Prior to each academic quarter, students register online through CAESAR. While BIenen Graduate Services makes every effort to remind students of relevant registration dates, students are ultimately responsible for adhering to the registration dates and deadlines found on the Academic Calendar.
Graduate Course Load
Graduate students must be registered full-time (3 units or more) for each quarter of residency. Full-time registration ensures students remain in good academic standing and are eligible for financial aid, including scholarships. Students may register for up to 5 units without incurring additional tuition charges. Registration for more than 5 units must be approved by Bienen Graduate Services, and the student’s faculty advisor, and incurs additional tuition charges.
Permission Numbers and Courses
Some courses might require permission numbers to enroll. Students must contact the course instructor to obtain permission numbers. Other courses, such as independent studies and doctoral continuation, require registration through Bienen Graduate Services.
For information on independent studies, and to apply, please see the Petition for Independent Study form.
Registration Changes
Students are responsible for making any registration changes through CAESAR by the designated dates and deadlines found on the Academic Calendar. Students should review their registration carefully in CAESAR before the deadlines to ensure their courses are correct. Students who register incorrectly for courses, and do not drop any incorrect courses prior to the deadline, may receive a W (withdrawal) or F (fail) in those courses. The Registrar’s Office does not allow any retroactive registration changes.
Adding classes or changing class sections must be completed within the first week of the quarter, or by the deadline listed on the Academic Calendar.
Dropping Courses
Students are responsible for dropping courses and speaking with their advisor to understand the implications of dropping a course. Courses must be dropped through CAESAR before the deadlines found on the Academic Calendar. Students should contact Bienen Graduate Services prior to dropping any course after the first week of classes.
Withdrawals
Students are allowed to withdraw from Northwestern for reasons ranging from medical issues to professional opportunities.
Students who withdraw may return to the Bienen School of Music within one calendar year of the withdrawal date without having to re-audition or re-apply for admission, as long as the student withdrew in good academic standing. After returning from a withdrawal, students are not guaranteed applied study with their previous studio teacher.
Students who withdrawal for more than one calendar year must go through the full admissions process to resume their studies. The only exception is for students who withdrawal for mandatory military service or who have an approved medical withdraw through Student Assistance and Support Services. Students with approved withdraws for more than one calendar year must complete an interview with the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Graduate Services & Financial Aid to be considered for re-entry. In addition to the interview, applied lessons professors may require a performance audition, and Music Studies faculty may require an interview and portfolio of completed work.
Students who would like to withdraw for any reason should contact Bienen Graduate Services for assistance with the withdrawal process.