Annual Student Progress Review

The University requires an annual review of PhD student progress to promote timely progression through the graduate program. It ensures that students are aware of program expectations and receive clear feedback regarding their progress in meeting those expectations. The Doctoral Degree: Performance Standards and Progress policy details the requirement. 

The PhD Program has the direct responsibility and authority to conduct annual reviews of graduate students in the program. Results of the review are reported to the student and advisor in writing. Academic progress is measured against the published performance expectations of the PhD Program.

 The Annual Review occurs in Spring semester.  Emails are sent to the students with the online evaluation form, instructions for accessing their records and unofficial transcripts from One Stop, and the deadline for submission. PhD students are responsible for scheduling a meeting with their advisors to discuss what to include on the annual review. The meeting may be in-person, by phone, Zoom or through email if that is agreeable to both parties.  The advisor(s) will be sent a copy of the student response upon submission. 

School of Nursing PhD Program Performance Standards

To remain in good standing with the PhD in Nursing program students must fulfill the following performance standards of the University Graduate School and School of Nursing: 

1. Continuous Enrollment - Students are required to enroll every semester (fall and spring) from the time of matriculation until degree conferral unless on an approved leave of absence.

2. Time Limit for Earning the Doctoral Degree - Students must complete all requirements within 8 years of entering the PhD program. Up to two 1-year extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances, determined by the Grad A & P Committee. Exception for students admitted before 2013. 

3. Grade Requirements – Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 throughout the program and may not have more than two incomplete grades in any one semester. Incomplete grades must have a signed Incomplete Contract in place.  If you take an incomplete for a course, you must follow the incomplete grade policy for resolution in a timely manner. 

4. Degree Progress/Milestones - One of the following must be completed within the review year: 

   • Coursework -- In the process of taking or having completed courses that are part of program/GPAS planner approved by advisor (includes minor and related field courses); taking courses not part of approved plan does not qualify

   • Preliminary Written Exam -- Schedule for completing the Preliminary Written Exam is approved by committee and is in the process of writing or has completed the Preliminary Written Exam

   • Preliminary Oral Exam -- Scheduled and will occur during the review year or having completed the Preliminary Oral Exam

   • Dissertation Proposal Submission/Approval

   • Dissertation Research - Conducting dissertation research or writing dissertation according to a timeline for completion approved by advisor 

   • Final Oral Exam -- scheduled or completed

5. Complete the Annual Review every Spring semester

Students who do not meet the criteria above will be notified of progress concerns through the School of Nursing Plan for Success and/or through the Annual Student Progress Review with outlined expectations for remaining in good standing.  A plan will be developed in collaboration with the Faculty Advisor, PhD Program Director, and Assistant Director of OSCAS/Doctoral Programs Coordinator specifying the terms and requirements that the student must meet in order to remain in good standing. Failure to meet the terms and expectations of the plan will result in a “not in good standing” designation with the University of Minnesota.