Frequently Asked Questions

Your major professor (advisor) is your primary academic mentor and should be your first point of contact for questions related to research, coursework, and degree progress. Questions about departmental procedures, assistantships, enrollment logistics, or paperwork may be directed to the CRSS Graduate Coordinator or Academic Services Professional.

Students are responsible for tracking their own degree requirements and deadlines, with guidance from their advisor and advisory committee. While the department provides support and reminders, ultimate responsibility rests with the student.

Enrollment requirements vary depending on:

• Degree program (MS vs. PhD)
• Assistantship or funding status
• International visa requirements

Students should consult Graduate School enrollment policies and confirm expectations with their advisor.

Funded students are typically required to maintain enrollment during the summer term. Students should verify specific enrollment expectations with their advisor and the Graduate Coordinator.

There are several common reasons a balance may appear on your account:

a. Check your enrollment status.
Students who are not enrolled or under‑enrolled in the required number of credit hours will not have their tuition waiver activated.

• If it is after the add/drop period, you may need to submit a Late‑Add Form or Section Change Form to adjust your credit hours.

b. If you are properly enrolled and still see a balance, contact the Graduate Program Administrator for assistance.

If you are enrolled in a variable‑credit research course, you can adjust your credit hours by following the steps outlined here:

• Adjusting Credit Hours on a Variable Hour Course

If you are unable to make the adjustment, contact the Graduate Program Administrator for support.

Students are encouraged to submit a Full Program of Study as soon as possible once coursework plans are reasonably established.

If you are not yet ready to submit a full plan, you may submit a Partial Program of Study covering one or two semesters.

Yes. Students may create multiple Programs of Study using the Plans tool in DegreeWorks.

However:

• Only one Program of Study per major may be marked as Active
• Only the Active plan can be submitted for review and approval

Students should ensure the correct plan is active prior to submission.

Graduate students are expected to:

• Maintain the minimum GPA required by the Graduate School
• Meet all program and Graduate School milestones (e.g., committee formation, exams, proposal/defense)
• Make consistent progress toward degree completion as determined by the advisor and advisory committee

Failure to maintain satisfactory progress may affect funding, enrollment eligibility, or continuation in the program.

To be considered for recognition on the department website, please send the following to the Graduate Program Administrator:

• Name and description of the award or recognition
• Name of the event or conference (regional, national, or international)
• A high‑resolution photo of yourself

When applicable, students must also complete:

• A Likeness Release, and
• FERPA consent

Graduating students are responsible for completing all Graduate School–required forms and deadlines associated with their degree. Required paperwork may include (but is not limited to):

• Application for Graduation
• Final Program of Study approval
• Defense approval and results forms
• Final thesis or dissertation submission (if applicable)

Because requirements and deadlines can vary by degree type and semester, students should regularly consult the Graduate School’s Important Dates and Deadlines page.

Students are strongly encouraged to review this information well in advance of their intended graduation term and to communicate with their advisor and the Graduate Program Administrator to ensure all departmental and Graduate School requirements are met on time.

If you need to postpone a scheduled defense or your anticipated graduation term:

1. Notify your major professor immediately
2. Consult with your advisory committee as needed
3. Contact the Graduate School and Graduate Program Administrator as soon as possible

Depending on timing, you may be required to:

• Update DegreeWorks milestones
• Submit revised defense or graduation paperwork
• Adjust enrollment for a future term

Graduate School deadlines are firm, and delayed communication may impact degree completion and funding eligibility.