Like all other graduate students at Utah State University, students in this online program must complete their program of study in accordance with rules and procedures set down by the School of Graduate Studies. For a full explanation of these rules, you may consult the USU General Catalog at this URL:

http://www.usu.edu/ats/generalcatalog/

Below are the most important rules and procedures you need to know about, set out in Q & A form:

What does the "continuous enrollment" rule mean?

From the date of your matriculation (the start of the term when you were officially accepted and began your studies) until graduation, you must be enrolled in at least 3 credits every semester except summers.

What if I need to take a semester off?

If you need to take a leave of absence from the program, you can satisfy the "continuous enrollment" rule by paying a $100 "Continuous Registration Fee." This requires a memo from Dr. Keith Grant-Davie to the School of Graduate Studies testifying that you are not using any university facilities or faculty time during the semester in which you are exercising this option. Contact Dr. Grant-Davie at the start of the semester in question.

How long do I have to complete my degree?

You should graduate within SIX years of matriculating. Extensions of this deadline are sometimes allowed, but courses expire after EIGHT years and will no longer count towards your degree.

What GPA do I need to maintain?

You need to maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain a graduate student in good standing. If you fall below a 3.0, the School of Graduate Studies will write you a letter of warning, place you on probation, or even drop you from the program. Any grade below a B- will not count towards your graduation.

What is the “Program of Study” form and why does it matter?

This form tells the School of Graduate Studies the following information:

The Program of Study demonstrates to the School of Graduate Studies that you are on course to graduate. The School of Graduate Studies wants to be able to approve it as soon as possible after your first year. The form requires signatures from you, your Supervisory Committee members, the Head of the English Department, and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Dr. Keith Grant-Davie will assign a supervisory committee to you and discuss this form with you by phone or email. He will then send it to you for your signature.

What is the “Completion of Requirements” form and why does it matter?

Dr. Grant-Davie will complete this form on your behalf and send it to the School of Graduate Studies at the beginning of the term in which you expect to graduate. It asks the School of Graduate Studies to prepare your graduation paperwork and send it to you, and to let you and the English Department know if there are any problems with your file. Notify Dr. Grant-Davie when you expect to graduate, so that he can prepare and submit this form in time.

Before the end of the term in which you complete all requirements for graduation, Dr. Grant-Davie will also arrange to have a “letter of completion” sent to the School of Graduate Studies. This letter notifies the School of Graduate Studies that you have met all English Department requirements and that they can confer the MS degree on you.