Continuous Enrollment (CE) allows students who working on their dissertation to continue to be enrolled "full time". Many loan programs require you to have full time status or you have to start paying them back. Or, you may be funded by GI benefits that require full time status. International students may need full time status to maintain their visas. CE has a minimal cost, but officially makes you a full time student. If you haven't finished your independent research (dissertation units) you may be taking CE in conjunction with one or more RLGN 6995 units.
CE also keeps you in active standing with the university during terms in which you aren't taking any other units. This would likely be in the winter and spring terms after you finish your 90 units and are taking independent research only in the fall.
To enroll in continuous enrollment, use this link: Continuous Enrollment Approval Form.pdf
Once you submit the form, you will receive an email with permission to enroll in CE. You apply for CE once per year, but you must register and pay for CE each quarter.