This policy defines the parameters for continuous enrollment as a dissertator.
Graduate students pursuing PhD degrees in academic programs under the purview of the Graduate School.
Once a student achieves dissertator status, they must maintain continuous enrollment until completion of the doctoral degree. To maintain continuous enrollment, a dissertator must enroll each fall and spring semester for 3 credits (in 300-level courses or above) directly related to their dissertation research (generally research and thesis and/or required seminars). In some cases, the 3 credits can be a combination of research and a seminar. Fall and spring enrollment are required regardless of the student’s location.
Audit and pass/fail courses do not satisfy this requirement. Additional courses beyond the required 3 credits taken on the audit or pass/fail basis will result in the removal of dissertator fee status.
A dissertator is exempt from the requirement to enroll for the summer term, unless they are defending and/or depositing their dissertation or have a Research Assistantship (RA), fellowship, or traineeship that requires summer enrollment, or are using university facilities and other resources (including faculty and staff time).
If a dissertator does not maintain continuous enrollment, they will be assessed a degree completion fee equal to 12 times the per-credit rate effective at the time their dissertation is submitted to the Graduate School for final review.
07-31-2023
