Steps to Degree
FAQs for GSAS November Degree Candidates and Department Administrators
Policy Summary:
Candidates for November degree who complete their degree requirements on September 12 will be charged fall term health fees and will have coverage from August through January. Those who complete their degree requirements on or before September 11 will have HUSHP coverage (both the Student Health Fee and Student Health Insurance Plan) retroactively cancelled back to the last day of the prior term of coverage (July 31) and the student will be responsible for the costs of any medical services incurred during this period.
Q: I’m a November degree candidate. Do I need to register for the fall term?
A: If you have not submitted your final and carefully edited bound dissertation to the Registrar’s Office by August 27, you must register so that you can continue to have the privileges afforded to a registered student (access to libraries, e-resources, buildings, deferral of student loans, eligibility for student health insurance, etc.)
If you submit your dissertation to the Registrar’s Office by August 27, you do not need to register for the fall term. Your fall term tuition will be cancelled and your health fees (both the Student Health Fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan coverage[1]) will be retroactively cancelled back to the last day of the prior term of coverage (July 31). You will be billed for any medical services incurred during this period (August).
Q: I normally waive the HUSHP Student health insurance plan because I have comparable health insurance coverage. I’m a candidate for November degree. Should I submit a waiver for the fall term?
A: Yes. It’s a good idea to submit your waiver application just in case you don’t complete your degree during the expected timeframe. If you have comparable health insurance coverage, you can file a HUSHP Student Health Insurance Plan waiver application online at the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) waiver website by July 31 for the upcoming academic year.
Q: I’m a November degree candidate and submitted my bound dissertation to the Registrar’s Office on or before September 11. Do I have health coverage for the fall term?
A: No. Your HUSHP coverage (both the Student Health fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan) is retroactively cancelled back to the last day of the prior term of coverage (July 31). Your student account will receive a credit for the cost of this coverage, and you will be responsible for all medical services incurred during this period (August – September). Your tuition for the fall term will also be cancelled.
Q: I’m a November degree candidate, who registered for the fall term and submitted my bound dissertation to the Registrar’s Office on September 12. Do I have health coverage for the fall term?
A: Yes. Charges for your HUSHP coverage (both the Student Health fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan) will remain on your student account and your health coverage will extend from August through January. Your tuition for the fall term will be cancelled.
Q: I’m a November degree candidate, who registered for the fall term and submitted my dissertation to the Registrar’s Office after September 12. What happens to my health insurance coverage?
A: Charges for your HUSHP coverage (both the Student Health fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan) will remain on your student account. Your health coverage will extend from August through January. You will now be considered a March degree candidate and your fall term tuition will remain on your account.
Q: It’s August and I’m planning to turn in my dissertation at the beginning of September. I have a health issue I would like addressed. What happens if I use my health benefit and then it gets cancelled retroactively?
A: If you use your Harvard health benefit and it is retroactively cancelled, you will be financially responsible for any medical services incurred during this period.
Q: I’ve turned in my dissertation before September 12. Can I enroll in the Harvard University Student Health Program for the fall term?
A: HUHS is not licensed to sell you health insurance since you are no longer a student but there are other health insurance options available to you. If you will be residing in Massachusetts, please review the options available to you at the Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector website. If you plan to move out-of-state, consult the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website for the choices open to you.
Q: I’m enrolled in the HUSHP Student Health Fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan for fall term. How long will my health coverage last?
A: You will be covered from August 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014.
Q: Since I submitted my dissertation by the deadline for November degree, my fall term tuition charge has been cancelled. My student account now has a credit balance. How do I go about requesting a refund?
A: You should contact the GSAS Financial Aid Office at 617-495-5396.
[1] Effective 8/1/11, HUSHP Basic will be referred to as the “Student Health Fee” and HUSHP Supplemental as the “Student Health Insurance Plan.”