PhD Registration Procedures

Academic Year

The University of Washington is on a quarter system. The academic year consists of autumn, winter and spring quarters. Each quarter is approximately 11 weeks long. The optional summer quarter is approximately 9 weeks. Dates for each quarter are available at www.washington.edu/students/reg/calendar.html.

UW Registration Policies

Registration Timeframes

The registration period typically begins mid-quarter (approximately, 7-10 weeks prior to the start of the next quarter). Refer to the UW Academic Calendar at www.washington.edu/students/reg/calendar.html .

Quarterly Course Offerings

To determine what courses are offered each quarter, refer to the course schedule on the iSchool website. This page also includes projected course schedules for future quarters. Please note that the schedule of course offerings is tentative and subject to change.

PhD Registration Procedures

  • INSC Courses: PhD have priority registration for INSC courses and are able to register for these classes without an add code. The exception is for classes that are considered “independent studies” such as the Practica Courses, INSC 599, 600 and 800. For these courses you need a faculty add code in order to register.
    • Practica Courses: INSC 565, 566, 575 and 576
    • INSC 599 (please note that you can only take a total of 15 INSC 599 credits toward your degree)
    • INSC 600 (please refer to information on the general exam)
    • INSC 800 – There is no form for this course. You enroll in this course once you pass your general exam and are focusing on your dissertation. Add codes are requested by emailing Student Services. Please note that you are required to take at least 27 credits of INSC 800 toward your degree. Also, once you reach 99 credits of INSC 800, due to limitations of the UW system, you can no longer register for INSC 800. At that point, please contact Wendie for assistance.

    • • LIS and IMT Courses: The priority for enrollment in these classes goes to the MLIS and MSIM students. PhD students can enroll in these courses on a space available basis beginning in registration period 2 (see the academic calendar links about for specific dates for registration period 2). You may register in the fulltime LIS courses through MyUW. To register in the online LIS and all IMT courses, requires an extra step. Due to the tuition structure of these programs, you will need to contact the adviser for the specific program to get assistance in registering. For MLIS courses contact Marie Potter (mardup@uw.edu). For MSIM classes contact Kathy Wong at (katwong@uw.edu).

    • Non-iSchool Courses: Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the PhD program, you are encouraged to look at courses outside of the iSchool curriculum. Only courses 400 level and above will count toward your degree. These electives should be selected in consultation with your academic advisor.

    To register for non-iSchool courses, you need to contact the department that offers the course and get the appropriate add code to enroll in the class.

Enrollment Status

  • Fulltime Enrollment: To be a fulltime student and be eligible for your funding, you need to enroll in a minimum of 10 credits.

  • Part-time Enrollment: You can enroll in as little as 1-credit and still be considered a student. Keep in mind that you will not be eligible for aid if you drop below 10-credits. Also keep in mind that the minimum tuition charge from the UW is 2-credits, so even if you enroll in only one credit, you will pay for two.

  • On Leave Status: If you do not plan to enroll in classes in fall, winter or spring quarter, you need to go on leave from the UW in order to maintain your student status. On Leave requests need to be made BEFORE the start of the quarter. More details are available at http://www.grad.washington.edu/policies/memoranda/memo09.shtml.

Registration Tips

  • Register prior to the first day of the quarter in order to avoid a Late Registration Fee.

  • You may add/drop classes through the 7th day of the quarter without incurring a fee or tuition forfeiture. After the 7th day, you are charged for adjustments to your schedule.

  • Since many of the PhD courses require you to submit documentation before you can register, you are strongly encouraged to plan a head in completing the necessary forms and securing the appropriate signatures in order to avoid late registration fees.