Graduate Programs Handbook and Policies
University of Utah students are responsible for knowing University policy. Should you find yourself in disagreement with the University, lack of awareness of a policy is not considered a valid excuse. The policies outlined here are only the policies most encountered. More complete information about University policies can be found in the Graduate Catalog and in the Student Handbook
GPA Requirements
To qualify for graduation, graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA or better AND earn a C- or better in all classes that are part of the program of study. A student’s cumulative GPA will be reviewed after each semester is complete. If any class grade is below C-, a student will be dismissed and will not be permitted to continue in the program. After any semester in which a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, the student will be placed on probation and will receive notification from the student’s program. The student has one semester to bring their cumulative GPA up to 3.0 or they will be dismissed from the program. Any student who is dismissed or released from the program due to academics must wait two academic years (six semesters) before applying for readmission.
Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA will result in any awarded scholarship to be forfeited.
If the semester in which the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 is the student’s last semester of the program, the student will not be approved for graduation.
Registration Holds
Various offices at the University of Utah, including Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Health, and the Bursar’s Office, may place holds on student records. The Admissions Office will place a hold if a student fails to submit official copies of transcripts; the Financial Aid Office will place a hold for late loan payments; the Student Health Center will place a hold if a student is out of compliance with immunization requirements; the Office of the Bursar will place a hold for non-payment. A hold can prevent students from registering for classes. The only way to clear a hold is to address the problem with the appropriate office. Program staff do not have the ability to register a student in a class if there is a hold on their account and cannot save seats for students.
Add/Drop/Withdrawal Deadlines
The University deadlines for adding, dropping, and withdrawing from classes are not flexible. The Registration Office will honor requests sent up to 11:59 p.m. on the day of the deadline.
Miscellaneous Classes
Classes with start and/or end dates that differ from the start and end dates of the full semester are referred to as “miscellaneous” and have their own drop and withdrawal deadlines. Students should contact the Registration Office (581-8969) to find out the deadlines for a particular class. See this page for a more complete description of miscellaneous class deadlines.
CR/NC Option For Master’s Coursework
All master’s-level coursework must receive a letter grade; courses taken on a credit/no credit basis will not count toward graduation requirements. Students should check their schedules after they register for classes to make sure that they are not signed up for the CR/NC option for any of their classes.
Leave Of Absence
Officially admitted domestic graduate students who have registered for and completed university credit class(es) may request a leave of absence to postpone their studies for up to one (1) year. The request must be approved by the program. Summer term is not included in the university’s tracking. Leave of Absence forms only need to be submitted for the fall or spring semesters. Students must complete at least one semester of coursework before requesting a leave of absence.
International Students: Please contact ISSS with questions regarding a leave of absence.
Student Safety And Wellness
Safety is our top priority. In an emergency, dial 911 Report any crimes or suspicious people to 801-585-COPS; this number connects to a dispatch officer at the University of Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS). Safety escorts are available to or from areas on campus with a phone call to DPS. The University of Utah seeks to provide a safe and healthy experience for students, employees, and others who make use of campus facilities. In support of this goal, the university has established confidential resources and support services to assist students who may have been affected by harassment, abusive relationships, or sexual misconduct. DPS has campus resources for campus safety.
Well-being is key to personal safety. If in crisis, call 801-587-3000; help is close. The university has additional resources to promote emotional and physical wellness, including the Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and the Women’s Resource Center
Disability Services
The Center for Disability Services provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access and success for students with disabilities, as required by law.
Student Behavior
Students at the University of Utah are afforded rights and responsibilities to uphold community standards. The details are outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities. The purpose of the student code of conduct is to set forth the specific authority and responsibility of the university to maintain social discipline, to establish guidelines that facilitate a just and civil campus community, and to outline the educational process for determining student and student organization responsibilities for alleged violations of university regulations. University policies have been designed to protect individuals and campus community and create an environment conducive to achieving the academic mission of the institution.
Last Semester & Graduation Guidelines
All students must apply to graduate in the semester before their final semester in the program. Please see the University Registrar’s Graduation & Commencement webpage for specific dates posted.
Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies are held once a year, at the end of the spring semester. Students who complete their degrees in the summer prior, fall, or spring may attend the spring ceremonies that occur after the program completion. Students must purchase regalia from the Campus Store to participate. Details will be communicated to graduates as Convocation nears.