Academic Policies and Procedures
Graduate-Level
The visiting non-degree status was established so that qualified individuals with a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (and, typically, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher) might enroll in 1-2 graduate-level classes in the fall or spring semesters for their own benefit or, in some cases, to complete a few prerequisites for graduate-level programs to which they are applying. Some departments allow visiting non-degree students to enroll on a space-available basis, while others do not allow any visiting non-degree students to enroll in their courses. Students must secure advance, written permission to enroll in this status and for specific courses at the start of every semester. Prior approval to enroll in this status or for certain courses does not transfer to future semesters.
Undergraduate-Level
Individuals who wish to take a few courses (up to a lifetime maximum of 12 credit hours) to continue their education may request to register for select Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies classes as a visiting non-degree student. Students must secure advance, written permission to enroll in this status and for specific courses at the start of every semester. Prior approval to enroll in this status for certain courses does not transfer to future semesters.
Important: Permission to enroll in this status does not confer or imply admission to any degree program at Georgetown University, regardless of the grade(s) earned while taking classes on a visiting, non-degree basis. Students who have been denied admission to a degree program at the University should therefore not enroll in this status with the intention of re-applying to those programs at a later date. Likewise, students accepted provisionally or conditionally into degree programs - and given specific requirements to meet by those programs - should not attempt to subvert those requirements by enrolling on a visiting basis. Even if a student is later accepted into a Georgetown degree program, that student should keep in mind that credits earned in this status might not be allowed to transfer into that degree program. The decision to allow such credits would be subject to the policies, procedures, and review of the accepting department and School (such as the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; the McCourt School of Public Policy; or the School of Continuing Studies) at that time.
Please note: Visiting non-degree students are not entitled to visa support, full counseling services, financial aid, academic advising, or other services reserved for degree-seeking students at the University. Students with documented disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the Academic Resource Center in advance to request possible accommodations that might be available. If the Academic Resource Center recommends accommodations, its office will provide the student with an official letter to share with professors. Students are personally responsible for completing this process officially and in a timely manner. Neither accommodations nor exceptions to policies can be permitted to students who have not completed this process in advance.
Academic Standing, Dismissal, and Continued Registration
Graduate-Level
The minimum satisfactory grade for graduate courses is "B" (3.00). Given the academic rigor of these courses, we strongly recommend that students only enroll if they have (1) a cumulative, undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher and (2) solid grades of "B+" or higher in coursework from the field in which they hope to enroll. For example, a student with a cumulative GPA of 3.33 should not attempt chemistry or physics courses if s/he does not have strong grades of "B+" or higher in science courses. Similarly, a student without strong grades of "B+" in writing courses should not enroll in writing-intensive classes regardless of the cumulative GPA. Students who enroll in courses for which they do not have the appropriate skills and/or academic background accept full responsibility for completing the academic requirements of those courses.
Visiting graduate students are held to a high academic standard and are dismissed academically if they earn one grade of "F" or two grades of "C." Visiting students who earn grades of "B-" or lower - and who have not met the criteria for academic dismissal - should not expect to receive continued permission to enroll in classes in this status.
Undergraduate-Level
The minimum satisfactory grade for undergraduate courses is "C" (2.00). Given the academic rigor of these courses, we strongly recommend that students only enroll if they have (1) a high school and college (if applicable) GPA of 2.00 or higher and (2) solid grades of "B" or higher in coursework from the field in which they hope to enroll. For example, a student with a cumulative GPA of 2.33 should not attempt a writing-intensive class if s/he does not have strong grades of "B" or higher in English courses or other writing-heavy subjects. Students who enroll in courses for which they do not have the appropriate skills and/or academic background accept full responsibility for completing the academic requirements of those courses.
Visiting undergraduate students are held to a high academic standard and are dismissed academically if they earn one grade of "F" or two grades of "C-" or lower. Visiting students who earn grades of "C-" or lower - and who have not met the criteria for academic dismissal - should not expect to receive continued permission to enroll in classes in this status.
Drop/Withdrawal from a Class
Students are fully responsible for managing their enrollment and registration. Students who stop attending courses without officially dropping or withdrawing from them on their own receive failing grades in those courses. To drop or withdraw from a class as a visiting non-degree student within the drop/withdrawal periods, please email visitingndgd@georgetown.edu or log into MyAccess. Current deadlines for the add/drop period and for withdrawals from a class are listed on the Academic Calendar posted on the University Registrar's website.
After the add/drop period ends, students can only withdraw from a course by emailing the Visiting Non-Degree Program at visitingndgd@georgetown.edu or submitting a course withdrawal request via MyAccess.
- Log in to MyAccess.
- Go to schedule options.
- Select the current semester.
- Select the "Withdraw" option next to the course you intend to be withdrawn from.
- Select "Submit."
Your time-stamped request will be automatically sent to your advisor's queue for withdrawal approval and/or follow-up advising. Please contact the Registrar's Office at (202) 687-4020 or your advisor for any questions about this process.
Refunds, if applicable, are based on the date the form is submitted by the student to the Registrar. The School strictly adheres to the University's tuition refund deadlines and policies. Refunds are not authorized or recommended after these deadlines have passed. All refund requests are handled through the Office of Student Accounts. Additional information on tuition refunds can be found on the Student Accounts Policies and Procedures page.
Please note: Tuition will be charged on a sliding scale, and no additional refunds will be provided after these periods have ended. Failure on the student’s part to withdraw officially from a course will result in a grade of "F" in the course.
University Policies
In addition to the academic and administrative policies described above, some policies apply to all students attending the School and/or Georgetown University, including the Honor Code and Student Code of Conduct among others. To review these policies, please visit the Handbooks page.
Academic Regulations and Policies
The School of Continuing Studies requires students to adhere to all School and University regulations while completing their studies. The most up-to-date policy guidelines are found in the Academic Rules and Regulations handbook. Students should familiarize themselves with the rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to attendance at SCS and Georgetown University. Unawareness of these rules will not be accepted as an excuse for failure to act in accordance with them. Policy guidance can be found on the Student Handbooks page.
Disabilities Statement
If you believe you have a disability, then you should contact the Academic Resource Center at arc@georgetown.edu for further information. The Center is located in the Leavey Center, Suite 335. The Academic Resource Center is the campus office responsible for reviewing documentation provided by students with disabilities and for determining reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and University policies.
Immunization Requirements
Mandatory immunizations and health screenings are based on District of Columbia Law as well as guidance from the CDC and the American College Health Association. Requirements vary based on a student’s age, history, and course of study. A student’s specific requirements can be found within their account in the GU Immunization and Health Information Database Portal. Students must submit all required information and documentation (except Covid-19 vaccination) electronically through this portal upon matriculation. For more information and access to the student portals, please visit the Student Health Services website.