FAQ about Term Changes Requests:
When can I submit a Term Change request?
The Writing Program will be accepting requests for term changes on August 16, August 17, and August 21. Beginning on August 16, please fill out THIS FORM in order to submit a Term Change request. Please note: You must be logged in to your Microsoft 365 account using your Harvard email address, in order to access this form.
What kind of information will I need to provide on the Term Change Request Form?
You will be asked for your name, HUID, and Harvard email address, as well as your adviser’s name and email address. You will also be asked the reason for your request and your anticipated schedule for the 2023 - 24 academic year.
Can I email my request to the Writing Program office?
No, all requests must be submitted via the online form that will be available here during the days that term change requests are open.
How does the Term Change process work?
We process Term Change Request Forms beginning at 3 p.m. each day and try to grant as many changes as possible. Please be aware that we need to keep a certain number of students assigned to each term because of the enrollment limits in the Expos sections. If we aren’t able to grant your request to switch terms the first time you try, you may fill out a new request the following day. We will typically not move your request form from one day to the next, since students’ scheduling information changes.
Can I submit a Term Change Request after 3 p.m.?
The request form will remain open continuously from August 16 until August 21 at 3 p.m. However, each day’s requests will be processed beginning at 3 p.m.—any requests received later in the day will be processed on the next day listed on the schedule. Requests received after 3:00 on Monday, August 21 may not be considered at all.
How will I know if my term assignment has been changed?
At the end of eachterm change process, all students who submitted a request by 3 p.m. will be notified whether or not we could accommodate their request. An email will be sent to students the day after they submit their petition. Requests received after 3 p.m. will be considered with the following day's requests.
If there’s a student in the other term who would swap assignments with me, can we trade places?
You can both submit a Term Change Request Form. However, we cannot accept pre-arranged “swaps” –- to be fair to all students (including those who might not know someone willing to swap), we handle each request on its own.
What if my term change is approved and I want to switch back?
Once you are switched to the new term, you cannot switch back into your original term.
What if I want to change terms after the August 18 session of Term Change Requests?
As of Tuesday morning, 8/22/23, term assignments will be finalized and sent to the Registrar’s Office. Sectioning for all students assigned to Fall Term Expos will open on Monday, 8/28/23.