September & October 2026 Pre-Enrollment Checklist Items

See details below for:

  • Submitting proof of immunizations
  • Pre-registration
  • Taking the Core Course Waiver Exams
  • Orientation Welcome Week
  • Taking the mandatory Math exam
  • Reviewing your Autumn quarter bill
  • Starting the Autumn academic quarter
  • Electing or waiving University Student Health Insurance (U-SHIP)

September 2-4: Pre-Registration Period for Autumn courses 

All Students

You will be able to rank up to 10 class sections of core courses. At the end of the pre-registration period, you will be automatically registered for your desired courses and selections based on preferences and class availability.


September 7-11: Core Course Waiver Exams

All Master's Students (Except MACRM)

We will hold core course waiver exams in-person before the start of Autumn Quarter. Students interested in taking any of the core waiver exams should sign up to access the exam prep materials. The registration form will be available in early May.


September 21: Start of Orientation Welcome Week

Welcome Week is the culmination of your new student orientation experience and is comprised of a week of programs to ease your transition into graduate student life at Harris. The full schedule will be available in July but save the date for Welcome Week, taking place September 21-25!


September 22: Required Math Exam

All Master's Students (Except MACRM)

All incoming Harris master's students–with the exception of those in the MACRM program–will take this mandatory exam during Welcome Week. Make sure you're prepared!


September 28: Start of the Autumn Academic Quarter

All Students

Get ready to take the wheel and drive social change. See the Harris Academic Calendar for additional information about start and end dates for each quarter and other important dates.


October 2: Autumn Quarter Bill Due Date

All Students

Your tuition and associated fees are generally due prior to the start of class. See billing dates on the Bursar's website.


October 16: Deadline to Confirm/Waive Student Health Insurance

All Students

All registered students are required to have health insurance and must enroll in or waive the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP). If you have existing insurance coverage, you can waive out of U-SHIP by providing proof of alternate comparable coverage during the enrollment period. More information will be available during the summer.


October 23: Deadline for Submitting Proof of Immunization

All Students

The State of Illinois and the University of Chicago require all students to have proof of immunity and/or vaccinations for certain diseases/illnesses. You will receive information soon about immunization requirements and instruction for submitting documentation. In the meantime, you can learn more about the immunizations required for enrollment.