Your Learning

Whichever degree program you pursue, you’ll have the support and the tools to succeed – and it’s not too early to start thinking now about what that experience will be like and what you can do to be ready on Day One.

Your Academic Advisor

As a Harris student, you will be assigned an academic advisor who is committed to helping you make the most out of your time as a graduate student.

Dedicated to Your Success

Your advisor will help you select classes and track your progress toward your degree.

In addition, your advisor can also assist with issues outside of the classroom. Advisors are trained to help you solve most of your day-to-day issues, like course registration questions, issues with your tuition bill, and referrals to other services and offices on campus.

It’s always best to contact your assigned academic advisor before reaching out to central University offices (like the Registrar or Bursar) as your advisor can help you manage that process and save time.

Watch Your Email

You'll receive an email in summer with the name and contact information for your academic advisor.

We recommend that as a new student, you have an introductory meeting with your advisor during Orientation. Shortly after your advisor is assigned to you, you will receive information about how to sign up for an appointment with your advisor.

Ongoing Meetings

We encourage you to meet with your advisor regularly during your time at Harris. Your advisors are knowledgeable about many of the courses at Harris, and they can work with you to formulate your academic path to success.

Online Orientation Modules

Our online orientation modules are designed to introduce you to all the information, resources, and systems you need to know to find success as a graduate student at Harris. Each module takes about  5 - 8 to read through and you can review them at your own pace, on your own schedule. The modules will be made available throughout the summer.

Registering for Classes

Your Class Schedule

We realize you are eager to start considering exactly which courses and sections will make up your class schedule for the Autumn term.

During your first two quarters at Harris you will be taking required courses in the Core. The description of your degree program includes a sample schedule that outlines when you’ll likely take your Core and degree-specific course courses. Look for the “Sample Schedule” and “curriculum” drop-downs on each of the pages.

You should plan to be available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for core courses and other co-curricular obligations, such as TA sessions and other class activities. Each Core course is offered several times, and some of the Core courses have the option of an advanced section.

Pre-Registration

Harris students can pre-register  for high-demand courses, including all Core courses, in advance of the University registration process. Pre-registration begins in early September. 

During pre-registration, you will rank up to 10 sections for each of your core courses. At the end of the pre-registration period you’ll be automatically registered for your courses based on your preferred selections and class availability.

You will complete pre-registration through your student portal (My.Uchicago). You can also make changes during the regular registration period that takes place during new student orientation.

Our Academic Calendar

Be sure to also check out the Academic Calendar to learn more about the start and end of each academic quarter and other key dates through out the academic year.

Academic Resources

You will have a multitude of resources available to help in your academic development and achievements.

Your Computer

We recommend that every student comes with their own device. Expected computing platforms MUST be capable of running the most recent operating systems. In general, minimum of 8GB memory, 256GB hard drive - although more memory and/or disk space is always a good idea.  Wireless network card should be 802.11ac to connect to the campus 5GHz network.. If you are planning to purchase a new computer, the University of Chicago’s TechStore offers a discount on a number of recommended Dell and Apple bundles. All students are entitled to install Office 365 on up to five devices - at no cost.  The University also offers a wide range of free or discounted software for students. 

Course Software

Canvas

Canvas is our learning management software. Most, but not all, classes will have a Canvas site. You'll be able to access the Canvas site for your classes through myUChicago portal.

Stata and R

There are two main software programs that you will use in your courses: Stata, a statistical software package, and R, a programming language. Many governmental organizations, consulting firms, NGOs, and start-ups use these programs for policy analysis.

You’ll be introduced to Stata and R during orientation and your introductory statistical courses. You will then use them regularly in other Core and degree-specific courses during your time at Harris.

Harris offers Stata and R support throughout the academic year through self study resources, tutoring, and direct instruction in Math Camp & Coding Lab for Public Policy.

Dataquest

Harris has partnered withDataquest, an online learning platform that provides interactive instruction in coding and data science. Incoming students will receive eight months of free, premium access to Dataquest. We encourage incoming students to teach themselves introductory skills in R prior to fall quarter. We recommend all incoming students complete the R Basics for Data Analysis Skill Path.