Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 General Catalog 
    
2021-2022 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Graduate Registration, Continuous


Graduate Registration, Continuous

Graduate students using University facilities or faculty time must be registered for a minimum of 3 graduate credits every semester until completion of all degree requirements, except, in some cases, the semester of final thesis or dissertation approval (see below). Students employed as graduate assistants or graduate instructors during all semesters, except for summer semester, must be registered as full-time matriculated students. More than 3 credits of continuous registration may be required by a department. An off-campus student in a planned Regional Campuses and Distance Education program who is enrolled in a 1- or 2-credit course that is the only course offered locally that semester may be approved by the graduate dean for continuous registration upon written recommendation of the department head. Continuous registration may be met with courses, seminars, independent study, research credit, or 6990 or 7990 (Continuing Graduate Advisement). The continuous registration requirement goes into effect the semester a student matriculates in the School of Graduate Studies.
 
A graduate student who is not using University facilities or faculty time may meet the continuous registration requirement by paying the Continuous Registration Fee of $100 per semester (not necessary for summer semester). This alternative requires a written request from the department head, including verification that the student is not using University facilities and/or faculty time. International students usually do not qualify to pay the Continuous Registration Fee because of immigration regulations.

The semester a student defends (or redefends) a thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation or takes final oral examinations, he or she must be registered for at least 3 credits. Doctoral and master’s Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C students will be given until the last day of the next semester (known as a “grace” semester) following the defense to finish degree requirements, and Plan C students will be given until the last day of the next semester after coursework completion to finish degree requirements. If a student has not completed all degree requirements by the end of the grace semester, the student must pay a $100 Late Completion Fee for each semester following the grace semester. If working with faculty involves more than routine submission of the thesis or dissertation to the assistant dean, registration for 3 or more credits is required. After one year, redefense may be required.


Because of SEVIS regulations, a student holding an F-1 or J-1 visa is not eligible to pay the $100 fee to complete the degree, but must be registered as a full-time student through the semester of completion.