Graduate Study at
                        Wichita State University

Thinkers, Doers, Movers, & Shockers

Graduate School Policies

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The Graduate School

The Graduate School at Wichita State University supervises graduate study at the University, establishes standards for admission to graduate work and recommends students who have completed requirements for graduation to the Kansas Board of Regents.

WSU's Graduate Programs provide opportunities to pursue advanced study in 56 master’s, 1 Educational Specialist, 9 Doctoral  programs, and 13 Graduate Certificate areas.  More than 3,400 students—roughly one of every five Wichita State University students—is a graduate student. The University, classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral II institution, annually grants approximately 35 doctoral degrees and more than 700 master’s degrees. The Graduate School is a member of the Council of Graduate School, the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, and is an affiliate member of the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students. 
                                                                             

  Graduate Study Defined
  Exceptions to Regulations
  Graduate Council
  Doctoral Sub-Council
  Graduate Faculty
  Graduate Coordinators

Admission to Graduate Study
  Application Deadlines
  Application Fee
  Application Status - Degree, Non-Degree
  Admission Levels - Full, Conditional, Probationary
  

Admission Requirements
   Master or Specialist
   Doctoral
   Non-Degree
       Non-Degree, Category A
            Certificate Admission
            Guest Admission
       Non-Degree, Category B          
   Re-admission Following Academic Dismissal
   Senior Rule Admission

International Applicants
  Financial Responsibility
  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  Transcript Requirements

Enrollment
  Audit Credit
  Grade Reports
  Identification Number
  Load Definitions
  Payment
  Registration, Drops and Adds, Late Fees
  Residency
  Senior Citizen Enrollment
  Special Fees and Refunds
  Student Identification Card
  Transcripts
  Withdrawal - Administrative

Academics
  Advisors
  Cooperative Education
  Courses
  Dismissal
  Grades
  Incompletes
  Independent and Directed Study
  Probation
  Repeats
  Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading
  Transfer Credit
  Workshop, Extension, Correspondence Credit, Credit by Exam

Degree Completion
  Commencement
  Committee Structure
  Credits Required
  Deadlines
  Degree Application
  Examinations
  Graduation Requirements 
  Plan of Study
  Program Regulations
  Progress
  Time Limits
  Thesis or Research Credit
  Thesis Preparation
  Tool or Language Requirements

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Graduate Study Defined
The graduate experience involves specialized knowledge and concentrated study in one area.  In this respect it differs from undergraduate study, which introduces you to a wide range of subjects, even though you major in one, and gives you certain general intellectual skills.

A graduate program is generally more focused on a specific area of interest and on accruing specialized skills to practice a profession or do advanced research. There are two types of graduate degrees, professional degrees and research degrees.

At the master’s level, a professional degree gives you a specific set of skills needed to practice a particular profession. It is generally a final degree.  The research master’s provides experience in research and scholarship, and it may be a final degree or a step toward a doctorate degree.

Wichita State University’s master’s degree include a minimum of 30 graduate hours and usually take 1 or 2 years of full-time study to complete.  Students will have six years to complete their degree. The professional master’s degrees often involve some type of internship or fieldwork.  The research degree may involve the writing of a thesis or the completion of comprehensive exams. 

The doctoral degree typically involves both coursework and a major research project. Students admitted to a doctoral program will usually spend 4-6 years of full-time study completing their degree. Depending upon the field of study, the first 2 to 3 years will involve classes, seminars, and directed readings to provide a comprehensive knowledge of an academic field.  During this time, students may also begin independent research projects.

As a candidate for a doctoral degree, you will work on a project that involves original research and reporting on the research through the production of a dissertation. Depending upon the field, the dissertation project may take 1 to 2 years to complete.  
 



Exceptions to Regulations
Departures from the rules and regulations stated in the Graduate Bulletin require the filing and approval of a Request for Exception to Graduate School Regulations. Such requests must have the approvals indicated on the form and must state in a logical and coherent manner a rational basis for the requested exception. Forms for such requests are available from the Graduate School. Unusual and/or substantial deviations from stated rules and regulations require action by the Graduate Council.



Graduate Council
The Graduate Council consists of the dean of the Graduate School, 10 members of the graduate faculty elected by the graduate faculty, one member appointed by the graduate dean, and one graduate student. The council determines and recommends general policies for the Graduate School. The council also advises with the dean on matters submitted by the dean and serves as a committee on exceptions.  

Doctoral Sub-Council
The Doctoral Program Sub-council exists for the general advocacy of doctoral programs throughout the University community and to review, determine, and recommend policies for doctoral programs. Membership consists of the graduate dean, one representative from each doctoral program, and one member elected from the Graduate Council.

Graduate Faculty

The graduate faculty consists of the University president, the vice president for academic affairs, the deans of the Graduate School and  academic colleges, and regular faculty members nominated and approved for graduate faculty status.

Regular faculty are recommended for appointment to the graduate faculty by the chairpersons of their departments and approved by the Graduate Council. Recommendations for graduate faculty status are based on rank (above instructor); degree in the field, or training or experience; scholarly or professional work; and the need for the faculty member to hold graduate faculty status.

The graduate faculty at Wichita State University, by virtue of their qualifications, contribute to graduate education by teaching and advising graduate students; by guiding master’s theses and doctoral dissertations; by participating in examinations and evaluations; by engaging in a program of research, scholarship, or creative activity; and by sharing in the administration of their programs and in the governance of the Graduate School. All regular graduate faculty hold the terminal degree in their discipline.

At Wichita State University, regular faculty are not automatically members of the graduate faculty. Department chairs nominate faculty for membership on the graduate faculty by submitting an application with a current academic resume. Applications are reviewed and acted upon by the Graduate Council.  Regular faculty are normally appointed either as full members or as associate members, while adjunct faculty are appointed in the acting ad hoc category.  Full members of the graduate faculty who work in doctoral programs are reviewed by the Doctoral Program Sub-Council for the privilege of chairing doctoral dissertations.

Full membership reflects the highest level of scholarly attainment and is defined as regular faculty ranking above instructor, with substantial interest in graduate education, and for whom a demonstrable departmental or program need exists.  Faculty nominated for membership in this category shall be expected to hold the terminal degree or its equivalent in training and/or experience (with criteria and documentation supplied in cases for which equivalency is claimed) and be judged qualified to bear all designated academic responsibilities of the graduate program (s) in which they serve.  It is expected that significant scholarly and/or artistic or creative achievement will be evident in the academic and professional resume presented in support of nominations and renewals for full membership in the graduate faculty.

Full members of the graduate faculty are the only faculty eligible to chair thesis committees.  Full membership in the graduate faculty is also a prerequisite for doctoral dissertation chairing status.

Doctoral Dissertation Chairing Status is defined as full membership on the graduate faculty along with a demonstrable departmental or program need for the faculty member to hold dissertation chairing status. Substantial and sustained scholarly and/or artistic or creative achievement over the most recent five to seven years will be evident in the resumes of faculty nominated for this category.  The extent of previous experience in serving on and supervising theses and/or dissertation committees, at WSU or elsewhere, will also enter into the consideration of dissertation chairing status and should be reflected in the resume accompanying the nomination.

Graduate Faculty Associate membership is available to adjunct faculty whose relationship with an academic department exceeds the usual visiting or joint appointment type of association.  Nominations for membership in this category are approved by the Graduate Council and must be accompanied by a detailed statement of the nominee’s involvement with the department, including the extent to which they the nominee will interact with regular faculty; and be involved in department affairs; and be engaged in teaching, advising, and supervising student, and research.  Other criteria are the same as for the full membership category.  Appointments to this category are for one year and are renewable upon request by the department and approval of the Graduate Council.

Acting Ad hoc membership is defined as regular faculty or participating faculty in various temporary or part-time assignments.  Nominees are judged qualified to teach graduate level courses according to academic and or professional experience.  Appointment may not exceed the term of one year, but can be considered for annual renewal.

A complete listing of graduate faculty is available in the Graduate School Office. Departmental lists are available in the main office of each department. Students are advised to consult this list when selecting faculty advisers for theses and dissertations.  

Graduate Coordinators

The Graduate School  works closely with the individual program areas to insure that program operations function in compliance with Graduate School policies and regulations.  As part of this process, a graduate faculty member is recommended by their department chair  to the Graduate Dean for appointment as the Graduate Coordinator, to serve as the program representative to the Graduate School in matters of graduate education.  

Although the nature of Graduate Coordinator appointments and responsibilities varies throughout program areas, they will have a primary role in working with students and faculty in their academic programs.

As a standard of expectation, Graduate Coordinators are charged with the responsibility for overseeing the evaluation of applications for admission and the transmittal of departmental recommendations for admission, academic performance, degree completion and exceptions to graduate school regulations.

Graduate Coordinators also have a primary role in coordinating information between their program and the Graduate School office, working with their departmental chair or other administrators in maintaining the quality and viability of their graduate program, and  serving as the local agent for the Graduate Faculty in their program areas. Graduate Coordinators may also serve on graduate committees in their programs or academic colleges.

Admission to Graduate Study 

In order to receive graduate credit at Wichita State University, students must submit an Application to Graduate School and be admitted to some category of study in the Graduate School. The primary admissions criterion is a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The basis on which credits are awarded for the bachelor's degree must be consistent with the policies and procedures for the award of such credit at Wichita State. Applicants with bachelor's degrees in programs in which credit was awarded for experiences which were outside the control of a regionally accredited educational institution, e.g., credit for life experience, may be viewed as inadequately prepared to undertake graduate study. In such instances, admission to the Graduate School may be denied or prerequisite course work assigned to fill the deficiencies.

Applications for graduate study are made through the Wichita State University Graduate School regardless of the program. In addition to the WSU Application to Graduate School, certain program areas will also require a departmental application.

Records required for admission evaluation for programs without application deadlines, and from applicants not requiring visa status, should reach the Graduate School at least three weeks before registration for the term when admission is desired. Materials received after this date will be processed as the time of staff and faculty permits, but the Graduate School cannot guarantee that final action can be taken in time to allow enrollments for graduate credit.  Applicants requiring a visa status should refer to the Application Deadline section for application deadlines. 

Because of possible limitations in the number of faculty and available facilities, there are restrictions on the number of students admitted to some graduate programs and these limits may prevent some qualified students from being admitted. Since departments having enrollment limitations generally take action on new applicants in March for Fall admission, early application is recommended. Preference usually is given to degree seeking applicants.

An admission to the Graduate School remains valid only if students enroll and complete at least one class as graduate students within one calendar year of their admission date.

Admission Application Fee

All applicants to the Wichita State University Graduate School who are U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens must pay an application fee of $35.00 each time they apply.

All degree bound applicants to the Wichita State University Graduate School who will require a visa status to begin their graduate studies must pay a fee of  $50 each time they apply to a graduate program.  

 The fee is nonrefundable and must be paid in U.S. dollars. 

Application Deadlines *

Records required for admission evaluation for programs without application deadlines, and from applicants not requiring visa status, should reach the Graduate School at least three weeks before registration for the term when admission is desired. Materials received after this date will be processed as the time of staff and faculty permits, but the Graduate School cannot guarantee that final action can be taken in time to allow enrollments for graduate credit.   

*Be aware that some programs have earlier application deadlines. Please review the graduate program's website or contact the program directly for specific dates. 

Applicants who submit applications after these dates, if accepted, should be prepared to register during late registration and to pay a late registration fee. Because of faculty and facility limitations, there are restrictions on the number of students admitted to some graduate programs and these limits may prevent some students from being admitted although they may otherwise qualify. Since departments having enrollment limitations generally take action on new applicants in March for Fall admission, early application is recommended. 

Status of Admission
Two admission statuses, degree and non-degree, are available in the Graduate School to accommodate qualified students desiring to pursue graduate degrees as well as those simply desiring to earn graduate credit for personal and professional reasons. To be considered for degree or non-degree graduate status, students must submit a completed Application for Admission,  and appropriate transcripts (as described below) to:

Applicants may also apply through the on-line application option.

Records required for admission evaluation should reach the Graduate School at least three weeks before registration for the term when admission is desired. Materials received after this date will be processed as the time of staff and faculty permits, but the Graduate School cannot guarantee that final action can be taken in time to allow enrollments for graduate credit.  An admission to the Graduate School remains valid only if students enroll and complete at least one class as graduate students within one calendar year of their admission date. 

Levels of Admission

• Full Standing 
  Students who have fulfilled all of the admission requirements for a given program, including admission grade point average, entrance exams if required, reference and credentials if required, and prerequisites may be granted admission on a full standing basis. Students admitted to full standing are eligible for assistantships and federally funded financial aid.
  

• Conditional Standing
  Students who may have background deficiencies in excess of nine hours or who have not submitted required references, examinations, etc., but who otherwise have met the full-standing degree requirements may be granted admission on a conditional basis. Students are allowed one semester to submit remaining credentials and one year to remove background deficiencies. Transfer to an appropriate non-degree category will result if the necessary conditions are not satisfactorily met.  Student admitted with conditions are not eligible for federally funded financial aid, but may be considered for graduate assistantship positions.  

• Probationary Standing
  Students who do not meet the minimum academic requirements for full standing degree program admission may be admitted on probation when reasonable evidence exists to indicate their ability to do satisfactory degree program work. Students must earn a 3.000 GPA after the first nine hours of graduate credit course work to be removed from probation. Students admitted on probation or placed on academic probation following admission are not eligible for assistantship awards or federally funded financial aid.  

Requirements for Admission

In order to receive graduate credit at Wichita State University, students must be admitted to some category of study in the Graduate School. The primary admissions criterion is a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The basis on which credits are awarded for the bachelor's degree must be consistent with the policies and procedures for the award of such credit at Wichita State. Applicants with bachelor's degrees in programs in which credit was awarded for experiences which were outside the control of a regionally accredited educational institution, e.g., credit for life experience, may be viewed as inadequately prepared to undertake graduate study. In such instances, admission to the Graduate School may be denied or prerequisite course work assigned to fill the deficiencies.

Degree Admission - Master and Specialist

Applicants for degree admission to the Specialist and Masters programs must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or a recognized institution in another country whose requirements for the bachelor’s degree are substantially equivalent to an American four-year bachelor’s degree.  The basis on which credits are awarded for the bachelor’s degree must be consistent with the policies and procedures for the award of such credit at Wichita State.

2.   A grade point average of at least 2.750 based upon the last 60 hours of course work (or nearest semester or term break to this); including any post-bachelor’s graduate work, and no more than nine hours of background deficiencies in the desired field of graduate study.

3. Although an entrance exam is not a requirement for admission to Graduate School, certain program areas require either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Miller Analogy Test (MAT). 

Degree Admission - Doctoral

Applicants for full standing degree admission to the doctoral programs must meet the following requirements: 

1. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or a recognized institution in another country whose requirements for the bachelor’s degree are substantially equivalent to an American four-year bachelor’s degree.  The basis on which credits are awarded for the bachelor’s degree must be consistent with the policies and procedures for the award of such credit at Wichita State.

2. A grade point average of at least 3.000 in the last 60 hours or nearest two years when the bachelor’s degree is the admissions credential. Applicants with a master’s degree or with completed graduate course work must have at least a 3.250 grade point average, and no more than nine hours of background deficiencies in the desired field of graduate study.

3. Acceptable scores on the General Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination (within the last five years).  

Non-Degree Admission

Persons who already possess a graduate degree, who do not want to seek a graduate degree at Wichita State University at this time, or who wish to take graduate courses for professional advancement or personal satisfaction, should apply for non-degree admission. Students originally admitted to a non-degree category may later request the department to consider a transfer to degree status, or reapply for admission if the degree program is in a different department. A maximum of 12 hours of graduate credit taken while in a non-degree category may be counted toward a degree program, provided students have obtained the approval of their major departments and the graduate dean. There is no application fee for non-degree admission.

Non-Degree, Category A
Admission to this category provides students the opportunity to take any level of graduate coursework for which they have the prerequisites. Students in this category are not restricted and may take courses at the 800-level or above. Non-degree applicants seeking graduate certificates must be admitted under this category. Upon satisfactory completion of a course, credit is placed on a Wichita State University graduate transcript. However, only credit earned in courses numbered 500 and above is counted as graduate credit work. Although there is no application deadline for non-degree, Category A admission, applicants are encouraged to provide the following items no later than three weeks prior to the start of the semester in which they wish to enroll.

Students applying for admission in this category must meet the following requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

2. A grade point average of at least 2.750 based upon the last 60 hours of course work (or nearest semester or term break to this), including any post-bachelor’s graduate work. Some departments require higher grade point averages and other admission credentials.

3. Students who do not meet the 2.750 grade point average requirements may be admitted to this category on probation if reasonable evidence exists to indicate their ability to perform satisfactorily in 800-level or above course work.

Non-Degree, Category B
This category is specifically for students who are not seeking a graduate degree, but who want to continue personal and professional development beyond the bachelor’s level through enrollment in certain graduate level courses, including workshops. Students in this category are restricted to enrollment in courses numbered through 799, and for which they have the prerequisites. Credit earned in category B status will be placed on a Wichita State University graduate transcript, with graduate credit being awarded for courses numbered 500 through 799.  

Students applying for admission in this category must meet the following requirement:

1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Graduate Certificate Admission
Graduate certificates are awarded to students who desire interdisciplinary course work to complement their graduate degree program or to students who, for academic, personal, or professional reasons, desire graduate-level education not leading to a graduate degree.

Students seeking graduate certificates must be admitted to the Graduate School in a degree program or in non-degree, category A status.  All Graduate School policies relative to the admission criteria mentioned above will apply. 

Graduate Guest Admission

Graduate students in good standing at another regionally accredited graduate school may be admitted as a visiting guest. Such admission is valid for only one semester. Admission requires the submission of a completed Application for Admission, $35.00 application fee,  and a signed letter from the graduate dean or the dean’s representative at the home institution certifying the student’s status as a graduate student in good standing. Visiting guests must have their school's permission to take up to one semester's work for transfer back to their home institutions. If enrollment is desired beyond one semester, the student must obtain regular admission. 

Graduate Readmission Following Academic Dismissal

Following academic dismissal, students who wish to be considered for readmission to Graduate School should first complete a minimum of nine hours of upper-division letter-graded course work, selected with appropriate advisement.  Such course work must be completed with a grade point average of 3.000 or higher for the admission application to be considered.  Meeting this standard, along with both Graduate School and program-specific requirements will permit readmission to a graduate program.  Previously dismissed students who are recommended for admission under this policy will enter on probation. 

Senior Rule Admission

Seniors at Wichita State or other bachelor’s-degree-granting institutions may qualify to take work for graduate credit under the Senior Rule option. This opportunity applies to students who have an overall grade point average of 3.000 or above in their major field and in upper-division courses and who are within 10 hours of completing the bachelor’s degree. Work must go beyond the requirements for the bachelor’s degree, and the degree must be completed within the semester in which a student takes the graduate courses.

Students who wish to earn graduate credit under the Senior Rule must submit an Application to Graduate School for regular graduate admission and also complete a Senior Rule Application Form no later than two weeks before the semester in which they intend to enroll under the Senior Rule option.

Approval is needed from the student’s major advisor, the department chairperson, or graduate coordinator for the department in which the work is to be taken, the undergraduate dean of the student’s college and the dean of the Graduate School before any courses can be taken for graduate credit. In addition, students from other institutions must be admitted as undergraduates (possibly as guest students) through the WSU Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Supplemental Information for International Applicants

International students presently in the United States on a student visa obtained by admission to another U.S. university will not be considered for admission to Wichita State University until they have attended the institution issuing their original I-20 for at least one semester. Exceptions to this policy require the concurrence, in writing, of the institution issuing the original I-20.

The first semester of enrollment for all international students must be in the program to which the student is admitted unless written permission to gain admission and enroll in a different program is obtained from the original program. 

The formal admission of international applicants is a two-part process:

1. The first part evaluates your academic admissibility based upon the Application to Graduate School form and transcripts or mark sheets you provide. If you are recommended for admission, you will be notified by the Graduate School of your eligibility for admission and your application will begin the second part of the admission process.  
   

2. The second part requires that you demonstrate sufficient English proficiency (TOEFL) and financial resources (WSU Statement of Financial Responsibility) to support your graduate work in America. Completion of these requirements will allow the preparation of the I-20 immigration document.

Transcript Requirements for International Applicants

1. Two (2) official copies of your undergraduate transcript translated into English are required. If the transcript does not indicate the award of a bachelor’s degree or its four-year equivalent degree, official copies of your degree statement or diploma are required.

2. International applicants who have completed graduate work or have attended an American university, will need to complete and mail the Transcript Request Order Form and submit two (2) official transcripts of their academic work at the American university.

3. Two (2) official transcripts or mark sheets showing the actual award of the degree will be required before before the review of documents will begin. 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Examination

Applicants whose native language is not English must request The Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Waivers will be considered if applicants have attended a university in the United States as a full-time student. Full-time is defined as enrollment in academic courses for a minimum of one year.

Waivers will also be considered if your bachelor’s degree was awarded from a U.S. university within two years of your proposed semester of admission at WSU. An official copy of your TOEFL score—less than two years old—showing a minimum score of 550 for the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test is required. Photocopies of the TOEFL scores are unacceptable.

The following programs currently require a higher score than the minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test:

Program	Paper-Based	Computer-Based
Chemistry	570	230
Communication	600	250
Creative Writing	600	250
English	600	250
Gerontology	575	230
History	600	250
Political Science	600	250
Public Administration	560	220
Public Health	570	230

If you are interested in studying English at WSU prior to beginning your graduate studies, write or contact the:

Intensive English Language Center
1845 Fairmount
Wichita State University
Wichita KS  67260-0122
USA

WSU Official Statement of Financial Responsibility

International applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources in order to support their graduate work in the United States.  The WSU Official Financial Statement for International Graduate School Applicants is the form that must be used to demonstrate sufficient financial resources. Bank statements or letters from relatives or employers will not be considered as a substitute for the WSU Official Financial Statement form.

 
ENROLLMENT  

Students who have a valid admission status to Graduate School are eligible for enrollment. A valid admission status means that you have completed all requirements for admission and remain in good standing as a graduate student.

  
Audit Credit

Graduate students may take any course for which they have the prerequisites and which is open to them on the basis of their admission category on an audit (no credit) basis. The tuition and fees are no different for auditing courses than for taking them for credit, but a student’s load (total credit hours) does not include audit enrollments. Audit credit cannot be used to fulfill degree requirements.  Use of the audit basis for a course must be declared at the time of enrollment.  

Grade Reports

At the end of each semester,  students may access their final grades through the Shocker Line for Student Access by calling (316) 978-6500 and listening for the grade option. Students desiring a printed report of their grades may make such a request through that system.

Identification Number

All students are identified in the University’s computer files by a unique nine-digit number. A Social Security number is the preferred number, however, no student is required to give their social security number for student identification purposes. A separate nine-digit identification number can be assigned by the Graduate Admission’s area for applicants who decline to provide their social security number. 

Load Definitions

At least nine hours of graduate credit course work is defined as full-time graduate enrollment during the fall or spring semester. During the summer session, a minimum of six hours is considered full-time graduate enrollment. Load (total credit hours) does not include audit enrollments. Students enrolling in all or a majority of courses that carry undergraduate credit only must meet the undergraduate requirement for certification as a full-time student (12 hours).

Graduate students may not enroll for more than 16 hours per semester (doctoral dissertation credit excluded), or 10 hours during an eight-week summer session. Exceptions will be considered for students admitted to programs requiring more than the maximum hours allowed. International students must enroll as full-time students (at least nine hours of graduate credit course work) each semester.

While the Graduate School sets no official maximum number of hours, other than the 16-hour limit, students holding assistantships should work with their advisors to arrive at a load appropriate to their situations.

Graduate students holding assistantships during a fall or spring semester are expected to enroll in at least 9 credit hours of course work. Exceptions to allow full-time (20 hours of work per week) for graduate assistants to be enrolled in 6-8 hours may be approved by the department. Special consideration for thesis and research enrollments may be obtained by petitioning the Graduate School.  

Registration, Drops, and Adds, Late Fees

The registrar establishes procedures for registration. Graduate students must enroll according to the procedures published in the Schedule of Courses and available on the University’s website at www.wichita.edu for any given semester.

Newly admitted, currently enrolled, and former graduate students, not academically dismissed, are eligible for telephone registration.  Call 978-6500 from a touch-tone phone, and follow the instructions provided. Some academic restrictions have been built into the system.  Program specific restrictions may be considered for removal by contacting the appropriate department and requesting an electronic override.

Some restrictions cannot be overridden including non-degree, category “B” students enrolling in courses beyond the 799 level.

Once a student has enrolled and paid, classes can be changed only by filing a Drop and/or Add Form with the necessary signatures. Changes of sections also require such action. If these forms are not submitted, a grade of F  could be recorded for failure to attend the class shown on the original enrollment records.

Fees are charged for late enrollments. Only partial refunds are made after certain cutoff dates. Late enrollments or adds normally will not be approved after the 20th class day. Drops of classes with a grade of W (withdrawal) are also subject to a time limit established by the registrar.

Students who find it necessary to completely withdraw from the university, must process a drop form for each class.

Payment

Tuition and fees are required to be paid in full, including any financial aid or loans a student may have, before enrollment is complete and the student is eligible to attend classes.

A short-term loan program is available to assist students in making tuition payments through an installment payment plan. Any student who does not have financial aid from other sources sufficient to pay tuition and fees is eligible if the student has paid all previous obligations to the University.  These interest free loans are limited to 75% of a student’s total tuition and fees; plus a $30 nonrefundable administrative fee. Loans will be available to students at the time of enrollment and administered by the University's Controller's Office.  Students must enroll in person to be eligible. Such loans must be repaid in three equal installments according to the deadlines for a given semester.

Residency

The residence of students, for tuition purposes, is determined by the acts of the Kansas State Legislature rather than University policy. The legislature has also granted the Kansas Board of Regents certain authority to adopt regulations and guidelines for the determination of residence.  This law and regulations are different than those that govern residency for any other purpose.

According to the law and regulations, a resident for tuition purposes is someone who has resided (been physically present) in Kansas for twelve consecutive months prior to enrollment/re-enrollment and who has demonstrated, during those twelve months, the intent to make Kansas their permanent home.

Certain exceptions are authorized by state law to pay the equivalent of resident fees:

1. regular employees of the University and their spouse and dependent children  (does not apply to student assistant and graduate assistants)

2. persons on full-time active military duty, stationed in Kansas, and their spouse and dependent children

3. persons who were in active military service who were discharged or retired in Kansas

4. persons who graduated from a four-year program at an accredited Kansas high school within 6 months of their enrollment at a state university, and who were Kansas residents for fee purposes at, or within 12 months of, high school graduation

5. dependent students as long as at least one parent is a Kansas resident for fee purposes

6. persons who were recruited to, or transferred to Kansas within the last 12 months for a full-time job, and their spouse and dependent children.

Residents of Kansas, for fee purposes, who leave the state, retain their residency as long as they return to Kansas in a permanent status  within 12 months of departure.

The above information is a partial list of residency exceptions. The details about each of these exceptions are critical. None of the exceptions are automatic. Several require certification of appropriate information on specific forms.  Contact the Office of the Registrar, (316) 978-3672) for more information.

Senior Citizen Enrollment

People wishing to enroll under the Senior Citizens Program in courses numbered 800 and above must first obtain the written permission of the instructor.  

Special Fees and Refunds

The registration fee, required of all students enrolled on the Wichita State campus, supports the Educational Opportunity Fund, parking, student union, athletics, Heskett Center, student health services, forensics, Student Government Association, University Forum Board, student publications, and other student activities.

Prior to each semester, the registrar establishes enrollment dates. Late registration is a special service resulting in extra costs for special staff and facilities. Students who register late are assessed late registration fees as published in the Schedule of Courses.

Students who drop credits and do not add credits will be charged the proportional percentage based on the week they drop the credits. The percentages are published in the Schedule of Courses.

Students who drop and add credits will not be required to pay additional tuition/fees if the following conditions are met:

1. The drop and add occurs in one transaction.

2. There is an equal number of credit hours added as are being dropped.

3. The credits being added are taken during the same period of the semester as the credit being dropped.  Credit hours from workshops and other irregular courses cannot be offset against regular semester courses or vice versa.

Refunds of tuition and fees will be granted for withdrawals in accordance with the dates and regulations published in the Schedule of Courses for a given semester. Requests for refunds which occur after the close of the regular refund period must be submitted on the Refund Waiver Form and be presented to the Office of the Controller, Jardine Hall, Room 201. 

Students with extenuating circumstances may petition the Tuition Refund Board of Appeals for a higher refund than that allowed by policy. The petition forms are available at the Controller’s Office, Jardine Hall 201.  In order to be considered, the petition must be filed with appropriate documentation and within the semester of enrollment for the course.

Students who receive approval from the University Exceptions Committee for a late withdrawal from a previous semester are not generally approved for tuition refunds.  These are separate issues and decisions.  No one other than the Controller’s Office or the Tuition Refund Board of Appeals is authorized to determine the amount of tuition refund a student will receive.

Student Identification Card

All WSU students are required to have a WSU photo identification card, called the Shocker Card. The card does not expire and is used to determine a student’s current enrollment status. The initial card is free. Lost, stolen or discarded cards may be replaced for a fee.

The Shocker card is the only means by which students can utilize the following services: Ablah Library, Heskett Center, Athletic Ticket Office, Student Government, Student Health Services, and WSU Police Department.  

WSU Transcripts

WSU transcripts may be ordered in person at the Registrar’s Office or by written request.  Official transcripts are $5 per copy with the fee waived for currently enrolled WSU graduate students.  Current enrollment for a semester/term starts with the first day of classes for a given semester/term, and extends until classes begin for the upcoming semester/term. A $10 fee for immediate service will be charged for all requests.

When ordering a transcript through the mail, include your full name, student ID number, birth date, first and last semester and years enrolled at WSU, complete information as to where to mail the transcript, your signature, and a check or money order for the appropriate amount ($5 per copy) payable to WSU. Download a request from the Registrar's web site or mail the written request to:

Wichita State University
Registrar’s Office
Attention: Transcripts
1845 Fairmount
Wichita KS  67260-0058  

 

Withdrawal - Administrative

Administrative withdrawal may be initiated by the Graduate Dean for the following reasons:

1. The student’s class attendance is so irregular that in the instructor’s opinion full benefit cannot be derived from the course.

2. The student fails to withdraw from one or more classes by the official procedure given in Wichita State University Schedule of Courses.

3. The student does not meet the conditions for enrollment in courses numbered 800 and above.

4. The student’s behavior is prejudicial to Wichita State University.  

ACADEMICS  

The Graduate School supervises graduate study at the University, establishes standards for admission to graduate work and recommends students who have completed requirements for graduation to the Kamas Board of Regents.

  

Graduate Advisors

Various patterns exist for advising degree bound graduate students. Some departments have a central plan for new graduate students, after which individual advisors are assigned. Other departments assign new graduate students to advisors early in their graduate program.

Students in non-degree status within a program area are also assigned faculty advisors for consultation purposes. 

In all instances, advisors should be familiar with Graduate School rules and regulations as well as program and department requirements. While graduate students have the primary responsibility to know the rules and regulations and to fulfill the program requirements toward their graduate degree, advisors’ knowledge and expertise can assist students in their progress toward the degree.

An advisor assigned at the time of admission to a doctoral program will assist the student in completing initial tasks such as enrollment, coordination of examinations, submission of a Plan of Study, and the formation of a Supervisory Committee. Depending on individual department procedures, the advisor may chair an Advisory Committee which also will be involved in the advising activities above. It is possible for the advisor to be named as Chairperson of the Supervisory or Dissertation Committee.

Students with assigned advisors should consult their advisors for information on course prerequisites, content, and similar matters.  

Graduate Courses

Courses carrying graduate credit are listed in the Graduate Bulletin. Only courses numbered 500 and above can carry graduate credit, and only for students admitted to the Graduate School at the time of enrollment.

Courses numbered under 500 carry undergraduate credit only and may be taken as supporting or prerequisite courses, but may not be counted toward an advanced degree and are not computed in a student’s graduate grade point average.

Courses numbered 500 to 699 are aimed primarily at juniors and seniors, but graduate students may also receive graduate credit for these courses if the student was admitted to Graduate School prior to enrollment in the course. Some programs do not allow courses numbered 500 through 699, which carry graduate credit, to meet degree requirements and students should be aware of such restrictions before enrolling.

Courses numbered 700 to 799 are structured primarily for graduate students, but upper-division undergraduate students may be admitted if they meet course prerequisites. In such mixed classes a discernibly higher level of performance by graduate students is expected with the nature of this differential performance set by the professor. Graduate students enrolling in such classes automatically earn graduate credit unless the professor requests the Graduate School to have the enrollment designated on the transcript as “undergraduate credit only.”

Courses numbered 700-899 are designed primarily for Graduate I students (students who ordinarily have not accumulated more than 30 hours in a graduate program). Courses numbered 900-999 are designed primarily for Graduate II students (those who ordinarily have completed more than 30 hours in a graduate program).

Courses numbered 800 and above are restricted to graduate students only or students approved for enrollment under the Senior Rule option.

In special cases, courses in areas where advanced degree programs are not currently available may carry graduate credit and apply toward an advanced degree in a related field or simply count as graduate credit for some non-degree purpose. Any of these courses applied toward an advanced degree program must have the approval of the student’s advisor and the chairperson of the department involved in advance of enrollment.  

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education is an academic program for undergraduate and graduate students who wish to combine classroom studies with academically related employment by being placed in paid work experiences closely related to their academic majors. Cooperative education places students locally and nationally.

Enrollment in cooperative education courses for graduate credit can be made only through those departments who have an approved course numbered 781 and titled Cooperative Education. No other course titles such as independent study, special topics, etc. can be used for cooperative education enrollment.

Graduate students desiring to participate in the Cooperative Education Program should first consult with their major department and the Graduate School. The Cooperative Education office is located in 223 Grace Wilkie Hall. The telephone number is (316) 978-3688.  

Independent and Directed Study Courses

A primary goal of the Graduate School is to encourage independent scholarship. Thus, graduate students have many opportunities to engage in self-initiated independent study under the supervision of an individual member of the graduate faculty.

In addition to traditional titles, such as thesis, research project, internship, and practicum, various departments use independent study, special problems, directed readings, individual projects, directed study, etc., to identify opportunities for individual study. The following requirements govern enrollment in independent study offerings:

1. Consent of the instructor must be obtained before enrollment.

2. The content of the study should not be the same as that covered in a regular course (exceptions to this requirement must have the approval of the Graduate Dean before enrollment).

3. Although scheduled on an arranged basis, there must be a sufficient number of contact hours between the student and supervising instructor during the duration of the independent study to ensure consistency with the amount of graduate credit earned in regular course offerings.

4. No more than six hours of independent study course work (excluding dissertation, thesis, and other independent study activities that are terminal requirements for a degree) can be used in a degree program.

Some departments have additional departmental requirements that must be met before enrolling in independent study courses. Students should consult the appropriate departmental personnel before enrolling.

Grades

Course work for graduate credit is normally graded A, B, C, D, or F. Faculty also have the option of assigning an I (incomplete) if they feel that sufficient justification exists for the student’s failure to complete the course.

The graduate grade point average includes only those courses taken at WSU for which graduate credit is earned and for which a regular letter grade (A, B, C, etc.) is assigned. For repeated courses, only the last assigned grade is used to calculate the WSU graduate grade point average.  WSU courses repeated at another institution may be used to fulfill program requirements; however, the repeated courses transferred in from another institution will not be counted in the WSU grade point average. Courses transferred from another institution and graduate credit courses graded S (satisfactory) do not affect the graduate grade point average.

Incompletes

Students desiring credit for an incomplete grade assigned Spring 1999 or later for regular courses (excluding research, dissertation, thesis, and other terminal projects) must complete their work within two semesters, excluding summer. If the work is not completed within those semesters and credit is desired, students must enroll in the course as a repeat. If they enroll in the course again, the I will be changed to a W, and the grade earned during the repeat semester will become the grade of record. Faculty members may define other conditions for the removal of incomplete grades within the general framework indicated here.  

Probation

Students admitted to full standing in a degree program, or non-degree category A, will be placed on academic probation if their graduate grade point average falls below 3.00.

Students admitted on probation are automatically placed in full standing if they attain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 after the completion of nine hours of graduate credit course work.

Students placed on probation after admission are automatically returned to full standing if they attain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.000 within nine additional hours of graduate credit course work.  

Dismissal

Students in any category may be dismissed from the Graduate School if they fail to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.00 in all work taken (including undergraduate courses) after admission.

Students may be dismissed from their degree program or non-degree category A and placed in non-degree category B if they fail to attain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 upon the completion of nine graduate credits after admission on probation or placement on probation after admission.

Students also may be dismissed from a graduate degree program if, in the opinion of the graduate faculty offering the program, they are unable to carry on advanced work or make satisfactory progress toward the degree. Students dismissed for this reason may be transferred to a non-degree category.

Following academic dismissal, students who wish to be considered for readmission to Graduate School should first complete a minimum of nine hours of upper-division, letter-graded course work, selected with appropriate advisement.  Such course work must be completed with a grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher for the readmission application to be considered.  Meeting this standard, along with both Graduate School and program-specific requirements will permit readmission to a graduate program.  Previously dismissed students who are recommended for admission under this policy will enter on probation.  

Repeats

A graduate student may enroll in graduate courses (for credit) a second or subsequent time and have it counted as part of the semester’s load.  If a course is repeated, the Graduate School will consider that the last grade earned replaces the original grade for purposes of admission and degree completion (in calculating initial and subsequent admission GPAs, in certifying the student’s eligibility for graduation, in certifying the completion of certificate programs, and in computing the WSU graduate grade point average).  Although the last grade earned becomes the grade of record (replaces original grade), the original co