Advising FAQs

Classes and Registration

Q: What should I register for? 

A: Use the handbook and check sheets to determine what requirements you will need to fulfill. Please reference the Courses and Curriculum page on this site for details. 

Q: I need help with my iPOS. Whom should I contact? 

A: If you are an MSUS student, contact Melissa Dengler (melissa.dengler@asu.edu) if you are an MA, MS or PhD student, contact Lee Vandendriessche (Lee.Vandendriessche@asu.edu). Also please reference the iPOS Creation page on this site for step-by-step instructions and a link to the how-to guide created by the Graduate College. 

Q: I would like to use a course that isn’t already approved to fulfill degree requirements. What should I do?

A: You will need to submit a petition, which can be found on the  SOS Graduate Policies and Forms page under the 'Course Petitions' section.

Q: I am unable to add a course due to not meeting prerequisites or because departmental permission is required. How can I get permission to add it?

A: You will need to submit an override request. The course override request form is located on the SOS Graduate Policies and Forms page, under override requests. 

Q: I am doing poorly or did poorly in a class because of extenuating circumstances (either medical or personal in nature).  I need information about submitting a request for a medical/compassionate withdrawal. Where do I go?  

A: The SOS Medical or Compassionate Withdrawal policy information is located on the SOS Graduate Policies and Forms page. You may also want to schedule an appointment to speak with your Graduate Coordinator by navigating to the SOS Grad Advising page and clicking on the "schedule now" button. 

Q: I will need to register for one credit while finishing my thesis/dissertation in the semester I'm graduating. What should I do?

A: You can register for SOS 595/795: Continuing Registration. You will need to submit an override request. The course override request form is located on the SOS Graduate Policies and Forms page, under override requests. 

Q: I need to take an incomplete for a course this semester. Am I eligible? How do I do this?

A. A grade of “I” (incomplete) may be given by an instructor only when a student doing acceptable work is unable to complete a course because of illness or other conditions beyond the student’s control. The student and instructor must complete a Request for Grade of Incomplete form.

An incomplete should be granted only when the student can complete the unfinished work in a period designated by that instructor (up to one year). The student must arrange completion of the course requirements with the instructor. The Incomplete Grade Request  form must be filled out and sent to your graduate support coordinator for record keeping. More information can be found in the ASU Student Services Manual.

Q: I need to drop and/or add a course, but the deadline to do this passed. What do I do? 

A: The  process is outlined on the policy information is located on the SOS Graduate Policies and Forms page under the 'Late Drop/Add Requests section.  

International Students 

Q:  How many credits do  I have to register for in a semester for my TA/RA position ?

A: TAs & RAs are required to enroll for a specific number of credit hours, usually 9 credits for international students. Please review the terms of your TA/RA funding offer for details and contact the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) for confirmation if you are unsure.

Q: I have questions about maintaining my visa status, who should I talk to?

A: The International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) is usually the best place to start for most questions regarding international student issues. 

Q: Is International Student Orientation required? 

A: Yes, it is required for all new international ASU graduate students.

Q: Can I take a reduced course load in my last semester?

A: Check out the ISSC Reduced Course Load page for details.

Q: There is an emergency in my family and I need to return to my home country in the middle of the semester.  What are my options?

A: Contact ISSC with any questions related to travel and maintaining your visa status (F1, F2, J1, J2). Contact your Advisor with any questions related to your course enrollment. Also let your professors know you are dealing with an emergency and are planning to leave the country.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Q: How can I qualify for resident/in-state tuition rates?  

A: Residency is very complicated, please reference ASU's Residency site or contact the Residency office using one of the methods on this page. 

Q: I have a question about my tuition bill. Whom do I contact?  

A: ASU Student Business Services (Student Accounts) handles tuition billing, refunds, receipt and payment processing, support for past due accounts, third party sponsorship assistance and Perkins Loan repayment. You can contact Student Business Services at sbs@asu.edu for questions about charges to your account. You can also submit a case or start a chat through your MyASU Service Center. The link to that is located at: https://students.asu.edu/tuitionandbillingcontact.  Your academic advisor may be able to answer some questions, but can't get any answers about your financial accounts from other ASU offices, so it's usually best for you to contact those offices directly.

Q: I have a question about financial aid. Who can help?

A: First, navigate to your My ASU page and click on the 'Finances' tab to view your billing and financial aid information. You will see your current amount due, links to receipts, charge history, payments, etc. You will also see a Financial Aid Tracker with details about your aid for the current school  year. If you still have questions, please contact Financial Aid directly.