Academic Information

Graduate Student

A graduate student is an individual who has earned a bachelor’s degree, who has completed an Application for Graduate Admission and who has been admitted to: (1) a specific graduate degree program (2) a certificate program (3) a recertification program or as a (4) guest, or (5) non-pursuing student.  

Student Identification Card

All students must have an identification card which includes their name, NSU ID number, and picture.  The NSU ID Card is the campus community’s key to participate in the full range of services and activities available throughout NSU’s campuses. The card can be used for door access, library privileges, purchases at the bookstore, and will also allow free admission to regular home athletic events.  In addition, if a student purchases a meal plan, the NSU ID Card may be used to redeem meals at food service centers on campus. ID cards can be made on both the Broken Arrow and Tahlequah campuses. Students must provide an alternate form of photo identification and have their photo taken before an ID will be printed. 

Student Responsibilities

The student is responsible for adhering to the various regulations and procedures set forth in the Graduate College Catalog as well as additional college/departmental and program policies concerning the students degree program.  

Ethics

A student is expected to abide by the ethics of the graduate program and the profession for which he/she is preparing.

Students violating the standards of academic honesty are subject to disciplinary action including reduction of a grade(s) in a specific course, assignment, paper, or project; a formal or informal reprimand at the professional, dean, or academic vice president level; expulsion from the class in which the violation occurred; expulsion from a program; or expulsion from the university.  

Holds

A HOLD may be placed on a student’s file by the appropriate office for: (1) academic deficiencies such as unmet admission requirements, poor grades, candidacy requirements, etc. (2) financial obligations and (3) lack of compliance with University regulations and policies outlined in the Policy Manual of the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma.

A student may not enroll in additional course work or secure a transcript of previous course work until the situation which caused the HOLD to be placed is resolved.

Application Process

Any student who wishes to enroll in a class for graduate credit must complete an Application for Graduate Admission.  A $25 application fee must accompany the application.

Individuals interested in applying for graduate studies may apply on line at:  https://apply.nsuok.edu/Admission . 

Required documents for admission are to be sent to the Office of the Graduate College, A-111, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464-2399, at least one month prior to the first enrollment for graduate credit. An earlier deadline and additional materials may be required for some of the degree programs. One copy of official transcripts of all previous course work must be sent directly from colleges and universities attended by students to the Graduate College. Test scores and other documentation needed to determine admissibility must also be submitted. When the applicant is approved for admission to the Graduate College, he/she will be notified in writing and assigned to an academic advisor.  

Admission to Graduate College

A graduate student who misses two consecutive semesters is subject to current admission criteria and program standards upon reentering. The minimum requirements for regular admission to the Graduate College are:

1. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
2. A grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate course work attempted; or a 2.75 based on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework attempted; or a minimum score on the appropriate graduate entrance exam.
3. All master’s degree candidates must take one of the following entrance exam tests MAT, GRE, or GMAT before the close of the first semester of enrollment in graduate studies. The degree program being pursued determines the test to be taken and the minimum score that is required.
4. Proof of citizenship for a U.S. citizen born outside of the United States and for a resident alien. An international applicant for whom English was the first language and is the spoken language in the home must sign a statement to that affect.
5. A score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL for all applicants, U.S. citizens or international applicants, for who English is a second language.

An applicant who is a graduate of a fully accredited institution but does not possess the minimum undergraduate grade point average for admission may be admitted on a regular basis, provided the score(s) from the appropriate aptitude test of the degree program are met. Because the minimum test scores vary according to program, please see the specific program admission requirements for more information.

Graduates from universities which are not fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association will be admitted to graduate study in academic areas in which all undergraduate prerequisites have been met through validation of credit or through the earning of credit at a fully accredited institution. In addition, applicants must submit test scores of the Miller Analogies Test or the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination. MBA applicants must submit scores of the Graduate Management Admission Test. The test results must place the student in the upper three-fourths of college graduates according to national norms.

The catalog in effect at the time of the student’s initial full-time enrollment in a State System college or university shall govern lower-division prerequisites and general education requirements, provided that the student has had continuous enrollment. The catalog in effect at the time the student completes a degree plan will govern the degree requirements for the major and minor, provided that the student has had continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment will be defined as not being out of a State System college or university for more than three consecutive enrollment periods. Students who have been out three semesters must file a new degree plan and will be subject to any new degree requirements.  

Conditional Admission

A person with an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may be admitted conditionally for graduate studies with a 2.3 overall grade point average in all undergraduate course work attempted or a 2.5 in the last 60 semester hours attempted based on a 4.0 scale. The individual who is given conditional admission must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in the first twelve hours of graduate course work attempted to continue in graduate studies.  

Provisional Admission

An NSU senior who is enrolled in sufficient work to complete requirements for the bachelors degree but who is not enrolled for a normal study load may be admitted on a provisional basis for graduate studies. Students must be admitted to the Graduate College before they may enroll in graduate courses. The student may enroll in courses for graduate credit, provided the total enrollment does not exceed sixteen hours in a semester or nine hours in a summer term and provided the student meets regular admission requirements. Graduate credit will not be applicable to a graduate degree for such students unless bachelors degree requirements are satisfied at the end of the semester of concurrent enrollment.  

International Student Admission

The application for admission and all supporting documents other than transcripts and test scores must be received directly from the student. Transcripts from other institutions must be received directly from the registrars of the institutions. Test scores must be received directly from the testing center.

Applications cannot be accepted from third parties, agents, or agencies acting for the student. The student must correspond directly with the University.

In addition to the requirements for admission to the Graduate College, an international student must also satisfy the following:

1. Knowledge of English Language
   The State Regents require a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score for admission to a State System institution.  Those not meeting these standards must have a minimum score on TOEFL or IELTS and must successfully complete a minimum of 12 weeks of study at an approved intensive English program (IEP). The requirements are as follows:  Graduate (minimum scores): 550 or higher on paper based TOEFL or 79 on Internet-based TOEFL or 6.5 on IELTS OR 500 or higher on paper based TOEFL or 61 on Internet based TOEFL or 5.5 or higher on IELTS AND completion of 12 weeks of intensive English Study.
    
2. An individual not eligible for admission under this standard may be admitted conditionally for one semester at a state system institution if the individual presents a TOEFL minimum internet score of 61 and has subsequently completed twelve weeks of study at an English language school operated by an institution of higher learning or a private school approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
   
   An international applicant for whom English was the first and is the spoken language in the home must sign a statement to that effect.
    
3. Application and Supporting Documents
   1. A complete Application for Graduate Admission to Northeastern.
   2. An official transcript of college or university records for all schools previously attended. In addition, complete and official English translations must be furnished with the original documents. All academic records must be signed by the appropriate school or government official and must include the seal of the school or government. The transcript must be sent directly from the schools to NSU.
   3. Three letters of reference from school officials of schools attended showing applicant’s rank in class, comparison with classmates, and length of time the writer has known the student.
   4. Aptitude test scores no more than five years old.
   5. Additional documents as program requires.
       
4. Financial Support
   Submit written proof on the appropriate certification form (provided in the admission packet) of the student’s ability to take care of at least one year’s education-related expenses in any one of the following forms:
   1. Official confirmation by the student’s government of an adequate grant, scholarship, fellowship, or loan made available for the specific purpose of educational expenses of the student.
   2. Official confirmation by an educational or other organization or agency of adequate funds made available for the specific purpose of the students study in the United States;
   3. Official confirmation by the student’s government, through a central bank, for permission to transfer adequate funds to the United States for the specific purpose of education;
   4. Official confirmation by the student’s parents, through a central bank, of adequate funds committed to support payment of all educational expenses; Any other source of financial support is considered not satisfactory.
       
5. Accident, Health, and Hospitalization Insurance
   Submit an official copy of a document showing the student has an accident and hospitalization insurance policy in force for the period of the first years attendance at the University. Information on student insurance is available at the Office of Student Affairs and must be purchased for at least one year.
    
6. Other Documents
   At the time of enrollment, the student must present a valid passport with an F-1 visa and 1-94 form showing the date for stay in the United States.

Conditions one, two and three must be met and documents received in the Graduate College before admission to the University can be considered. All of these conditions must be met prior to the students departure from the students home country.

If the student meets all requirements for admission including proficiency in English, a notice of acceptance for admission and a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) will be sent to the student. The student must then take the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) to the United States Consulate and apply for a United States Student Visa.

Conditions four and five must be completed upon arrival in the United States and before enrolling.

Once a student has been admitted under “International Student Admission”, they will be issued an “I-20” and NSU will be considered their home institute. If for any reason, the student transfers their I-20 to another institution; their status at NSU will become inactive or non-degree seeking. Written permission from the new home institution will be required if an international student wished to enroll in any classes at NSU after making the transfer. To return to NSU, a complete international application packet must be submitted for review and consideration. All international students must be continuously enrolled and must take a minimum of nine hours of graduate course work each semester, with the exception of summer session, to stay in status. Students must also have a Degree Plan and Statement of Understanding on file in the Graduate College office before the close of the first semester of graduate studies.

It is the students responsibility to stay abreast of the federal regulation changes as they are made by INS. You may review these regulations by visiting the website of http://www.uscis.gov.

A change of address must be submitted within ten days to both the attending college and to INS using INS from AR-11. The form is available at the website of http://www.uscis.gov.  

Non-Academic Criteria

1. In addition to academic requirements for admission, students must be in good standing and eligible to re-enroll at a college attended and,
   1. not expelled, suspended, denied admission or readmission,
   2. not convicted of a felony or lesser crime or moral turpitude,
   3. not acted in a manner that would be grounds for expulsion, suspension, dismissal or denial of readmission.

And, if the institution finds than an applicant falls into a category above, then the institution shall deny admission if it decides that any of the events described in a, b, or c indicates unfitness.

If an applicant is denied admission on any of the foregoing grounds, there must be substantial evidence supporting the basis for denial. In addition, the applicant must be afforded adequate procedural safeguards, including the following:

a. be advised of the grounds of the denial;
b. be informed of the facts which form a basis of the denial, and
c. be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

2. Physical, emotional and mental status of the student must be such that no danger is presented to him or others while attending the university. If there is any question of the status of the student, the university may require a diagnostic examination.   

Graduate Admission Examinations

All graduate programs require a graduate admission examination, such as the Graduate Record Examination, the Miller Analogies Test, or the Graduate Management Admission Test. The program which the applicant is pursuing determines the test to be taken and  the score needed. Test scores must be no more than five years old at the time of application for admission. More information on graduate admission examinations may be found on the NSU Graduate College website.  

Admission to the Degree Program

Most degree programs have additional admission requirements beyond the general admission requirements to the Graduate College. Specific undergraduate course work is one, but not necessarily the only one, of the requirements for entry into a degree program. See the specific program being pursued for detailed information.

Graduate students changing from one program to another program are subject to the admission criteria and program standards of the new program at the time of the requested change.  

Initial Enrollment

Upon receipt in the graduate College Office of the student’s Application for Graduate Admission, official transcripts from previous schools attended, and other appropriate documents, the file will be evaluated and the applicant notified in writing of the admission status.  

Advisement

An academic advisor is assigned to each graduate student when admitted to the Graduate College if a graduate program is declared. It is the students responsibility to make an appointment with their advisor prior to the first enrollment. Office hours maintained by academic advisors during the semester vary depending upon their teaching schedule. Their regularly scheduled office hours are posted at their office or online. The Directory on the NSU website details telephone number, office location, and e-mail addresses for additional advisor information.

Advisement on the Broken Arrow campus may be arranged through the advisement office. Prior to every pre-enrollment, there is an advisement session. Advisors are available during regular enrollment for new and continuing students.

Advisors maintain office hours during the semester only and are not available between semesters. Advisors are available in the summer only if they are teaching and then only during the weeks they are teaching.

The advisor continues to counsel with and assist students throughout their graduate program. The advisor serves as chair of the students committee in the programs that require a committee.  

Admission to Degree Program

During the initial meeting with the academic advisor, the graduate student will review the prerequisites and conditions necessary for formal admissions to the intended degree program. When all of the prerequisite conditions have been met, the graduate student will be formally admitted to the program using the program’s prescribed process. The signed program admission form will then be sent to the Graduate College for final certification.  

Degree Plan

In developing the degree plan, the advisor will determine the student’s educational background and identify needs. The student’s needs may be revealed by the transcript, experience, performance on the aptitude test, or suggestions from an employer or supervisor.

Courses for which the student has received graduate credit will not be included in their plan of study unless they contribute to the student’s program. The degree plan must be approved by the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College. Any alteration in the plan must be approved by the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College. The degree plan will not be approved until requirements for admission to the graduate program are met.  

Statement of Understanding

All degree plans must be accompanied by the signed Statement of Understanding. The Statement of Understanding stipulates the requirements and responsibilities of the graduate student and the Graduate College in completion of the degree program.

Advisory Committee

Some degree programs require an advisory committee. The committee administers candidacy oral examinations, monitors synergistic experiences, administers final oral examination, monitors and approves research papers or theses, monitors internship experiences, and makes recommendations for candidacy, etc.

The advisor generally serves as chair of the committee. Other members are determined by the department and selected by the department, advisor, and student.

Admission to Candidacy

A students progress toward a degree is monitored through a process called candidacy. Candidacy requirements vary from program to program. Additional candidacy requirements for each specific degree program are provided in the section, Specific Requirements for Degree Programs. Candidacy for all programs require the following minimum standards:

1. Admission to the graduate degree program which includes completion of a graduate aptitude test.
2. Completion of a minimum of twelve semester hours in the program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
3. Maintenance of a B average in all graduate course work attempted.
4. Submission of an approved plan of study and a signed Statement of Understanding to the Graduate College.  

Enrollment/Registration

Students are expected to enroll for classes at the time published in the on-line Schedule of Classes. Students should arrange to visit with their assigned advisors prior to their scheduled enrollment. Advisors assist students with their schedules and approve their schedules. Students cannot be readmitted or enroll for classes if they have holds from any office.  

On-Site Enrollment

Enrollment assistance is provided on site at the Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow campuses prior to the opening of the semester. Students are encouraged to enroll using web access.  Regular enrollment is provided for two to four days immediately prior to the day classes begin. Students enrolling at other sites need to consult the appropriate schedule to determine the time of enrollment.  

On-Line Enrollment

Graduate students may enroll online by accessing the goNSU link from the homepage.  

Class Schedule Changes

Schedule changes (dropping and/or adding classes) are permitted through the late enrollment period. The dates for dropping and/or adding classes are published in the Schedule of Classes. Also, see withdrawals under Academic Information.  Students must contact the Office of the Registrar to completely withdraw for a semester.

Cancellation of Enrollment

Students who cannot attend classes must withdraw before classes begin to avoid being billed. There is no administrative withdrawal for nonpayment of fees.  Students should contact the Office of the Registrar to officially withdraw from all classes.

Payment of Fees

All fees are payable as published in the Schedule of Classes each semester.  

Late Enrollment

Students may enroll in classes late, generally one week. A late enrollment fee is assessed in addition to the standard fees.  

Automated Degree Audit System

The automated degree audit system allows the student to view an audit of course work taken toward a degree at any time. This program can be accessed via goNSU.  The audit will guide you through the program by listing the course work you will need to take in order to complete your degree. 

Application for Masters Degree

Degrees are conferred at the close of the summer, fall and spring semesters. Candidates for a degree must file an Application for Masters Degree.  The degree application form may be picked up in the Graduate College Office in Tahlequah, at the NSU campuses at Broken Arrow and Muskogee or downloaded from the website.  The application fee is $40. The application must be submitted by March 1 for summer, July 1 for fall and January 1 for spring.

Capstone Experience

All degree programs require a learning experience beyond the specified minimum hours of course work. This learning experience is a culminating activity termed a Capstone Experience. The Capstone encourages the use of skills learned and knowledge gained to demonstrate competency in one or more areas of the degree discipline. Since Capstone Experience options differ with each program, see the specific degree program for the options, guidelines, and deadlines for completing the Capstone. Capstone Experiences include:

1. Comprehensive examination which may be oral or written or a combination.
2. Research paper, project or portfolio.
3. Thesis.
4. Synergistic Experience.
5. Additional specified course work or capstone course approved by advisor and Dean of the Graduate College.
6. Second internship.
7. Other as approved by advisor, advisory committee, and the Dean of the Graduate College.  

Research Paper/Project/Thesis

The guidelines for Thesis/Research Papers articulate specifics related to the approach of such and are available on the Graduate College website.

These works are research records, not confidential student records, and become the property of the University. Northeastern State University will place approved manuscripts in the John Vaughn Library making them available to other researchers.  

Graduation

Degrees are conferred at the end of summer, fall and spring semesters. Students completing degree requirements at the end of the summer session may participate in the fall or spring commencement. Caps and gowns and graduation announcements are available at the Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow campuses’ bookstore. Diplomas will be mailed approximately twelve weeks after the conferral date of the degree, provided all requirements are met.  

Final Deadline for Completing All Graduation Requirements

For the academic record (transcript) to indicate degree completion during the semester for which the student applied, all paperwork must be in the Graduate College Office prior to one week following the close of the semester. This paperwork includes: all grades; incompletes; official transcripts of course work completed at other schools; final approved research papers, projects, theses, and capstone experiences; notifications of comprehensive examinations. If all requirements are not met, the student must reapply for graduation.  

Second Master’s Degree

A second masters degree may be earned by completing the required courses for the degree including the minimum number of hours required for the degree. The calculation for the number of hours begins with the first hour completed after the first masters degree was awarded. If some of the courses required for the second degree were completed as part of the first degree, the course work must be either substituted with other comparable course work or repeated, depending upon the advisors recommendation based on the age, content, and grades of the course work. The research course must be repeated if the course will be more than six years old upon the receipt of the second masters degree.  

General Requirements

Any student who has been admitted to a graduate program at Northeastern State University will abide by requirements as stated in the Graduate Catalog current at the time of admission to the graduate program or by requirements as stated in the most recently published catalog with the following exceptions:

1. The student will abide by the transfer requirements existing at the time of transfer of credit.
2. If a requirement, other than transfer or fiscal, has been changed since the Graduate Catalog at the time of admission, the student may elect to abide by the newer requirement.
3. The student who misses more than three consecutive semesters must re-apply to the Graduate College and the degree program. Re-admission requires filing a new degree plan.  

Course Numbering System

Graduate level courses are numbered in the 5000s. Students may enroll in no more than nine hours of approved 4000 level courses in some programs, provided a grade of B or better is earned. The inclusion of hours and grade information on pre-approved applicable 4000-level classes toward a masters degree is made only upon graduation. (For specific requirements and restrictions relating to the use of 4000 level courses, see the individual degree programs.)  

Credit

Credit for courses is designated in terms of semester hours. A semester hour of credit is designated for the equivalent of one class period per week for a semester of sixteen weeks. Periods for laboratory courses are, generally, twice as long as those for non-laboratory courses in proportion to the credit values. The last digit of a course number indicates the number of semester hours of credit to be earned. When zero is the last digit of a course number, the course carries variable credit.  

Level of Course Work

Courses applicable to a masters degree must be 5000 level with some exceptions of approved NSU 4000-level courses.  

Course Load Limit

Students requesting course overload must be approved by the advisor and the department chair before being submitted to the Graduate College Dean for final approval.

For a student enrolled during a regular semester, nine to twelve hours shall constitute a full load. For a student enrolled during a summer session, four to twelve hours shall constitute a full load.

International Load Limit

A student admitted as “INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION” must maintain international status at all times after be admitted. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Graduate College office and the Office of International Programs if their status should change. Students must be enrolled in 9 hours of graduate study each fall and spring semester. They do not have to enroll during the summer session.  

Transfer Credit

A maximum of nine semester hours of approved transfer credit may be applied toward the masters degree. Students who wish to transfer graduate credit applicable to a degree program at Northeastern State University must have attained a B average in all graduate course work attempted at the transferring institution. No credit will be given for a transfer course in which the grade is lower than B. Course work must meet the six year time limit guideline.  

Residence Credit

A minimum of twenty-four semester hours must be earned from Northeastern State University. Credit earned through correspondence study will not apply toward a masters degree.  

Time Limit

Credit will be applied toward a program only for work begun and completed within six years prior to the granting of the degree, exclusive of any time spent in the armed services of the United States.  

Withdrawals

If it is necessary for a student to drop a single class, withdraw from a single class, or withdraw completely from all courses at the University, the student must complete the process by doing the following:
 

• Drop a single course (on or before the full refund date) - The student can drop via goNSU unless he/she has a hold that impacts registration.  In the case of a hold, contact the Office of the Registrar.
   
• Withdraw from a single course - The student can withdraw via goNSU unless he/she has a hold that impacts registration.  In the case of a hold, contact the Office of the Registrar.
   
• Completely withdraw from all courses - The student must complete a Semester Withdrawal form.  The form is also available in the Office of the Registrar at the Tahlequah Campus or the Student Services Office at the Broken Arrow or Muskogee campuses.

Drop During Refund Period — if a student drops a class during the refund period, the course will not appear on their academic record. 

Withdrawal Before or During the Twelfth Week — if a student withdraws from a single class or completely from the University after the refund period through the end of the twelfth week of a regular fall or spring semester, the instructor will assign a “W” (withdrew passing) regardless of the student’s progress in the course.  The automatic “W” period for short term classes is prorated at 3/4 time from the start of class.

Withdrawal After the Twelfth Week — If a student withdraws from a single class or completely from the University after the twelfth week (automatic “W” period), the instructor will assign a “W” or “F” depending on the student’s standing in the class at the time of withdrawal.  A “W” will be assigned if the student was passing at the time of withdrawal. An “F” will be assigned if the student was failing at the time of withdrawal.

Drop and withdrawal deadlines are published each semester in the schedule of courses.  Failure to follow the above procedures may have a negative impact on your standing with the university and financial aid status.
 

Grade Information

A student can access his/her grades by using goNSU at www.nsuok.edu.  

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete grades may be given at the end of a semester to those students whose work in passing but who have left unfinished a small amount of work which may be completed with further class attendance. Any incomplete grade not removed within one calendar year will remain permanently on the student’s record as “Incomplete” and will not be included in computing grade point average. If the permanent incomplete is for a course required on the student’s program, re-enrollment in and completion of the course shall be necessary.  

Grade Point Average

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) in all graduate course work attempted is considered satisfactory progress and is the minimum required for graduation in the following categories:

1. All graduate course work
2. All NSU graduate course work
3. All 5000-only course work
4. Degree program course work
5. Professional education
6. Specialization

No course in which a grade below a C was made will be counted toward degree requirements. The hours attempted in which a grade lower than C is received will be counted in calculating the grade point average with the grade of D and F assigned O grade point value. Grades and their values are as follows:

A = 4 grade points each semester hour
B = 3 grade points each semester hour
C = 2 grade points each semester hour
D = 0 grade points each semester hour
F = 0 grade points each semester hour
P = neutral
S = neutral
I = neutral

Graduate courses in which the grades of A, B, C, P, and S are earned and reported as earned hours in the cumulative grade information.

Graduate courses in which the grades of A, B, C, D, and F are earned and used as hours attempted in computing the students grade point average.

Three hours of A are required to offset three hours of C. Nine hours of A are required to offset three hours of D or F. If a course is repeated, the second grade does not replace the first. Both grades are used in the grade point computation.

Grades earned in 4000 level course work applicable to the masters degree will be included in the cumulative grade average only upon graduation.  

Probation/Suspension/Dismissal

A student whose grade point average falls below 3.0 during the pursuit of graduate studies is placed on probation. The grade report will show the students probation. To be removed from probation, the student must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 by the end of the next semester or next nine hours of enrollment. If the grade point average remains below 3.0 at the end of the probationary period, the student is suspended from the Graduate College and may not continue to pursue their graduate degree. Only through appeal to the Dean of the Graduate College and approval by the Graduate Council may a student continue in the program or later be readmitted. However, if a student has become inactive for one academic year (three semesters) they may apply for readmission. Readmission into a program will be determined by the Dean of the Graduate College and the Program Chair. A student who is readmitted to the Graduate College and a graduate program based upon a successful appeal to suspension or having been inactive for one year  must meet with his/her academic advisor to determine the number of hours allowed to be taken to raise the grade point average to a minimum of 3.0. The number of hours allowed, must be approved by the Graduate Dean and documented on the Readmission Statement of Understanding. Readmitted students must earn a letter grade of A, B, W or I in each course taken through out the remainder of graduate tenure.  Graduate courses that are not part of the student’s official degree plan may not be taken in an attempt to raise the GPA. A student, who fails to achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average upon completion of the approved number of hours, will be dismissed, will not be readmitted to the Graduate College and will not receive a graduate degree.

Grade Appeals

A student may petition a grade change by using the Graduate Grade Appeals Process as outlined in the undergraduate catalog in regards to time limits and guidelines, if satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved after consultation with the instructor and/or Dean, then the grade appeals process must be formally initiated with a written appeal to the Graduate Dean within four months following awarding of the original grade. Copy of the grade appeal process is available at the Graduate College office.  

The Graduate Grade Appeals Committee is comprised of faculty members who hold a Regular Graduate faculty appointment and have expressed an interest in serving on the Graduate Grade Appeals Committee.  This committee is an ad hoc committee of the Graduate College which is charged with conducting a review when a grade appeal is filed by a student for one of the following reasons: 1.) Allegations that the instructor’s policy in assigning final grades is not applied consistently to all students within a class and section; 2.) Allegations that the method of assigning grades differs from the method described in the instructor’s course syllabus or in the material made available by the instructor to the students; or 3.) Allegations that the instructor’s policy on assignment of grades was not made known to students.

Workshops

A maximum of four semester hours may be applied toward a masters degree by participating in workshops or short term courses. (A short term course is generally a course which meets for less than two weeks.) A withdrawal from a workshop or short term course must be completed prior to the first meeting.  

Change of Program

A student who chooses to change from non-pursuing to a degree program or from one degree program to another program must request the change in the Graduate College Office at Tahlequah. The Graduate College will assign an academic advisor in the requested program. The advisor will evaluate the student’s academic record for entry into the new program. The student, new advisor, and previous advisor will be notified of the change. The change of program form is available at the Graduate College website.  

Appeals to a Regulation

A graduate student has the right to file a request for a waiver to a regulation of the Graduate College. The student request must be made in writing to the Dean of the Graduate College, who serves as Chair of the Graduate Council. The request (appeal) will be considered by the Graduate Council. A simple majority vote rules. The student may personally appear before the Council to further present his/her case and answer questions. The appeal form is available at the Graduate College website.