Can I get grades and test scores over the telephone? 

No, it is not possible for us to give out grades and test scores (including the SPEAK test) over the telephone.  We need verification information to insure that we are giving this information out to the appropriate individual. Grades are available over ALFI registration.  For all other confidential information, you will need to come in and show identification.

Do I need to be continually enrolled?

No, this is not a graduate school requirement, unless you are utilizing University Services.  However, some departments do require continuous enrollment so you do not lose your standing within the department.  Check with your department for this requirement. You will also need to file a leave of absence form if you are not enrolled for the fall or spring semester (summer semester does not count as a break in enrollment).

What can I enroll in if I’m finishing my thesis?

If you have finished all your courses on your program of study, you can enroll in 996 continuing enrollment (1-9 credits) to finish your independent study or thesis.  A maximum of 6-9 credits for two semesters for master’s and four semesters for doctoral is allowed.  The fee is $100 per credit.  Do not enroll in more 998 thesis credits than are on your program of study.

Will my credits for 997 independent study or 998 thesis remain an incomplete until I am finished?

Yes, they will remain an incomplete until your final copy is finished.  A grade of “SP” Satisfactory Progress, or “UP” Unsatisfactory Progress, will be assigned.  The “SP” or the “UP” grade, which usually span several semesters, will be replaced by a grade at the conclusion of the activity, usually a student’s final semester.  Grades of “SP” or “UP” are not calculated into term or cumulative GPA values and will be expunged from the record upon submission of final grades.

Can I take undergraduate courses when I’m a graduate student?

Your main goal as a graduate student should be to complete courses pertinent to your program of study.  Some programs allow students to take undergraduate courses in their cognate. When a graduate student elects to use a 300-or 400-level course to be used in their cognate, it is understood that the student will be required to do additional work, over and above that typically required of undergraduates.

What are the hours of the Graduate School?

The Graduate School is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  If you have questions, you are welcome to e-mail us.  Our individual e-mail addresses are included in this Handbook on page 4.  The University of North Dakota offers a toll free number.  It is 1-800-CALL-UND.

I have an assistantship (GTA, GRA, GSA), or have received a tuition waiver, when will my tuition waiver take place?

You will need to accept your appointment or waiver.  The graduate school will send you a letter on which there is an acceptance statement that you need to sign and return to the graduate school.  No stipend or waiver will be applied until we receive this.  Assistantships will not be granted if the appointment is received after the first week of classes.

Is there a graduate student organization?

Yes!  There is an organization but to this point has not been active.  Many programs and colleges also have student organizations.

           
North Dakota residency - what is it?

For tuition purposes, please see the section entitled, “Regulations regarding non-resident fees” in the Academic Catalog for information about North Dakota residency requirements.

Residency requirements for thesis.

ND residency is not to be confused with the department residency requirement.  Students writing a thesis or research project are required to spend a minimum period of time in residence during their course of study.  A student must be registered for at least 9 credits in a semester or be a graduate teaching or research assistant.  Please check with your department on your particular residency requirement. 

How do I get loan deferments and enrollment verification?

UND is using the National Student Clearinghouse for loan deferments and enrollment verification.  For more information contact the Registrar’s Office. 

How do I change my program of study?

After consulting with your advisor, fill out the form “Changes to a Program of Study.  After your advisor signs the form, submit it to the Graduate School for the Dean’s approval.  Do not submit a new program of study, unless there are major changes.

How do I notify the Graduate School of my advisor or committee?

Complete the form “Request for New Advisor or Committee Appointment” and submit to the graduate school with the proper signatures.  Be sure the Graduate Director of your department also signs this form, or it will be sent back.

How do I change my advisor or committee?

Complete the form “Request for Change of Advisor or Committee Appointment” and submit to the graduate school with the proper signatures.  Be sure the Graduate Director of your department also signs this form, or it will be sent back.

Can I take courses for S/U grading?

Graduate students do not have the option of electing S-U grading in either graduate or undergraduate courses, unless that is the only way they are offered. 

I received a D or F in one of my courses – can I retake it?

Courses taken by graduate students, for which a grade of D, F, or U was received, may be repeated once for credit, with only the second grade to count in the grade point average.  This option does not apply to students who have been dismissed.  Contact the graduate school so your transcript will be marked as a retake once the course is graded.

What happens if I can’t complete a course on time:

If you can’t complete a course on time because of something beyond your control, you may request to receive an incomplete grade.  Your instructor may allow this if they feel that there is reasonable certainty that you will successfully complete the course without retaking it.  There is a form called, “Report of Incomplete Grade”, that will need to be completed by the instructor.  Please be aware that the work needs to be completed by the specified deadline that your instructor indicates on this form.

What are the reasons for grad holds?

a.  Prerequisites not completed on time as stated in your admission letter.
b.  Enrolled in the maximum amount of 996 continuing enrollment credits.
c.  Failure to complete certain admission stipulations (ex. GRE tests).
d.  Dismissals.
e. Special Permission to Register

If I have a question about my health insurance whom do I call?

If you have questions about coverage, call Vaaler Insurance at 775-3131.  Ask for the UND Graduate School representative.

What is considered full time?

According to the North Dakota University System, Graduate students must enroll in nine credits to be full time in fall, spring, or summer semester. Students with assistantships must enroll in six credits in the fall and spring, and three credits in the summer.

What happens if I fall below a 3.00 GPA?

If you fall below a 3.00 GPA your record will be reviewed.  Students having accumulated 12 or more credit hours will be placed on academic probation for one semester; students having accumulated fewer than 12 credit hours will be placed on academic probation until either (a) the GPA is raised to at least 3.00 (2.75 for M. Engr) or (b) 12 graduate credit hours are accumulated, whichever occurs first.  If, at the end of the probationary period, the GPA is still less than 3.00 (2.75 for M. Engr.), the student will be dismissed.  Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA to be eligible for assistantships.

How do I drop courses after the deadline?

To drop a course after the deadline, you must complete an Administrative Procedures petition. This form can be found on the Graduate School or the Registrar’s website.  This form, with signatures and recommendations for approval or disapproval, must be brought to the Graduate School for the Graduate Dean’s signature.  Explain clearly why you are requesting to drop a course after the deadline.  Clearly specify the course and term you are requesting to drop.  The administrative procedures committee will meet on these petitions throughout the semester, and you will be notified by letter.

Can I change from a thesis option to a non-thesis option?           

It is best NOT to change from a thesis option to a non-thesis option.  As you develop your program of study, work with your advisor on making this choice.  You can petition the Dean of the Graduate School to change from a thesis option to a non-thesis option but you should have clear reasoning as to why you wish to change.  Do not enroll in thesis credits until you are sure of this option.  Any changes to a transcript for previous semesters have to go through the administrative procedures committee.  A permanent SP or UP for thesis credits already taken will be recorded on your transcript.

How do I apply to graduate?

You need to be advanced to candidacy the semester before you graduate.  This means you need to be in approved status (not qualified or provisional), and your program of study and topic proposal need to be approved by the graduate school.  You will receive a status sheet every time you turn in a form to the graduate school.  When the above is turned in, you will automatically be advanced to candidacy and mailed a graduation application.  Please be aware of the deadlines, which are printed each semester in the Time Schedule of Classes and are also found in the front of the UND academic catalog.

Where do I get a policy manual for writing my thesis?

The Style and Policy Manual is available on our web site as a PDF document.

Where do I bring my thesis for a format check?

The Graduate School, 414 Twamley.   You may mail it to: Attn: Staci Wells, The Graduate School, University of ND, Twamley Room 414, 264 Centennial Drive Stop 8178, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8178.

Is there a time limit on finishing my degree?

Yes, graduate courses more than seven years old are considered obsolete and may not be counted to fulfill course requirement for an advanced degree program.  Programs of study more than seven years old also are obsolete.  Obsolete UND graduate courses may be revalidated and may be counted toward an advanced degree on the recommendation of the student’s faculty advisory committee and the dean of the graduate school.  Please contact the graduate school for more information on the revalidation process.   Graduate work from another institution, which is overage, cannot be revalidated and will not count towards a UND degree.