FALL SEMESTER 2024 REGISTRATION GUIDE

CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT MASTER'S and doctoral Students

A student with a master's or doctoral degree objective must maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring semesters until the degree is awarded. (Students in programs with mandatory summer sessions must also enroll in summer courses to maintain continuous enrollment.)

A graduate student who fails to register and who has not obtained approval for a formal leave of absence, has discontinued enrollment in the graduate degree program. If the student wishes to resume study, they must reapply for admission to the university and to the degree program.

Students who have completed all units required for the degree and are continuing to work on a culminating experience, are expected to maintain continuous enrollment by enrolling in GRAD 700 Continuous Enrollment (zero units) through regular registration or at a reduced fee through Extension Programs (EP) if qualified. 

If you are unsure as to whether GRAD 700 applies to your situation, contact your graduate advisor.

 

CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT OF TEACHING CREDENTIAL CANDIDATES

A postbaccalaureate student who has completed student teaching but must complete requirements for an education specialist, elementary or secondary teaching credential and finds it impossible to enroll in courses for the credential during a certain semester may apply for a leave of absence.

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE - GRADUATE AND CREDENTIAL STUDENTS

Graduate degree or credential students may be granted leaves of absence, up to two consecutive semesters, which maintain their place in the university and in degree or credential programs (i.e., they do not have to reapply following the leave). A leave of absence granted to a degree objective student also preserves the election of curriculum rights regarding catalog requirements. However, a leave of absence granted by the university does not extend time limitations imposed by the state for completing specific credential requirements nor does it extend the time limit for completing the master's or doctoral degree.

In the case of non-approved breaks in enrollment, reapplication for admission to the university and to the chosen degree or credential program will be required. A place in the degree/credential program or in the university will not be held for the student in these circumstances.

Forms for requesting a leave of absence are available on the Graduate Studies website. Students must have completed at least six units toward the degree or credential in residence at this university in order to qualify for leaves of absence. Leaves of absence must be submitted before the first day of classes.

 

INDEPENDENT STUDY

If you want to register in an independent study course, you must obtain written approval from the instructor and the department chair using the appropriate university form. During the semester, you and the instructor shall prepare a study plan and submit it to the department chair, or designee, for approval. The approved study plan shall be kept on file in the department or program office and shall include a statement of the basis for final evaluation of the independent study.

 If you are a master's student, independent study courses can be repeated up to six units.