For questions regarding the following changes, please contact the Graduate School at 509-335-7619 or 335-1337.
3.1 Context for Graduate Certificates
New section – explains rational for approved changes to the admission process of graduate certificate students, which allow a non-traditional student a point-of-access to graduate school under conditions where both they, and the academic department, can determine the student's suitability for formal graduate admission.
4.3.4 Course Time Limits
This is an added reference to Extension Procedures 6.4.
5.7 Time Limits for Completion of Doctoral Degree
added reference to Extension Procedures 6.4.
6.3.9 Auditing Courses
New Section – restates policy outlined in Educational Policies & Procedures Manual for auditing courses.
Graduate students who elect to audit a course must have prior approval from the instructor of the course and from their thesis or dissertation chair. Official recording of an audit on a transcript requires the instructor's signature and a discussion with the instructor regarding any specific expectations or requirements to fulfill the audit. Minimum requirements may include attendance at select or all classes and course readings for participation in class discussions. This agreement between the student and the instructor should be through written documentation but at the very minimum through verbal communication so student and faculty are mutually clear regarding expectations.
"No university credit will be allowed for auditing courses, nor may students apply for or take special examinations for university credit in courses which they have audited." (Faculty Senate 5/4/78; Educational Policies and Procedures 9/2004)
Subsequent sections have been renumbered.
6.4 Extension Procedures
New Section – outlines procedures for requesting extensions for program completion. Click on the link for the complete text.
1st Extension:
A one year extension may be requested as an exception to Graduate School policy for students not able to complete their Masters degree in 6 years or Doctorate degree in 10 years from the beginning date of the earliest course applied toward the degree.
2nd Extension:
The 2nd extension is a serious matter and should be considered a final stage of the process to complete the degree. If the extension is granted, a letter will be sent to the student (and copied to the Chair, the chair of the thesis/dissertation committee, and the Dean of the Graduate School) explaining that this 2nd extension is essentially a final opportunity to complete the thesis/dissertation by following the time-line developed by the student and thesis/dissertation committee.
3rd Extension:
It is possible to obtain a 3rd extension under exceptional circumstances (personal and/or family medical issues, etc.). The 3rd extension is absolutely final. Because of this, the process for requesting it is more formal and involves a wider segment of the university community.
3. Graduate Certificates
This section has been revised to include Graduate Certificate Requirements (3.2) thus renumbering the sub-sections up to 3.6.
2.4.4 Student Status Classification
Class 8: Non-degree Seeking Student
New section – outlines student undergraduate classification for those students not seeking degree and enrolled in courses for personal enrichment, then deciding to pursue a graduate degree. Courses taken as Class 8 student do not count toward graduate degree
2.4.5 Select Graduate Admissions
New section - outlines a new program designed to encourage outstanding undergraduate students to remain at WSU for their graduate degree by (1) extending an early offer of admission and support to outstanding candidates, (2) removing financial and other costs associated with regular application, and (3) potentially reducing the total number of combined semesters required to complete the undergraduate/graduate degree (without reducing the credit requirements for either).
2.5.1 Procedure for Enrolling under Graduate Leave Status
New section – defines restrictions under Graduate Leave status: Graduate Leave Status cannot be used toward meeting residence requirements. Although students on Graduate Leave Status may take foreign language reading examinations, they may not take graduate examinations (preliminary or final) during these terms. Use of library facilities and resources may be accessed, but only upon approval from the Graduate School and only on a year-by-year basis. Requests for library privileges must be made in writing to the Graduate School through the student's department/program chair to the Dean of the Graduate School, who may grant a leave of absence for a specified period. No enrollment is required during periods of leave.
3. Graduate Certificates
This section has been revised to include reasons for departments/programs to develop certificate programs. It also expands on the requirements and expectations of students who wish to enroll, and steps for enrolling in certificate programs.
4.5 Final Master's Examination
Clarification of requirements for taking final master's examination: The student must have completed or be enrolled in all the required course work and be registered for a minimum of two credits of 700 or 702 for the semester or summer session in which the final examination is to be taken.
The graduation fee must be paid by the time the final exam is scheduled.
5.6 Preliminary Doctoral Examination
Clarification of requirements for taking preliminary doctoral examination: The student must be registered for a minimum of two hours of 800 as a regular graduate student at the beginning of the semester or summer session in which the preliminary examination is to be taken.
5.7 The Limits for Completion of Doctoral Degree
Additional text regarding requirements for commencement ceremony: A doctoral candidate wishing to participate in the commencement ceremony must complete and be cleared of all program requirements by the Wednesday preceding the commencement ceremony.
5.9 Scheduling the Final Doctoral Examination
Clarification of required fees before scheduling the final examination: The microfilm fee and the graduation fee must be paid by the time the final exam is scheduled.
5.10 Final Doctoral Examination
Clarification of requirements for taking final doctoral examination: The student must register for the required number (minimum two hours) of 800 credits at the beginning of the semester or summer session in which the final examination is to be taken.
Revised policy for appointing an outside observer for preliminary or final oral defense: A student, Department Chair, committee member, or any other concerned party may request that the Graduate School provide an independent observer to be present at preliminary or final oral defense. This request will be held confidential. All such requests will be fulfilled by drawing upon a group of faculty, designated as the Graduate Mentor Academy, that has agreed to serve in this role and has received training to do so. All repeat examinations or defenses will have such an independent, outside representative.