Annual Progress Report

By the tenth week of the spring quarter, each doctoral student is required to submit a completed satisfactory progress report form, provided by the School, to the Ph.D. Program Director. From year two onward, this report should also designate the student’s faculty advisor. By the summer quarter of each year, a review of the doctoral student’s progress will take place. The DGS will discuss the student’s progress in coursework and in fulfilling the program’s requirements and make a recommendation to the Ph.D. committee whether the student should continue in the program. The review conducted after the student’s second year also will determine whether the student’s academic performance warrants continuation in the Ph.D. program. Based on the student’s grades in courses taken during the first two years and on performance on the qualifying examinations, the faculty will determine whether a student will be encouraged to proceed to the dissertation phase of the program. Students will be notified of the faculty’s decision, in writing, prior to the fall quarter of their third year.

Enrollment Limit

Harris PhD students who enter in autumn 2025 or later are limited to six years (23 quarters) of enrollment. This 23-quarter limit does not include any approved leaves of absence or pro forma registration.  Assuming a student enrolls continuously beginning in the autumn quarter of their first year, they will reach the enrollment time limit at the end of the spring quarter of their sixth year.

Harris PhD students who are enrolled for 21 quarters or more and continue to receive UChicago funding are required to fulfill the requirements of the 6th year funding policy.

Students should familiarize themselves with the University's policy regarding PhD registration limits.