Registration in the graduate programs beyond the first semester (or summer session) is contingent on the student’s being in academic good standing based on three main factors:

If, at the end of a semester, a student’s cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. The student must earn sufficient grade points during the next two semesters of registration to raise the cumulative grade point average to at least 3.0 exclusive of incomplete (X) grades. Failure to achieve this 3.0 cumulative grade point average will result in immediate dismissal.

The normal course load for a full-time graduate student during the long session is 12 semester hours. The minimum course load for a graduate student to be considered full time during long session is nine semester hours; the maximum is 15 semester hours. The normal course load for a graduate student during the summer session is nine semester hours. The minimum course load for a graduate student to be considered full time during the summer session is six semester hours; the maximum is 12 semester hours. Registration in excess of these maxima must have the recommendation of the graduate adviser and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies and will be permitted only under exceptional circumstances. Students who are employed should consult with the graduate adviser about their combined course and work load.

The Academic Calendar beginning on page 10 lists the dates and time limits for schedule changes. A student may drop or add a course by submitting a Schedule Change Request to the Office of Admissions and Records except for students in the School of Management where all adds and drops must first be brought to the School of Management Graduate Advising Office. Any drops prior to and including Census Day listed in the calendar will not show on the student’s transcript. Drops after this day to the last drop date indicated in the calendar will show as a W on the grade report and transcript.

Notice that the School of Management has three drop dates each semester: one for three semester credit hour courses, one for the two semester credit hour courses held in the first half of the semester, and one for the two semester credit hour courses held in the second half of the semester. Check the Class Schedule each semester for School of Management drop dates and for calendar changes.

After the last day indicated in the calendar for dropping a course with an automatic W, the dropping of a course with a W will be approved only on a documented emergency basis for reasons extrinsic to curricula matters. To secure such approval, the student must complete a Schedule Change Request and obtain the signature of the instructor certifying that the student was passing at the time of the proposed withdrawal. The student should then submit the Schedule Change Request and a written petition detailing the nature of the emergency with written documentation from employer or doctor, as appropriate, to the graduate adviser and then to the Dean of Graduate Studies . If the petition is approved, the grade assigned by the instructor on the Schedule Change Request will determine the grade which will appear on the student’s transcript: a passing grade will appear as a W on the transcript; a failing grade will appear as an F. Students who cease to attend classes without securing approval in the manner prescribed above will receive the grade of F for that course. Courses may not be dropped after the last day of classes in the semester.

Any student on a Teaching/Research Assistantship wishing to drop a course at any time during the semester must secure the signature of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

The Director of Admissions and Records, upon recommendation of the instructor and with the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies may require a student to drop a course for which the student has not satisfied the prerequisite.

A student who wishes to withdraw entirely from the university must complete the proper withdrawal form and procedures in the Office of Admissions and Records. The grade assigned by the instructor on the withdrawal form will determine the grade which will appear on the student’s transcript: a passing grade will appear as a W on the transcript; a failing grade will appear as an F. Withdrawal after the final drop date requires the same procedures as listed in the previous paragraphs on Schedule Changes. Students who withdraw from the university must return their ID cards to the Office of Admissions and Records on the date of withdrawal.

Students who wish to repeat a course must complete a Repeated Course Adjustment form in the Office of Admissions and Records.

Up to three courses may be repeated; however, no course may be repeated more than once. When a course is repeated, the earlier grade will remain in the student’s record and will be included in any transcript. The second grade will be used in computing the grade point average or credit hours for purposes of graduation or determination of probationary status. The designation "R" or "X" beside the first grade will indicate that the course has been repeated.

A student who changes his or her address of residence or legal name should submit the change to the Director of Admissions and Records as soon as possible. Any communication from the university bearing the name and address last reported is considered to be properly delivered. A P.O. Box is not acceptable as the only address.

General and specific requirements for degrees in graduate programs may be altered in successive catalogs. Provided the requisite courses continue to be offered, the student is bound by the course work requirements of the catalog in force at the time of admission. With the approval of the relevant Program Head and/or Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of Graduate Studies, the student may instead elect to be bound by a subsequent catalog. This regulation applies only to the specific course work and the number of semester credit hours required for the academic degree.

Administrative requirements such as minimum grade point requirements for core courses can change for all students with the issuance of a new catalog.

The student should be aware that operating regulations, procedures, tuition and fees can be changed at any time. They are not bound by any catalog.

Students must apply for graduation to the Office of the Graduate Dean through their Program Offices and pay the $30 graduation fee at the Bursar’s Office by the date specified in the Academic Calendar in order to graduate at the end of a given semester. Students must pay a new graduation fee and complete a separate application for graduation for each semester in which they attempt to graduate. Students who expect to receive more than one degree in a single semester must complete a separate application and pay a separate fee for each degree.

In order to graduate, a student must pay all accounts due the university.

In absentia registration for graduation (i.e., registration for no course work) may be arranged for the candidate who has completed all degree requirements except for the submission of final approved copies of thesis, dissertation or other required report. Such candidates may, for a nominal fee (see page 43) and with the approval of their graduate advisor, the Dean of Graduate Studies, and submission of the approved in absentia registration form, register during the semester or summer session in which the degree will be received. If the final copies of the dissertation or thesis have not been approved by the supervisory committee and received and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies before the first day of classes in a given semester, in absentia registration is not acceptable for that semester. This arrangement is also permissible for a candidate who is removing an incomplete (X) grade. All in absentia registration requests must be submitted for approval of the Graduate Dean prior to the first day of classes in the semester in which it will apply and the degree will be received.

Graduation ceremonies are held at the conclusion of each semester. Students who graduate in the summer or fall may elect to participate in the ceremony at that time or wait until the spring graduation. Summer and fall graduates who elect to participate in the following spring graduation must file a written notice with the Director of Admissions and Records at the time of the completion of degree requirements.