Policies

The following information is presented in alphabetical order and is meant to serve as a general guide. Since degree requirements may vary with the program, students should become familiar with the specific requirements of their degree programs. Copies of all DSU Graduate Policies are available in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and on-line at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/index.aspx.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to a graduate program is not the equivalent of acceptance as a candidate for a graduate degree. The application for advancement to candidacy will include a summary of all courses and degree requirements to be applied toward the degree. Filing of this application indicates that the student is entering the final stages of degree completion. Admission to candidacy requires review and approval of the Candidacy application by the student’s advisor and the graduate program coordinator. Failure to submit this application as requested may result in blocked registration in the student’s subsequent semesters.

Master’s degree students are responsible for filing an Application for Candidacy by the census date of the semester prior to their intended graduation semester.

Doctoral degree students are responsible for filing an Application for Candidacy by the census date of the semester following the semester in which they meet eligibility requirements for advancement to candidacy. For doctoral students to be advanced to candidacy, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of all specified courses of their Plan of Study for the graduate program in which they are enrolled.
2. Successfully complete their comprehensive exam and qualifying portfolio (if required) (doctoral students only).
3. A Plan of Study grade point average of 3.0 (a “B” average).
4. Meeting Regental standards for residency (BOR 2:29 Degree Residency Policy).

The students’ advisor and graduate program coordinator will review and approve the document. The original form will be forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. After ensuring that all candidacy requirements have been met, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research will certify the student is eligible for candidacy and will notify the program coordinator and the student. Doctoral students are then referred to as doctoral candidates or ABD (All But Dissertation).

The students’ advisor and graduate program coordinator may request that the Office of Graduate Studies and Research terminate the candidacy of a student who does not show ability to complete the degree. The student advisor should submit a separate written request for each student recommended for termination to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-55-00.aspx.

Advising

Graduate students have final responsibility for their success in their chosen graduate program. However, students will benefit from the guidance, counsel, and support of faculty who serve as their advisors.

Each college with a graduate program has responsibility for academic advising. The appropriate program coordinator is responsible for determining whether an advisory committee or an advisor will be used and for making the necessary appointments. An advisor or advisory committee will be appointed immediately after the student has been admitted to the program. This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-33-00.aspx.

An advisor or advisory committee has the following responsibilities:

• Maintaining accurate records on his or her advisees;
• Communicating on a regular basis with their advisees;
• Advising and assisting students with the development of their Plan of Study and recommending it to the respective program coordinator for approval;
• Approving amendments to the Plan of Study (along with the program coordinator);
• Monitoring student progress;
• Helping with the selection of a dissertation, thesis or capstone project topic;
• Assisting advisees (in coordination with their dissertation, thesis or project supervisor) in preparing for and completion of the dissertation, thesis or capstone project;
• Reviewing and approving the Application for Candidacy and recommending it to the program coordinator for approval; and
• Reviewing Applications for Graduation. 

Academic Maturity

Successfully meeting college demands is often directly correlated with students’ level of academic maturity. According to Addison, Althoff, & Pezold (2009)^[1] academic maturity is defined as “the tendency to motivate oneself to develop and apply effective strategies in time management, self-discipline, and organization, and the ability to use these strategies in accordance with an understanding of one’s academic strengths and limitations so as to maximize learning opportunities”. In essence, academic maturity may be viewed along four dimensions: motivation, organization, responsibility, and self-awareness.^[2]  Along these dimensions, motivation includes perseverance, self-initiative, and sources of academic drive. Organization refers to one’s ability to balance his/her responsibilities, take notes, logically sort notes, and keep up with assignments. Responsibility addresses self-discipline, punctuality, and dedication to one’s work, while self-awareness refers to one’s tendency to be open-minded and to use appropriate learning strategies, as well as the ability to recognize one’s academic strengths and limitations. The following are examples of behaviors and thought processes commonly exhibited by academically mature university students (adapted from the University of Alabama’s Center for Academic Success) ^[3]:

1. Mature students take responsibility for academic outcomes. They thoughtfully evaluate why they receive a particular grade and develop a strategy for improving outcomes. A mature student will say, “I need to spend more time studying” or “I need to reduce my work hours”, so that I can improve my course performance”.
2. Mature students believe that their personal strengths can be used to help them be a successful student.  A mature student will say, “I’m quite good at organizing projects and meeting deadlines, so I’ll volunteer to be the team leader for our group project.”  “I’m not a particularly strong writer, so it would be helpful if someone else took on that responsibility.”
3. Mature students always know when assignments, papers and projects are due.  They carefully organize their course obligations around their family and work obligations, so they can keep on schedule and meet all obligations.
4. Mature students meet course deadlines and don’t ask for extensions.
5. Mature students do not blame the instructor or the course content or the course organization when they’re doing poorly in a course.
6. Mature students understand the importance of actively participating in a course.  This is closely related to their belief that class content is valuable and that deadlines should be met.
7. Mature students do not believe that someone else is going to guide all their learning.  They understand that they are responsible for learning course content and for applying it in the world of work.  They take responsibility for their own learning.
8. Mature students believe in their abilities and skills, yet understand the value of studying and hard work.  They recognize the knowledge and skills of others in the course and the knowledge and skills of the course instructor.
9. Mature students proactively take action to ensure success in their programs. Everyone procrastinates sometime.  However, immature students procrastinate habitually.
10. Mature students are organized and have reasonable time management skills. 

[1] Addison, W. E., Althoff, R. W., & Pezold, R. (2009, August). Academic maturity, critical thinking, and academic performance in college students. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto.

[2] Althoff, Ryan W., “The big five personality traits as predictors of academic maturity ” (2010). Masters Theses. Paper 605. http://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/605 

[3] http://www.ctl.ua.edu/ctlstudyaids/studyskillsflyers/generaltips/immaturestudents.htm

Americans with Disabilities (ADA)

It is the policy of Dakota State University to comply with all federal and state requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other similar statutes and regulations as promulgated federally and by the State of South Dakota. Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the employment activities. The Vice President for Business Administration has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in Section 35.107 of the Department of Justice regulations. Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the rights provided thereunder are available from the ADA Coordinator, Keith Bundy. (Telephone: 605-256-5121).

The university does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission process or in access to programs or activities. To this end, the university has formed a committee (ADA Educational Programs Committee) whose purpose is to help ensure individuals with disabilities have the full benefit of education programs offered by the university in compliance with the above laws. This policy is part of the university’s total response to the Americans with Disabilities Act. (See DSU Policy 1-02-00)
Procedures:

1. An individual with a documented disability wishing academic accommodations to programs and/or services must contact the ADA Academic Coordinator, Keith Bundy, Lower Level of Trojan Center (Telephone: 605-256-5121). www.dsu.edu/student-life/disability-services/index.aspx.
   Documentation must be no older than three years from the date of application/request for program modifications. Documentation will consist of medical or other diagnostic documentation of disability or limitations.
2. A formal written application for consideration of an academic accommodation must be submitted along with professional documentation of the disability as soon as possible prior to the time the accommodation is needed. It is recommended that, when applicable, requests be filled on initial admission to the university. No action can be taken by the university until the formal application and documentation are provided. Upon receipt of the completed application, the ADA Academic Coordinator, together with a university consultant, will make decisions on requests for common learning and testing accommodations. In all other requests for accommodations, the chair of the ADA Educational Programs Committee will schedule a meeting of the ADA Educational Programs Committee for no later than ten working days after receipt of application. Each applicant will be handled and reviewed individually. The applicant will be notified in writing of the meeting place, date and time. The applicant may elect to attend the meeting if he/she so chooses.
   1. The purpose of the meeting with the ADA Educational Programs Committee is to discuss appropriate and reasonable accommodations to be recommended to the university administrator(s) responsible for effecting the accommodations. The committee, the applicant, and experts or advocates requested to be present by the committee or the applicant will discuss the request for accommodations and evaluation of documentation, if any, provided by a university consultant. The goal is to reach agreement on the type and extent of accommodations to give the student appropriate access to classroom information and tests that measure their knowledge without fundamentally altering the program. The resulting recommendations and minutes of the meeting will be forwarded to the vice president or designee for final approval and action. If the applicant elects not to meet with the committee, the committee makes recommendations based upon the applicant’s written application, documentation, and other submitted material. The student is notified of the committee’s decision by the chair.
   2. If the requested accommodations would result in a fundamental alteration of the service/program and/or requirements for the university, the committee will declare the need for further review of the request. The minutes of the meeting, without recommendations for accommodations, will be forwarded to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee for further review and action. The Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee will make a final decision regarding program or service modifications and prepare a written statement to the student on the decision and the reason for the decision within ten (10) working days after receiving the minutes of the meeting. Copies of official minutes, letters of notification and all documents, including the original application, professional documentation, and related correspondence, will be filed with the ADA Academic Coordinator, declared personal and confidential, and thereafter communicated only to those who have a need to know, in accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act. Files will be maintained during the student’s enrollment and destroyed three years after the individual’s last official affiliation with the university as a student.
3. The Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee will notify faculty and/or other university personnel who will be responsible for implementing the accommodations within ten (10) working days of the decision so as to ensure that the accommodations are in place for the individual at the earliest possible time in a new semester or new setting. If the documentation received suggests an accommodation, DSU will implement the recommended accommodation until such time that it is determined by the ADA Educational Programs Committee that the academic program is altered by said accommodation. Faculty/university personnel are required to maintain the confidentiality of the process, to strictly adhere to the officially designated accommodations, to share any problems or concerns only with their administrator or the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee, and to support the student’s full and equal participation in the program or service.
   
   The student will notify the ADA Academic Coordinator in the event that accommodation arrangements are not carried out in the recommended manner. Should individuals need additional accommodations, they may request a new meeting with the committee by contacting the ADA Academic Coordinator.
4. Faculty or other university personnel who are responsible for implementing accommodations for a student are encouraged to provide pertinent progress checks and make suggestions or address concerns regarding future services. Any formal evaluations must be submitted to the ADA Academic Coordinator for inclusion in the file within 10 working days of termination of the faculty’s or other personnel’s responsibility to that student. The ADA Academic Coordinator will examine all forms upon receipt and take any action deemed necessary, to include requesting another meeting of the committee.
5. The ADA Academic Coordinator will meet with all students served by this policy annually to determine if needs are being met. Individuals may be contacted to discuss their accommodations in more detail should it appear that adjustments or additional accommodations may be needed. A new meeting of the committee may be called and the process may be repeated beginning with step 2 above.
6. The decisions of the ADA Coordinator and/or ADA Educational Programs Committee and/or the Vice President for Academic Affairs may be appealed to the President within five (5) working days of receipt of the committee’s recommendation. The President will provide a written response to the appeal within five (5) working days of receipt of the appeal. The President’s decision may be appealed to the Office of Civil Rights, 10220 North Executive Hills Boulevard, 8th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64153-1367.

Appealing Academic and Administrative Decisions

Administrative officers of the University have the responsibility and authority to make decisions within their respective areas of jurisdiction. However, it is the policy of the university to allow students to appeal academic and administrative decisions. Students should first discuss any concern with the professor or official directly responsible for the area involved. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, it should be taken to the dean of the college in which the graduate program resides or to the official’s immediate supervisor. If the matter cannot then be resolved, students may file a grievance with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Graduate Council will hear graduate student appeals and grievances. For more information see the DSU Appealing Academic and Administrative Decisions Policy 03-30-00 http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/03-30-00.aspx.

Application for Graduation

The University requires that candidates for graduation must file an Application for Graduation with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research by the census date of the semester of their intended graduation. Submission of this Application for Graduation will trigger a graduation eligibility review by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Students will not be permitted to graduate in the intended semester if this document is not submitted on time. This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-57-00.aspx.

Assessment Activities

While progress toward a graduate degree is continually assessed, every graduate program will include a final integrative performance-based experience to evaluate and assess the quality of the learning experience of each student. Assessment activities vary with the program. Examples of final assessment activities include: comprehensive examinations; capstone projects; oral examination of the thesis; external certification examinations; portfolio review by external auditors; and a summary conference. Such activities help students integrate the separate parts of the total educational experience. More information on the nature of the assessment experience within each program is available in the graduate programs section of this catalog.

Auditing a Class

Auditing courses by graduate students will be a matter of record and will be shown on their academic transcript. Students must register for courses they wish to audit, indicating the audit option, and pay the established tuition and fee. No credit is given for the audited course. Credits for audited courses are not counted in calculating graduate full-time, part-time, or overload status and credits are not used to calculate GPA (See DSU Policy 03-49-00 Auditing a Course).

Candidacy

See Admission to Candidacy

Certification of Program Completion

See Eligibility for Graduation

Change of Grade

Changes from one letter grade to another must be initiated by the instructor on a Change of Grade Form and signed by the instructor and the dean of the college offering the course. A reason for the change must be provided. The Vice President for Academic Affairs must approve such changes. A change from an “I” to a letter grade requires only the signature of the instructor. This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-38-00.aspx.

Changing Class Schedules

Courses may be dropped or added within the official published drop/add period. Graduate students may drop or add course by notifying the Office of Graduate Studies and Research via email or by using WebAdvisor (unless, the class to be dropped is the only class that semester). The late start date of some graduate classes may necessitate asking the Vice President for Academic Affairs for permission to drop a class.

Extenuating circumstances must be documented by the student, instructor and/or adviser in writing to the Academic Vice President.

Class Schedules

See Changing Class Schedules

Course Loads

Academic school terms are fall, spring, and summer; inclusive dates are published in the University class schedule.

Graduate student enrollment status is defined as:

• Full-time enrollment for graduate students is at 9 credits per academic term.
• Half-time enrollment is 5 credit hours per academic term.

The maximum registration for graduate students is 12 credit hours per academic term (summer, fall, and spring). Overload enrollment is more than 12 credits. To be eligible for overload enrollment, a student must have the approval of their academic advisor or advising committee, the graduate program’s coordinator and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

International students must be enrolled as full-time students to meet United Stated Customs and Immigration (USCIS) guidelines. Exceptions may be granted as stipulated in the USCIS guidelines and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-50-00.aspx.

A graduate assistant’s student status is determined by both their academic course load and by their graduate assistantship workload (See DSU policy 05-20-00 Graduate Assistantship).

Credit and Coursework Options

Transfer Credits

Academic courses will be transferred as meeting graduation requirements if the courses parallel the scope and depth requirements for the degree or if the courses meet electives required for the degree (See BOR Policy 2:5 Transfer of Credit).

The following minimum conditions must be met before graduate-level credit can be accepted:

• the institution is regionally accredited at the Master’s level;
• the student must have been in good standing in the institution from where the credit is transferred;
• the grades in courses transferred are “B” or better; and
• these transfer credits must have been completed no more than four years prior to commencement of the DSU graduate degree program.

The program committee for each degree program may establish specific program-level processes and criteria for course evaluation. Transfer credit from another institution will be recorded on a DSU transcript only if the transfer work is accepted as part of a DSU graduate degree. Limitations on transfer credit are determined by BOR Policy (See BOR Policy 2:29 Definition of Credits and Related Institutional Requirements).

Independent Study

Independent Study credits are permitted at the graduate level with the approval of the instructor, the graduate program’s coordinator, and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and only under the following (or similar) conditions: the student was unable to take the course when it was offered, and to wait and take it the next time it would be offered would cause an undue delay in the student’s graduation or create problems with course sequencing. Prior to the independent study course being offered, the Graduate Council must approve a syllabus for that particular course. Copies of the syllabus must be maintained in the college office, the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and the Vice President for Academic Affair’s office. (See DSU Policy 03-01-00 Special Topics/Independent Study/Seminar Courses)

Credit for Classes Offered via Alternative Delivery Methods

Graduate credit may be obtained for graduate courses taken via alternative delivery systems, such as Internet and television on the same basis as other transfer credits. Such courses must be offered by a regionally accredited institution.

Credit by Examination

Graduate students may petition the program’s committee to receive credit by examination for a course. A grade of “B” or better is required on the exam to successfully challenge the course. (See DSU Policy 03-51-00 Recording of Non-Traditional Credit.) This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-37-00.aspx.

Credit for Work Experience

No credit will be offered for prior work experience.

Credit for Correspondence Courses

No credit will be given for correspondence courses, except under extraordinary conditions and with the prior approval of the dean.

Credit for Undergraduate Classes Taken As a Graduate Student

Matriculated undergraduate students whose undergraduate record is such that they can qualify for admission to the graduate program, may, in their final semester, register for a limited number of graduate courses (600-level only) for graduate credit. Graduate-level courses are open to undergraduates only by exception. Registration requires the permission of the dean of the college in which the course is offered and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Such permission does not constitute admission to the graduate program. Undergraduate students may not register for 700 or 800 level courses (See BOR Policy 2:8 Levels and Numbering of Courses).

Financial Aid

http://www.dsu.edu/financial-aid/index.aspx

Graduation Requirements

The Office of Graduate Studies and Research reviews the files of students who have submitted an Application for Graduation file to confirm that they have met (or will meet by the graduation date) the following requirements:

1. They have successfully completed (or will complete) all courses listed on their Plans of Study within the 5-year time limit.
2. They have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0 (a “B” average), with no more than 6 credit hours of a “C” grade and no grade below a “C” in their program coursework.
3. They have met regental standards for residency.
4. They have satisfactorily completed all required integrative assessment activities.

Students meeting or on schedule to meet these requirements will be certified eligible for graduation, and their names will be forwarded to the Board of Regents. A post-graduation ceremony audit is undertaken to verify that all requirements were met as planned. When all requirements have been met, the Office of Graduate Studies and Research informs the Registrar’s office to certify graduation.

Evaluation

See Assessment/Final Evaluation of Graduation Experience

Good Academic Standing

See Satisfactory Progression/Good Academic Standing

Grade Change

See Change of Grade

Grade Deletion/Replacement

See Grading

Grading

The following grade definitions are used in the graduate programs:

Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all courses included in their Plans of Study, with a grade of “C” in no more than 6 credit hours of their courses. No grade below a “C” is acceptable for graduate work. Students who receive a “D” or “F” will be suspended.

Students who are readmitted to the program after academic suspension must repeat any course with a “D” or “F” grade. The grade on the repeated course will replace the original grade and will be used in calculating GPA. Students may not repeat a course more than once.

Grade deletion, deleting all grades for a semester, is not permitted for graduate degree programs.

Graduation

See Application for Graduation
And Eligibility for Graduation

Grievance Procedure

See Appeal/Grievance Procedure

Incomplete Grade

An incomplete “I” grade may only be awarded under specific conditions as outlined in BOR Policy 2:10 Grades and Use of Grade Point Average. For each incomplete given, the instructor must indicate in writing to the student, the respective graduate programs coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research how and by when the incomplete is to be removed. The instructor must also attach a copy of this correspondence to the final grade report. Any students with unresolved “I” grades for courses in their Plans of Study and in which the courses are required for their degree will not be certified for graduation. This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-38-00.aspx.

Independent Study

See Credit and Coursework Options

Normal Course Load

See Course Loads

Plan of Study

A Plan of Study is an agreement between the student and the College offering the degree program formally specifying all course work required to complete the graduate degree. It will indicate the order in which the courses will be taken and the method by which credit will be sought (e.g., transfer, challenge). It will detail such things as thesis or non-thesis track, specialization to be pursued, and electives. Students admitted to a graduate program must have a Plan of Study on file with both their academic advisor and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research prior to the end of their first semester as a degree-seeking student. See DSU Policy 05-34-00 Satisfactory Progression for requirements for satisfactory progress leading to successful completion of the master’s and doctoral degree programs.

Probation

All graduate students are expected to maintain a Plan of Study grade point average of 3.0 (“B” average) throughout their graduate program. Failure to maintain the “B” average places the student on academic probation. Students on academic probation may register for an additional 9 credit hours of coursework and must raise their Plan of Study GPA to a 3.0 (“B” average) after completion of the 9 credits. If this is not accomplished, the student will be suspended from the program. A student who receives more than 6 credits of “C” or any grade lower than a “C” is automatically suspended from the program.

Should it be necessary to suspend a graduate student for academic reasons, the student may apply for readmission to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research after two semesters (summer is considered a semester term). The student must demonstrate an adequate reason for readmission.

A grievance procedure has been established for students wishing to contest probation or suspension. The Graduate Council will hear all grievances, following the procedure established in DSU Policy 03-30-00 Appealing Academic and Administrative Decisions.

Graduate students who have been officially suspended and who seek reinstatement shall submit a formal request for reinstatement, along with a supporting statement of explanation, to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Requests shall be acted upon according to the established procedure for application to the program.

Appeal

A grievance procedure has been established for students wishing to contest probation or suspension. The Graduate Council will hear all grievances, following the procedure established in DSU Policy 03-30-00 Appealing Academic and Administrative Decisions.

Graduate students who have been officially suspended and who seek reinstatement shall submit a formal request for reinstatement, along with a supporting statement of explanation, to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Requests shall be acted upon according to the established procedure for application to the program.

Program Requirements

Credit hour requirements vary with the specific degree program. Program specific credit hour requirements can be found under the individual program section of this catalog.

Progression

See Satisfactory Progression

Reactivation

See Reentry/Reactivation

Readmission

Graduate students who withdraw from the university or are suspended from their program must apply for readmission through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research at least one month prior to registration for that semester. Readmission forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. If any graduate work was undertaken at another institution during the intervening time, those transcripts must be furnished to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.

The degree program’s Graduate Admissions Committee will review the readmission request and make a recommendation for readmission. The student’s advisor and/or advisory committee, in consultation with the program coordinator, may require the student to file a new Plan of Study. Note that the program description and curriculum in effect at the time of readmission applies to the student’s academic program plans.

Reentry/Reactivation

Students who withdraw prior to the start of classes in their entry semesters may reactivate their original applications within one year by notifying the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Their applications will be forwarded to the next program admission committee meeting for discussion. In the absence of evidence indicating they should not be admitted or other extenuating circumstances that limit enrollment, their original admissions will prevail.

Registration

Continuous Registration Requirement

Graduate students must maintain continuous registration in their degree programs. They can meet this requirement by registering for at least one course each academic term (summer, fall, and spring semesters) until all requirements for the degree are completed. If they are unable to take a course in a particular semester, they must have a sustaining/hiatus code applied to their student record for that term by the Graduate Office.

Registration and Academic Records

The Office of Graduate Studies and Research is responsible for assisting in registering graduate students and maintaining and safeguarding their official files. Graduate students are responsible for selecting courses that meet the requirements of their program and follow their Plans of Study. Students should meet regularly with their advisors to discuss course selection and course loads. Graduate students may register electronically following procedures established and disseminated by the Graduate Office. This includes emailing the Graduate Office or registering for distance courses through the Extended Program’s website at http://www.dsu.edu/disted/index.aspx. Due to the way graduate courses are scheduled and delivered, graduate students may find it difficult to register using WebAdvisor.

Repeating a Course/Grade Requirement & Grade Deletion

See Grading

Requirements

See Program Requirements

Residency

A “course in residence” is one offered by a degree-granting regental institution at any of its approved sites (including distance courses), using any approved method of delivery. Courses that are part of a formal collaborative agreement among institutions are considered “in residence.”

The Board of Regents has established guidelines for the proportion of coursework in a graduate program that must be earned in residence. The graduate credit hours required in residence are program-specific and dependent upon the credit hour requirements for that particular program. Students who plan to earn graduate credit through off-campus courses should check the specific program requirements. Courses that have a campus requirement are specified in the graduate catalog.

Satisfactory Progression/Good Academic Standing

Students admitted to a graduate program must make satisfactory progress each academic year toward completion of the graduate degree being sought and must remain in good academic standing. All work in the program must be completed within a period of five (5) years for master degree programs and seven (7) years for doctoral programs.

Requirements for satisfactory progress leading to successful completion of the master’s and doctoral degree programs include:

• Continuous enrollment in graduate courses included in their Plan of Study. (See DSU Policy 05-30-00 Plan of Study/Candidacy). Continuous enrollment is defined as registering for at least one course per academic term, or if that is not possible, having the Graduate Office apply the sustaining/hiatus code to the students record (See DSU Policy 05-32-00 Graduate Registration).

Requirements for good academic standing include:

• A 3.0 GPA in all courses included in the Plan of Study submitted for their degree.
• No more than 6 credit hours with “C” grades.
• No grades lower than a “C”.

Suspension

All graduate students are expected to maintain a Plan of Study grade point average of 3.0 (“B” average) throughout their graduate program. Failure to maintain the “B” average places the student on academic probation. Students on academic probation may register for an additional 9 credit hours of coursework and must raise their Plan of Study GPA to a 3.0 (“B” average) after completion of the 9 credits. If this is not accomplished, the student will be suspended from the program. A student who receives more than 6 credits of “C” or any grade lower than a “C” is automatically suspended from the program.

Should it be necessary to suspend a graduate student for academic reasons, the student may apply for readmission to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research after two semesters (summer is considered a semester term). The student must demonstrate an adequate reason for readmission.

A grievance procedure has been established for students wishing to contest probation or suspension. The Graduate Council will hear all grievances, following the procedure established in DSU Policy 03-30-00 Appealing Academic and Administrative Decisions.

Graduate students who have been officially suspended and who seek reinstatement shall submit a formal request for reinstatement, along with a supporting statement of explanation, to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Requests shall be acted upon according to the established procedure for application to the program.

Appeal

Students wishing to contest probation or suspension may appeal the decision, following the grievance procedure established by DSU: Appealing Academic and Administrative Decisions 03-30-00 http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/03-30-00.aspx. Graduate Council will hear all grievances. Students should consult the Office of Graduate Studies and Research for details.

Reinstatement

Students suspended for academic reasons may seek reinstatement after two academic terms by submitting a formal request for reinstatement, along with a supporting statement of explanation to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The request shall be acted upon according to the established procedure for application to the program.

Time Limits

Students admitted to a graduate program must make satisfactory progress each academic year toward completion of the graduate degree being sought and must remain in good academic standing. All work in the program must be completed within a period of five (5) years for masters degree programs and seven (7) years for doctoral programs. This policy can be reviewed at http://www.dsu.edu/hr/policies/05-34-00.aspx.

Transfer

See Credit and Coursework Options

Withdrawal from a Class

A student may withdraw from a class any time from the end of the official drop/add period until the date published as last day to withdraw in the academic calendar. Students are not allowed to withdraw from specific classes after the published date, except under extenuating circumstances and only with the approval of the student’s advisor, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs (See BOR Policy 2.6 Academic Calendars for a discussion of the withdraw date). Anticipated course failure is not considered an extenuating circumstance. A student who withdraws receives a “W” grade, a “W” grade does not affect GPA (See DSU Policy 05-30-00 Satisfactory Progression/Good Academic Standing).

Withdrawal from the Program

The effective date of withdrawal is the date such a request is initiated. Failure to officially withdraw will result in failing grades for all courses in which the student was enrolled (See DSU Policy 03-47-00 Transcripting Withdrawn Students).

Students who withdraw from the university will have their application held for up to one year. During this time, they may reactivate their original application, without having to resubmit all application materials. The program start date is that of the original admission to the program (See DSU Policy 05-30-00 Satisfactory Progression/Good Academic Standing). After that time, the student will have to reapply for admission (See DSU Policy 05-31-00 Graduate Admission).