Student Program Change (SPC) Timeline
Starting Spring 2026, Charlotte will introduce a new timeline for student program changes (e.g. change of major, minor, catalog year, etc.).
This new timeline is a necessary part of the University’s ongoing Course Program of Study (CPOS) implementation. To ensure accurate CPOS eligibility determinations for financial aid purposes, all student program changes must be submitted no later than five (5) business days before Census, as defined on the official Academic Calendar, for each regular semester (Fall and Spring). Program changes submitted after that deadline will still be processed; however, they will not be reflected in CPOS aid eligibility until the following term.
What is the Spring 2026 Student Program Change deadline?
The deadline to submit student program changes for the Spring 2026 term is Jan. 16, 2026. Student program changes submitted after this date will be honored, but will not be considered for CPOS aid implications until Summer 2026.
Why is this changing?
CPOS determines a student’s financial aid eligibility based on the student’s declared and active program of study. Therefore, the student’s program of study must be up to date by the beginning of each term in order for CPOS to correctly evaluate the student’s registered courses against their current program of study requirements.
The deadline of five (5) business days before Census was selected to allow students the maximum amount of time to connect with their advisors and update their program of study, while simultaneously allowing adequate time for academic and administrative departments to process the requests and reassess the student’s aid eligibility.
What is the recommended best practice?
To ensure students have enough time to adjust their schedules and maximize their financial aid in light of CPOS requirements, student program changes should be finalized well before the deadline.
- Students should be advised to make any and all changes to their program of study while completing registration for the upcoming semester.
- Likewise, departments are encouraged to approve student program changes as soon as possible.