Unless a formal Leave of Absence is granted, all graduate students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in one or more graduate-level (credit granting) courses, until they have completed all requirements and have received their degrees. Enrollment in regular coursework may be required during the summer term for some graduate programs (see specific program requirements). Enrollment during the summer term may also be required for students who plan to take comprehensive examinations, defend theses or present capstones. Unless required by a specific program, continuous registration is only required during the standard academic year.
If they are actively engaged in research or in a culminating project, they must register for an appropriate number of credits of thesis research, non-thesis research, or special projects per semester (as determined by their major professors or program committees), for which they will receive a grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, and pay the associated tuition.
If they have completed all requirements for the degree and still need the privileges afforded by graduate student status (including email), students must register for Continuous Registration (KSC 600) each semester during the academic year and pay the associated fee. This option is generally only appropriate for students who have completed all requirements except for making up grades of Incomplete, taking a comprehensive exam, or refining and submitting the final version of a research project or thesis. No grade or credit toward a degree is associated with Continuous Registration. A Continuous Registration administrative fee of $200 will keep the student’s accounts and access to the library active as well as afford them the privileges associated with being a half-time, matriculated student. Graduate students may only register for Continuous Registration with the pre-approval and permission of their faculty advisor or program coordinator and can only use this option for up to 3 consecutive semesters. If a student fails to register in the above manner once all required coursework and research credits are completed, email and other KSC services are discontinued, the student is administratively withdrawn and a Reinstatement Petition and process must be initiated to reenroll into the student’s degree program.
