Three Rules to Remember

Rule #1: Continuous Enrollment

All graduate students must register every fall and spring semester (summer registration is not mandatory) in order to maintain active student status. Failure to register by the last day of the “Add” period in a given fall/spring semester will result in automatic discontinuation/removal from the program. In such a scenario, the student would have to reapply for readmission into the program. Please be aware that readmission is never guaranteed. This rule applies to all PhD students; it does not matter if a student has completed all required coursework or if they have completed all thesis credits and/or even defended their dissertation, students must register for (see special registration options) every fall and spring semester to remain an active student until they have been cleared for degree conferral. Special registration options may provide acceptable exceptions to this rule. Students who do not immediately communicate with the DGS that they plan to rectify their active status when they are discontinued by the Graduate School will be sent a letter from the SoN indicating they are no longer a student in the PhD program.

Rule #2: Maintaining Good Milestone Progress

All students are expected to consistently make good progress throughout their program. The Graduate School requires an annual student review. Thus, each spring the SoN reviews the program progress of all students. This review process is viewed as a way of supporting our students in their professional development and in their progression and completion of the benchmarks towards their degree. This annual review assures that any progress problems are identified early so that students receive timely guidance. Individual programs and/or faculty advisors may also conduct reviews of student progress. 

All students will receive an annual letter regarding their review. They will either be notified that they are “in good standing” or that they are not making sufficient progress. Information regarding requirements for remaining "in good standing" are detailed in the Annual Student Progress Review section of the handbook.  If progress is found to be deficient, the letter will describe deficiencies and the student will be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate improvement. The DGS and advisor will identify a timeline by which deficiencies must be remedied, and a written agreement as to what will be considered demonstrated improvement will be made. Students are responsible for contacting their advisors to develop plans for making satisfactory progress by the deadlines. 

Rule #3: The 8-Year Time Limit

Regardless of whether a student is attending the PhD program on a full- or part-time basis, all requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed and the degree awarded within eight years after admission and enrollment in the graduate program.  Up to two 1-year extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Students admitted prior to January 1, 2013 are exempt from this time limit requirement, but are encouraged to do their best to complete their degree in a timely manner.