Undergraduate Residence Requirement
Undergraduate Residence Requirement
Review the complete policy statement in the Undergraduate Catalog 2010-11, page 17-18 (Pdf).
- A student entering as a freshman is required to be in residence for 12 quarters in a four-year degree program or 15 quarters in an approved dual bachelor's degree program involving two schools (See Undergraduate Catalog, Cross-School Options).
- A student entering as a freshman may gain exemption from up to three quarters of the required residency through any combination of AP credit, IB programs, approved study abroad, “credit by examination” at Northwestern, and a maximum of four transfer credits from other (domestic) colleges or universities. Each four such credits confer one-quarter exemption from the URR.
- A student entering as a transfer student will have his or her residence requirement determined at the time of transfer. In no case will the residence requirement be less than 6 quarters and 23 credits. Each four units of credit transferred will reduce the 12-quarter residence requirement by one quarter. A maximum of four AP credits may be applied toward the residency requirement.
Acceleration fees
A student who takes more than four credits in one quarter will be subject to an overload charge if these credits are used to accelerate graduation. (Acceleration occurs when the total quarters completed by the student, including any applicable exemptions, at graduation total less than 12 for a single-degree program or 15 in an approved dual bachelor's degree program involving two schools.)
URR Appeals
- Students may petition for a URR exception. The Residence Requirement Appeals Committee convenes on a regular basis to review petitions.Submit a written petition to your degree auditor in the Office of the Registrar.
- The petition must be specific and document any unusual or mitigating circumstances (i.e. illness, family hardship, etc.)
- Submit a letter of support from an academic adviser who is familiar with your situation.
Questions
Contact your adviser, or your degree auditor at the Office of the Registrar at 847-491-5234, for additional information, interpretation, or application of the URR.
