Policy on Full-time Status

I. PURPOSE

This policy defines full-time status in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

II. POLICY

Student status (full-time, part-time, half-time, or leave of absence) is assessed each term for the Summer, Fall, and Spring. Registration is not required during the Summer academic session.

For the Fall and Spring terms, full-time status is determined as follows: 

• Ph.D. students qualify as full-time if registered for eight (8) or more credits or engaged in an equivalent level of approved academic activities, such as research training or dissertation research.
• M.S. students qualify as full-time if registered for eight (8) or more credits. Students on a block payment plan are eligible for full-time financial aid if registered for four (4) or more credits but are not considered full-time for other GSBMS purposes.

 For the Summer term, full-time status is determined as follows:

• Ph.D. students qualify as full-time if registered for four (4) or more credits or engaged in equivalent approved academic activities, such as research training or dissertation research.
• M.S. students qualify as full-time if registered for four (4) or more credits. Students on a block payment plan are eligible for full-time financial aid if registered for four (4) or more credits.

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to students in GSBMS M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs.

IV. DEFINITION

GSBMS: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
M.S.: Master of Science Degree
Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy Degree

V. EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy is effective immediately.

VI. POLICY MANAGEMENT

Executive Stakeholder: Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Oversight Office: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dean’s Office