOLAR 1
The professors are worldclass, thorough, and engaging. Maria Ahmann Roberts Graduate Student-at-Large 2
Graduate Student-at-Large 2011 2012 Non-Degree Credit Program GSAL/RS Programs The Graduate Student-at-Large (GSAL) and Returning Scholar (RS) programs offer unique opportunities for you to join the University of Chicago community without seeking a degree. The University of Chicago is a premier research and teaching university, fostering path-breaking research in the sciences, economics, law, and the humanities. The university lays claim to 85 Nobel Prize winners, including eight current faculty members, and 48 Rhodes Scholars, as well as recent Pulitzer Prize winners and Guggenheim Fellows. University of Chicago faculty and alumni have been responsible for research leading to the discovery of the structure of DNA, black holes, the first controlled nuclear chain reaction, and the earliest dinosaurs to walk the earth. The University of Chicago s prestigious Sociology Department, the first in the United States, gave rise to the Chicago School, which established the field of urban sociology in the 1920s and 30s. The Chicago School of Economics forged groundbreaking free market theories and the Economics department ranks among the leading departments in the world. The University of Chicago is home to one of the world s greatest intellectual communities. The Graham School at the University of Chicago offers access to this community to qualified applicants through the Graduate Student-at-Large and Returning Scholar programs. Are you in the business world? Take day, evening, or weekend courses at the Chicago Booth School of Business, known for its Nobel Prize-winning faculty. GSAL students who matriculate to the Chicago Booth School of Business are able to transfer up to three courses for credit to their MBA program. The GSAL and RS programs allow you to expand your professional credentials while gaining knowledge you can apply in your organization. Because these courses earn credit, and can be applied to a degree, many organizations will allow their employees to pay for GSAL courses through employer tuition-benefit programs; please check with your employer for details. Are you planning to pursue a graduate degree? Take graduate or undergraduate courses at a world-class university with globallyrecognized faculty. Are you a civic or government leader? Take courses at the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, the Law School, the School of Social Service Administration, or the Committee on International Relations. Become a better decision-maker, broaden your perspectives, and sharpen existing skills through advanced studies. Are you looking to broaden or deepen your knowledge? Learn from many of the best and brightest minds in the world. Participate in the University of Chicago s vibrant intellectual environment. Are you interested in building science credits for medical school? Take undergraduate science courses to fill gaps in your requirements. Choose from graduate and undergraduate courses in more than 75 academic programs.* Take up to three courses a quarter. Explore the academic and professional possibilities that the University of Chicago offers they are virtually endless. *Please see page 4 for a selected list of University departments and committees. 1
Graduate Student-at-LarGe 2011 2012 non-degree Credit ProGram The Graduate Student-at-Large program allows you to take courses for grades and credit throughout the University. The GSAL program is an ideal way to define your academic focus, to preview graduate school, and to build a transferable record of study. You will also get to know professors and fellow students, and will experience what it means to be a part of the University of Chicago community. Could you benefit from the Graduate Student-at-Large program? Define your focus for graduate study Develop a transferable record of study Build professional relationships with University of Chicago faculty Strengthen your candidacy for graduate degree programs Over 90% of GSAL students intend to apply to graduate degree programs in the sciences, business, the social sciences, or the humanities. In increasingly competitive academic and business environments, GSAL students are taking courses at the University of Chicago in order to strengthen their applications at top-tier institutions and build transferable records of study. GSAL students have access to courses at: The Chicago Booth School of Business The Law School The Harris School of Public Policy Studies The School of Social Service Administration The Divinity School The Biological Sciences Division The Physical Sciences Division The Social Sciences Division The Humanities Division The College International Students International students are strongly encouraged to apply to the Graduate Studentat-Large program. The flexible nature of GSAL makes it particularly suited to the needs of international students who may have limited experience with higher education in the United States. Through GSAL, international students are able to gain exposure to academia, graduate disciplines, pedagogical methods, and faculty expectations in the U.S. GSAL is an ideal platform for eventual applications to U.S. graduate degree programs. For international students who enter the GSAL program in Autumn Quarter, the University of Chicago s Office of International Affairs hosts an annual comprehensive orientation for all international graduate and professional students. Transfer Credits Graduate Students-at-Large are encouraged to apply to degree programs at the University of Chicago and, if accepted, may be able to transfer up to three courses taken through GSAL to the program into which they matriculate. Transfer credit policies vary across departments. Interested students should consult with GSAL staff for accurate and current information. 2
Flexibility The University of Chicago operates on a quarterly academic calendar, with most degree programs starting in the Autumn Quarter. However, the GSAL program offers quarterly admissions, which means that students accepted to this program may begin taking classes in any quarter: autumn, winter, spring, or summer. GSAL students can also choose the length of time for their studies, from one quarter to three or more. There is no program limit for length of study. Requirements Due to visa regulations, international students who require a visa to study in the U.S. are only eligible to apply for the GSAL program, not RS. International students applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to enroll in 300 units (typically three courses) per quarter. Students must also demonstrate English proficiency through a satisfactory TOEFL (104) or IELTS (7) score, or by having studied in an English-language curriculum for at least one academic year. All applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and provide an official copy of their undergraduate transcripts. All documents must be accompanied by an English translation. Application Deadlines International application deadlines for GSAL are earlier each quarter than for domestic applications. International application deadlines can be found in the table under Courses and Registration as well as at: grahamschool.uchicago.edu/general/student-resources/documents/ GSALIntInfo.pdf. For more information visit: grahamschool.uchicago.edu/student-resources/international. returning SChoLar 2011 2012 non-degree audit ProGram The Returning Scholar (RS) Program enables you to audit graduate or undergraduate courses throughout the University. Students choose to enroll in university courses as Returning Scholars in order to hone language or math skills, sample new areas of interest, and more while experiencing world-class faculty in a classroom setting. As auditors, students in the Returning Scholar Program are entitled to official University of Chicago transcripts, although their courses will not be taken for grades or credit. Could you benefit from the Returning Scholar program? Develop knowledge and skill bases without the pressure of grades Explore new fields and professions Renew your intellectual engagement 3
areas of Study The University of Chicago offers advanced academic and professional degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Students registered through either the Graduate Student-at-Large or Returning Scholar programs may elect to study within the following departments at the University. Students are encouraged to develop a strategy for reaching their educational goals in consultation with the GSAL/RS staff. Schools, Departments, and Committees Professional Schools Divinity School Chicago Booth School of Business Harris School of Public Policy Studies Biological Sciences Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Cancer Biology Cell Physiology Computational Neuroscience Developmental Biology Ecology and Evolution Evolutionary Biology Genetics Health Studies Humanities Ancient Mediterranean World Art History Cinema and Media Studies Classical Languages and Literature Comparative Literature Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science East Asian Languages and Civilizations English Language and Literature Gender Studies Germanic Studies Jewish Studies Latin American Studies Physical Sciences Astronomy and Astrophysics Chemistry Computer Science Financial Mathematics Social Sciences Anthropology Economics Environmental Studies Geographical Studies History Human Development Law School School of Social Service Administration Immunology Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology Neurobiology Neurology Organismal Biology and Anatomy Pathology Psychiatry Virology Linguistics Middle Eastern Studies Music Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations New Testament and Early Christian Literature Philosophy Romance Languages and Literatures Slavic Languages and Literatures South Asian Languages and Civilizations Visual Arts Geophysical Sciences Mathematics Physics Statistics International Relations Political Science Psychology Social Thought Sociology 4
ProGram PoLiCieS GSAL/RS Program Policies Please visit grahamschool.uchicago.edu/gsal/current-students.php#policies for up-to-date details about policies regarding student status, registration eligibility, and transferring GSAL credit toward your degree. Student Status and Registration Eligibility Typically, GSAL students register for one to two courses per quarter. International students and domestic students with the director s permission may register for three courses. Students must maintain a grade average consistent with expectations for students in their school or department in order to remain eligible to register for courses. A student who receives a failing grade in any course, or two grades of C or lower, may not continue in the program. Student Privileges Registered students are afforded many of the privileges extended to degreeseeking graduate students. These privileges include: Full access to the new Gerald Ratner Athletics Center. Access to the University s server, including all online student services. Access to the Student Counseling and Resource Service and the Student Care Center. Full access to borrowing privileges at campus libraries, including all online student services. Campus Libraries D Angelo Law Library: law Eckhart Library: mathematics, statistics, computer science Joe and Rika Mansueto Library: archived collections John Crerar Library: science, medicine, technology Joseph Regenstein Library: humanities, social sciences, business Social Service Administration Library: social welfare, social work William Rainey Harper Memorial Library: collaborative study space Yerkes Observatory Library: astronomy, astrophysics Guidance Admitted GSAL and RS students should contact the GSAL/RS program director directly with concerns or questions. In some cases, students may be advised to seek guidance from the Graham School Dean of Students or departmental advisors. 5
Tuition and Fees GSAL $2515 RS $1685 GSAL Business $5266 RS Business $3375 All registered students are charged a one-time Lifetime Transcript Fee of $45. This fee entitles them to order unlimited official University of Chicago transcripts. Except for GSAL students taking courses exclusively at Chicago Booth School of Business, registered GSAL and RS students are assessed a student life fee. This fee for the 2011-12 academic year is $310. They are also required to have adequate medical insurance and must report this information to the university. How to Apply Apply online at grahamschool.uchicago.edu/gsal. New students are admitted four times per year for Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters. To apply, applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate bachelor s degree or equivalent and submit the following: online application candidate statement official academic transcripts for all undergraduate and/or graduate courses taken current resume proof of undergraduate degree or equivalent $55 application fee English language proficiency scores for certain international applicants, see grahamschool.uchicago.edu/general/student-resources/documents/ GSALIntInfo.pdf. Official transcripts are required from every college or university you have attended (even if a degree was not granted) including bachelors, masters, doctorates, and/or professional degrees. If your graduation will occur after the application deadline but before the start of the quarter for which you are applying, you are responsible for submitting an updated transcript after the degree is conferred. Students who have taken courses at the University of Chicago in the past must submit transcripts reflecting that work. Transcripts must arrive in original, unopened envelopes. If your previous institution(s) make available official electronic transcripts, please have them sent to GSGSAdmissions@uchicago.edu. Undergraduate degrees from foreign universities or colleges must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor s degree. The University will evaluate only English translations of documents. Once the application and all supporting materials have been reviewed, applicants will be contacted for an interview. International applicants who are not in the U.S. will be given the option of conducting their interview via Skype. Applicants who wish to take courses at the Chicago Booth School of Business will be required to attend a registration orientation. Visit grahamschool.uchicago.edu/gsal/prospective-students.php for more information. 6
additional information Courses and Registration Students can find available courses in the Time Schedules. This is an online publication that lists every graduate and undergraduate course offered in a given quarter. You can access the Time Schedules at registrar.uchicago.edu. Students interested in taking courses at the Booth School of Business can find available courses at programs.chicagobooth.edu/curriculum. Faculty members and departments reserve the right to deny GSAL and RS students admission to their courses. Overcrowding and other circumstances may lead to such a decision. There are also a few University of Chicago programs that do not allow non-degree students to register for their courses. These include the Master of Liberal Arts, the Master of Science in Threat and Response Managment, and the Urban Teacher Education Program. Registration is online and procedures vary between the University and the Chicago Booth School of Business. Admitted students will receive individual guidance regarding registration. 7
university CaLendar and application deadlines for 2011 2012 (SubjeCt to ChanGe) Autumn Quarter 2011 July 8 2011 Business Application Deadline for International Students July 29 2011 General Application Deadline for International Students August 8 2011 Business Application Deadline September 1 2011 General Application Deadline September 23 2011 Quarter Begins for Business School September 26 2011 Quarter Begins for All Other Schools December 10 2011 Autumn Quarter Ends Winter Quarter 2012 November 3 2011 Application Deadline for International Students December 2 2011 General and Business Application Deadline January 3 2012 Quarter Begins for All Schools March 17 2012 Winter Quarter Ends Spring Quarter 2012 January 20 2012 Application Deadline for International Students February 21 2012 General and Business Application Deadline March 28 2012 Quarter Begins for All Schools June 9 2012 Spring Quarter Ends Summer Quarter 2012 April 13 2012 Application Deadline for International Students May 11 2012 General and Business Application Deadline June 17 2012 Quarter Begins for Business School June 18 2012 Quarter Begins for All Other Schools August 25 2012 Summer Quarter Ends Graduate-level business courses are available in Summer Quarter. University graduate course selection is extremely limited during the Summer Quarter. A limited range of undergraduate courses are available during summer. Please consult the University Time Schedules for a full list of offerings at timeschedules.uchicago.edu. Course Locations Graduate Student-at-Large and Returning Scholar courses are held in downtown Chicago or Hyde Park. The University of Chicago s downtown location is the Gleacher Center, located at 450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive, just east of Michigan Avenue, on the north side of the Chicago River. The University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park has multiple classroom locations. Please visit grahamschool.uchicago.edu/locations for maps and directions to either location. 8
ContaCt information Central Administration Daniel W. Shannon Dean Steven Laymon Associate Dean, Graduate Studies dshannon@uchicago.edu slaymon@uchicago.edu GSAL/RS Staff Directory Mary Daniels Associate Director Randi Rosenbluth Admissions Coordinator danielsm@uchicago.edu rrosenbluth@uchicago.edu Admissions phone: 773.702.1722 email: GSGSAdmissions@uchicago.edu website: grahamschool.uchicago.edu/gsal The University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies 1427 E. 60th Street Chicago, IL 60637 Policy Statement In keeping with its long-standing tradition and policies, the University of Chicago considers students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, and those seeking access to programs on the basis of individual merit. The University, therefore, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status, and does not discriminate against members of protected classes under the law. Persons who have been formally accepted into a Graham School program or have registered for a course who have a disability and believe that they may need assistance should contact Vanessa Georg at 773.834.0159 in advance of the first class meeting. Persons who have questions regarding the University s Policy Statement also may contact Vanessa Georg. The University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies reserves the right to refuse to retain any student in any program at any time. The content in this brochure is subject to change; please visit grahamschool.uchicago.edu/gsal for the most up-to-date information. 9
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