Taking Courses at UConn (Non-Degree Coursework)

With approval from an academic advisor in your school/college or regional campus advising center, students who have been dismissed have the option to take up to eight (8) credits per semester of non-degree coursework at UConn. If approved, students may register through Non-Degree and Visiting Student Services . 

Non-Degree Rules for Dismissed Students

• UConn coursework taken in the period between dismissal and readmission will be part of the student’s non-degree record.
  • Repeat forgiveness rules will apply to non-degree courses once the student is readmitted and the courses are applied to the student’s degree record.
  • Non-degree courses taken at UConn can impact a student’s GPA once they are readmitted.
  • Credits earned during the dismissal period, either at UConn or elsewhere, may be applied to the student’s degree record upon their readmission to UConn.
  • Students must receive grades of “B” or higher in courses taken after being dismissed in order to qualify for readmission.
    • Important note: Some academic programs or majors may have additional readmission criteria.
  • Students seeking future readmission must typically complete courses that will show progress toward their desired degree plan or major. 
• Students must complete a Non-Degree Application, adhering to all deadlines.
• Once their non-degree application is approved, students should contact a Non-Degree Advisor for permission to take courses. If permission is granted, the advisor will remove the student’s registration hold.
• With approval and permission, dismissed students may register for a maximum of 8 credits per semester in the Student Administration System.
  • There are no exceptions to this credit limit for dismissed students.
• Non-degree students are ineligible for federal or institutional financial aid.
  • If you have questions about this policy, contact Student Financial Aid Services.
  • Information about costs of non-degree coursework can be found on the Office of the Bursar’s webpage.
• Non-degree study does not meet the full course of study requirements for F-1 or J-1 visa holders. International students who have been academically dismissed cannot remain at UConn as non-degree students and instead should explore one of the options listed here.
• Ratcliffe-Hicks students seeking readmission should reach out to Kristen Dostaler.

Note: Readmission after dismissal is neither automatic nor guaranteed and will be considered favorably only when a student’s readmission application indicates a strong probability for academic success. For more information, visit Returning to UConn.

Non-Degree Timelines for Dismissed Students

Dismissed students planning to enroll in non-degree coursework at UConn should complete a Non-Degree Application as soon as possible so that they will have an increased chance of enrolling in their courses of interest before the beginning of each semester.

1. Apply for Non-Degree study
   • Non-Degree Dates and Deadlines
   • The non-degree application opens four weeks prior to the beginning of each semester and closes on the Friday prior to the start of classes each spring and fall.
   • Apply as soon as possible to ensure that you have time to plan and register for courses.
2. Receive approval for non-degree study
   • If you have questions about your application status, email onestop@uconn.edu. Do not contact your academic advisor until your application has been approved.
3. After approval, contact a Non-Degree Advisor
   • Once your non-degree application is approved, reach out to a Non-Degree Advisor as soon as possible for permission to take courses. If permission is granted, the advisor will remove the student’s registration hold.
     • Note: You will select two majors to apply for future readmission. Please contact the advisor or advisor(s) for the major(s) to which you plan to apply in a future term.
   • If you are seeking academic advising within two weeks of the start of the semester or during add/drop periods, advisor appointments may be limited or denied due to availability. Both course availability and advising appointments are prioritized for currently matriculated (degree-seeking) students. 
4. Register for courses using Student Admin
   • Course registration for non-degree students opens two weeks prior to the beginning of each regular semester and closes on the 10th day classes.
   • Approved non-degree students may register for a maximum of 8 credits per semester. There are no exceptions to this limit for dismissed students.

For more information about taking courses at other institutions in preparation for future readmission, refer to the Taking Courses Elsewhere tab.