Registration Information for PhD Students

Doctoral candidates are granted advanced standing for holding a master’s degree. GSAS credits candidates with two (2) “residence units” (RU) for advanced standing. Candidates should register for one (1) RU every fall and spring semester (but not during summer session). A total of six (6) RUs is required for the Ph.D. Hence, candidates should register for a residence unit exactly four (4) times, consecutively during the first four (4) semesters after being granted advanced standing. GSAS requires continuous registration every fall and spring semester (but not summers) unless a formal leave of absence is granted.

After completing six (6) RUs (including the two (2) granted for advanced standing), doctoral candidates should stop registering for RUs. Registration after that depends on funding and progress towards completion of degree requirements. There are two options: "Extended Residence" and "Matriculation and Facilities." GSAS requires continuous registration every fall and spring semester (but not summers) unless a formal leave of absence is granted.

Doctoral candidates appointed as a "student officers" must register for an "extended residence" (ER) unit every fall and spring semester. Some external fellowships and scholarships may also require ER registration. In addition, regardless of funding, candidates taking any classes or completing any other degree requirement (with the exceptions of the dissertation distribution, defense or deposit) during the semester, must register for an ER unit.