Graduate Student-at-Large/Returning Scholar Program GSAL students take courses for a grade and credit. Taking courses as a GSAL student is an ideal way to define your academic focus, test out graduate school, and build a transferable record of study. Returning Scholars audit courses. This program is a wonderful way to tap into the University of Chicago's knowledge base in order to stay abreast of developments in your field, branch out into new areas, or simply to learn for the love of learning.