University Graduate Regulations

The following are minimum university-wide standards for graduate programs. Additional requirements for each graduate program are described in the individual college or school descriptions (see Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Health and Public Affairs, School of Optics).

Student Status

Students who are taking graduate classes may be classified in several ways. Those classifications are defined as:

Regular Graduate Student—a student who has been accepted into a graduate degree program with no conditions or provisions and is seeking a graduate degree.

Provisional Graduate Student—a degree-seeking student who does not meet BOR criteria for GPA or GRE/GMAT requirements, but for other reasons is accepted as a degree-seeking student by a program. Conditions will be attached to the admission that will have to be fulfilled in the first nine hours of a graduate program before the student can be made a Regular Graduate Student. Only 10 percent of all new students in any degree program may be Provisional. Provisional graduate students cannot, in general, receive graduate fellowships or tuition waivers.

Conditional Graduate Student—a degree-seeking student who meets BOR criteria for admission, but has not submitted all required documents. Conditions must be met by midterm of the first semester in order to register for future semester classes.

Restricted Graduate Student—a degree-seeking graduate student who meets BOR criteria, but does not meet program requirements to be accepted as a Regular Graduate Student. Restrictions will be attached to the admission that will have to be fulfilled before the student is made a Regular Graduate Student.

Non-degree-seeking—a student who has not been accepted into an academic program and is not seeking a graduate degree. Some students in this category are completing application requirements for a graduate program. Students who are allowed to take graduate courses in this category can only transfer nine credit hours into a graduate program.

Graduate Certificate Student—a student, either a degree-seeking graduate student or a non-degree-seeking student, enrolled in a graduate certificate program. Non-degree-seeking students enrolled in graduate certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. If accepted into a graduate program, students in this status may, at the discretion of the program, transfer the credit hours from a graduate certificate program into a regular graduate program.

Student’s Responsibility

It is the student’s responsibility to keep informed of all rules, regulations, and procedures required for graduate studies. Graduate program regulations will not be waived or exceptions granted because students plead ignorance of the regulations or claim failure of the adviser to keep them informed.

University Closings

 In the event of some extraordinary event (such as a natural disaster or prolonged power outage), the President shall determine whether it is necessary to cancel classes and approve administrative leave for employees in affected areas. Department chairs, in consultation with their faculty and with the college dean, shall determine the effect on final examinations and other academic matters.

UCF Employment

 Full-time graduate students may be offered the opportunity to work as graduate assistants. All graduate assistants (GTAs and GRAs) must work at least 10 hours per week, but not more than 20 hours per week. Students who want to work for more than one employer and/or for hours in excess of 20 hours per week must complete a Multiple Employment/Excess Hours Form (see http://www.graduate.ucf.edu for form). Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Office of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Council for compelling reasons

Student FICA exemption—Graduate students who are enrolled at least part time (5 hours in spring/fall; 3 hours in summer; 1 hour of thesis or 3 hours of dissertation) will be exempt from FICA/Medicare taxes during pay periods that overlap with the academic term and during breaks of less than five weeks. Breaks longer than five weeks where graduate students are employed but not enrolled will result in withholding FICA/Medicare taxes.

Note: International students with F-1 Visas are prohibited from working in excess of 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters.

Appeals

When unusual situations arise, petitions for exceptions to policy may be requested by the student. Requests for consideration of exceptions to departmental rules should be made in writing to the graduate program coordinator. A Graduate Petition Form should be used for this request. The graduate program coordinator may ask the department or program graduate committee to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the petition. The graduate program coordinator will recommend to the department chair whether the petition should be granted. If the department is considering an exception solely to a departmental policy or rule, the petition will not have to be considered further. Should the student wish to appeal the departmental decision, the student or department may request in writing to the graduate college coordinator that the college reconsider the decision.

If the petition requires an exception to a college policy or rule, the student or department will request in writing that an exception be made at the college level. The graduate college coordinator may ask the graduate college committee to examine the petition at the request of the department or student once the department has made its recommendations. The graduate college coordinator will recommend to the college dean whether to grant the exception to college policy. If the college is considering an exception solely to a college policy or rule, then the petition will not have to be considered further. Should the student wish to appeal the college decision, the student or college may request in writing that the university reconsider the decision.

If the petition requires an exception to a university policy or rule, the student or college will request in writing that an exception be made at the university level. The Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies may ask the Graduate Council to examine the petition at the request of the college or student once the college has made its recommendation. The Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies will determine whether or not the exception should be granted. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is the final authority on whether exceptions to university policies will be made.

General Requirements for All Graduate Programs

Program of Study and Academic Performance

A program of study is a listing of course work agreed to by the student and the degree program specifying course degree requirements. It must be established prior to enrollment in the second term for a full-time graduate student. For a graduate student carrying a reduced load, the establishment of a program of study may be delayed up to the registration for the ninth graduate semester hour. A Program of Study form (either a SASS audit or written form) can be obtained from the graduate program coordinator or graduate college coordinator, prepared and signed by the adviser and student, and given to the graduate program coordinator to be placed in the student’s permanent file. It must comply with the catalog current at the time it is proposed. The Program of Study, once established, cannot be altered solely due to poor academic performance by the student.

GPA in Program of Study
A graduate student’s GPA shall be calculated on only those courses specified on the individual’s Program of Study (not including required prerequisites).

A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the specified graduate program of study is required to maintain graduate student status and for graduation. In any term where the GPA drops below 3.0 in a program of study, students will be changed to academic provisional status for a maximum of nine semester hours. If students have not attained an overall graduate GPA of 3.0 in the program of study at the end of the nine semester hours, they will be reverted to nondegree status. (Students admitted on provisional status are similarly given 9 semester hours to attain a 3.0 GPA.) If a student wishes to appeal a change in status, an appeal should be filed with the graduate program coordinator. (See “Appeals” in this chapter.)

No graduate-level courses with a grade of “D” or lower are acceptable in a program of study or, following admission to degree-seeking status, on a SASS audit. In addition, no 4000-level courses or transfer courses with a grade of “C” or lower are acceptable in the program of study. Once established, the program of study cannot be altered solely due to poor academic performance of the student.

Graduate students whose overall GPA falls below 2.0 will be reverted to nondegree status.

Maximum Hours of Unsatisfactory Grades
A student may earn a maximum total of six semester hours of “C” grades in the program of study. The final program of study may not contain unresolved “I” grades. This does not imply that a course in which a student has received these grades cannot be repeated to provide a better grade. Both grades will be used in computing the GPA in the program of study. There is no forgiveness policy on graduate grades. Exceeding six semester hours of unsatisfactory (more than six semester hours of “C” or unresolved “I”) grades in a specified graduate program of study is reason for reversion to nondegree status.

Incomplete Grades
A grade of “I” (incomplete) is assigned by the instructor when a student is unable to complete a course due to extenuating circumstances, and when all requirements can clearly be completed in a short time following the close of regular classes. The Registrar’s Office must be notified of the appropriate grade to be assigned no later than the date shown in the academic calendar of the term immediately following that in which the “I” was assigned. Failure to complete course requirements by that date may, at the discretion of the instructor, result in the assignment of an “F” grade, or a “U” grade for thesis, dissertation, or research report hours. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange with the instructor for the changing of the “I” grade. Both the new grade and the letter “I” will appear on the student’s permanent record. Grades of “I” awarded after Fall 1997 must be resolved within one calendar year or prior to graduation, whichever comes first. Incompletes in regular course work left unresolved will be changed to “F” if not changed in the allowed time period. A student may register for a course in which an “I” was received, but no repeat “R” action will be made on the permanent record. The exception to this is enrollment in thesis (XXX 6971) and dissertation (XXX 7980) hours where the incomplete grade will be allowed to continue until graduation. Incomplete grades cannot be used on the program of study. Students cannot receive an incomplete grade while supported on a UCF fellowship and continue to receive the fellowship.

Review of Performance
The primary responsibility for monitoring performance standards rests with the degree program. However, the college and university may monitor a student’s progress and may revert any student to nondegree status if performance standards as specified above are not maintained. Satisfactory academic progress in a program also involves maintaining the standards of academic and professional integrity expected in a particular discipline or program. Failure to maintain these standards may result in termination of the student from the program.

A degree program may revert any graduate student to nondegree status at any time when, in its judgment, the individual is deemed incapable of successfully performing at required standards of excellence. If a student is reverted to nondegree status, reinstatement to graduate student status can occur only through a formal appeal process. (See “Appeals” in this chapter.)

Course Requirements

Course Loads

A full-time graduate student must take at least 9 credit hours each semester, with 12 semester hours being the maximum load. During the summer term, full-time is 6 credit hours and half-time is 3 credit hours. In order to meet residency requirements, doctoral and specialist students must register for 9 hours in two contiguous terms. Master’s students taking only thesis hours are required to enroll in at least 1 hour each semester after completion of regular course work and minimum required thesis hours are exhausted. Doctoral students are required to enroll in at least 3 hours each semester after completion of regular course work and minimum required dissertation hours are exhausted.

Students receiving veterans’ education benefits should refer to the “Office of Veterans’ Affairs” and “Veterans’ Benefits” sections in the “Student Development and Enrollment Services” chapter in this catalog.

Course Levels of Graduate Work

7000-Level Courses. These courses are designed for doctoral students.

6000-Level Courses. These courses are designed for graduate students. Post-baccalaureate or non-degree-seeking students should check with the colleges about their ability to enroll in 6000-level courses. Undergraduate registration in 6000-level courses is allowed only in special situations with prior approval by the college. Undergraduate students must be within nine hours of graduation, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and not register for more than a total of twelve hours in that term. See also “Senior Scholars Program” in this chapter.

5000-Level Courses. Courses at the 5000 level may be utilized toward satisfying the graduate degree requirements and may be taken by graduate students. Non-degree-seeking students and seniors may enroll in 5000-level courses with permission from the program.

Other. Under special circumstances 4000-level courses may be applied toward a graduate degree, but not in excess of six semester hours. Courses at the 3000 level or below shall not be utilized in a graduate program of study unless permission is obtained from the college prior to enrollment in the course. Under no circumstances should 3000-level courses be used in a doctoral program except as transfer credits as explained under “Transfer Credit” for doctoral students in this catalog.

Language Requirements
Foreign language requirements shall be at the option of the individual departments or appropriate units consistent with their college regulations.

Transfer of Credit When Accreditation Is Uncertain

Students who believe they have mastered the content of a graduate-level course should present a portfolio to the graduate program coordinator documenting the learning experience. If the committee after examining the portfolio believes the student has mastered the content presented in a graduate-level course, the student should be allowed to demonstrate that mastery through examination. (See “Credit by Examination or Waiver” below.) Correspondence courses are not acceptable toward a graduate program of study; however, extension or continuing education courses may be accepted.

The acceptance of courses from unaccredited agencies or institutions threatens the integrity and value of the graduate degrees awarded by UCF. Graduate-level course work demands the mastery of skills, theories, and concepts at a much higher level than undergraduate-level course work. Therefore, the university will not allow students to transfer course work from professional societies, independent agencies, employees, or companies unless they are ACE (American Council on Education) certified.

Credit by Examination or Waiver

Examination credit may be used to satisfy program course requirements, but not credit hour requirements. Certain program requirements or courses may be waived at the discretion of a program, although the total hours required for the program must be satisfied.

Thesis, Research Report, and Dissertation Grades

For thesis (XXX 6971 or 6973), dissertation (XXX 7980), and research report (XXX 6909) courses, satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) grades are used to reflect student progress in these courses. Should a student in a given term be given an incomplete, then this grade should be changed to an S or U, upon completion of the work. Other grades are not allowed to be given in these courses. Students who do not maintain satisfactory progress in their research may be reverted to post-baccalaureate status.

Public Access

Students, faculty, staff, and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend thesis and dissertation final defense sessions. Notices providing date, time, and location of such meetings must be distributed to all academic departments.

These sessions are educational and informative for graduate students and provide an opportunity for colleagues to observe the work of their peers with students. At the discretion of the Chair of the Committee, questions may be invited from the audience. That part of the session involving committee discussion leading to a vote on the acceptance of the work will be closed. Sessions may be recessed briefly to excuse visitors and the candidate before this stage begins.

Degree Application Process

Application for Graduate Degree

Graduate students should file an Intent to Graduate form with the graduate program coordinator by the last day of registration for the term of graduation. If the student does not graduate in that term, a new form must be filed at the beginning of registration for the term of anticipated graduation.

Application for Graduate Certificate

Those students, graduate or nondegree, who are completing a certificate must file a Completion of Certificate form with the graduate program coordinator by the last day of registration for the last course in the graduate certificate program. If the student does not complete certificate requirements in that term, a new form must be filed at the beginning of registration for the term of completion.

Thesis and Dissertation Requirements

An oral defense of a thesis or dissertation is required with copies of the approved thesis or dissertation being prepared in accordance with program, college, and university requirements. The Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation Manual describes UCF’s formatting requirements for theses/dissertations and outlines the steps graduate students must follow to submit their theses/dissertations to Graduate Studies for binding. Graduate students can obtain the manual from the Thesis/Dissertation Editor in the Office of Graduate Studies, use the copies on reserve at the Reference Services Desk in the UCF Library (second floor), or access this information on the editor’s website at: http://www.graduate.ucf.edu.

Each semester the Thesis and Publications Editor presents workshops to inform graduate students about procedures, deadlines, and requirements associated with preparing a thesis and dissertation.

Students who wish to complete their degree requirements in a given semester must take their oral defense and turn in their final unbound copies to the Thesis and Publications Editor in Graduate Studies by the dates shown in the Academic Calendar of the Graduate Catalog.

Certification for Degree or Certificate

The college of the degree program must certify through the College Dean that all program and college requirements have been met. Degree certification forms are forwarded to Graduate Studies for final determination that all program, college, and university requirements have been met. Graduate students who have completed all the requirements for the degree and have successfully completed the required thesis or dissertation may request a letter to that effect prior to the receipt of the degree. Such letters will be issued by Graduate Studies.

Registration in Term of Graduation

A student must be registered in any term in which UCF faculty or administrative and professional time will be required (e.g., for review of thesis or research report by faculty or editorial staff, for completion of internships, or for comprehensive or other examinations). Therefore, unless the graduate program certifies to Graduate Studies that no UCF resources will be utilized, a student must be registered in the term of graduation.

Readmission

 To file for readmission, the student must complete a Reactivation/Readmission Application and mail it to Graduate Studies, or the student may fax (407-823-6442) or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu) Graduate Studies stating a desire for readmission for a particular term. Graduate Studies will consult with the program about readmission.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificate programs are available at UCF to supplement an existing graduate program or to provide specialized knowledge in disciplines that complement the education of working professionals in the metropolitan area served by UCF. Many of our area employees have advanced graduate degrees and can enhance their education with specialized courses. Frequently a package of specialized courses that forms a certificate will increase employment credentials and lead to career enhancement.

It is the intent of these programs to be current, providing specialized and state-of-the-art content to area employees. Often certificate programs are offered using flexible and nontraditional delivery systems that provide the best service to the employees in this metropolitan area. Distributed learning, weekend courses, evening courses, and accelerated term courses are acceptable.

Certificate programs are often ideal for nondegree students who would like to sample graduate courses before committing to a graduate degree program. Certificate programs may round out a graduate degree program, providing a special emphasis in addition to a graduate degree. Frequently a certificate program can provide an interdisciplinary focus to an existing program of study to provide more depth and understanding to enhance the graduate program.

Any academic unit may propose a graduate certificate program that encompasses graduate courses in its graduate program. If an interdisciplinary certificate program is proposed, it must be acceptable to departments and faculty offering the courses and graduate programs on which the certificate program is based.

Only departments offering graduate degree programs are eligible to develop graduate certificate programs, although departments not offering graduate degrees could join a graduate program in offering an interdisciplinary certificate. College-wide graduate programs are also eligible to develop graduate certificate programs. Certificate programs will not be allowed without some connection to an existing graduate program. The program, wherever it is academically housed, must be clearly identified and labeled as a certificate program. The intent of the program must be specified in any department or college publications (print or Web based).

A faculty coordinator will be appointed for each certificate program. The coordinator will be responsible for certifying successful completion of the program’s academic requirements. The Office of Graduate Studies will arrange for recording the completed certificate on the student’s transcript. However, certificate recipients will not be recognized at commencement.

Each graduate certificate program coordinator shall deliver an annual report of program activity, including course offerings, applications, enrollment, and certificates awarded through normal reporting processes from the program coordinator to the chair, to the college curriculum committee, and then to the college dean. The Graduate Council Course Review and New Programs Subcommittee will review the summary report after college approval and no later than September 15 of each year. Sunset provisions shall apply to any graduate certificate program that is inactive for three consecutive years.

University Admission Standards

Students admitted to a graduate degree program or to post-baccalaureate status are eligible to take certificate programs. Those with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees are eligible to enroll in certificate programs and must apply by submitting a separate non-degree-seeking application prior to enrollment in the last certificate course. Entry to a certificate program does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. However, once a person is accepted into a regular graduate program, credits from a UCF certificate program may be applied toward an existing graduate program with the consent of the program. Post-baccalaureate students who are enrolled in a certificate program are not eligible for tuition waivers, assistantships, fellowships, or federal financial aid. Students must apply for admission into a certificate program at any time prior to the completion of the last course in the certificate program by completing an application that designates the graduate certificate.

Course Requirements and Loads

A certificate program must comprise a minimum of nine semester hours and a maximum of 18. The course work must consist of an integrated and organized sequence of study.

No internship or independent study courses may be used in a certificate program. The use of practicum courses in certificate programs is not generally encouraged, but may be used in programs where there is a strong professional setting and on-campus faculty supervision. Alternative delivery programs are acceptable and encouraged.

A course may not apply toward more than one certificate program. Certificate students must take the full number of required hours. If an overlap of course work occurs between two or more certificate programs for the same student, the student must complete the total required hours by taking electives approved by the program.

All courses that are offered as part of a certificate program must be graduate-level courses. Students must earn course grades of “B” or better to get credit toward the certificate. Courses may be retaken to achieve a better grade.

Applicable Credits

Transfer of Credit
No graduate credit hours taken at other institutions can be applied to a graduate certificate program at UCF.

Recency of Credit
Graduate credit hours taken at UCF less than three years previously from a prior baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree may be applied toward a certificate, with the consent of the program.

Master’s Programs

University Admission Standards

Admission to graduate status requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 attempted semester hours of undergraduate studies, or a score of at least 1000 on the combined verbal-quantitative portion of the GRE or a score of at least 450 on the combined verbal-quantitative portion of the GMAT, or a master’s degree from an accredited institution and GRE or GMAT scores. A GRE or GMAT (Business Administration) exam score is required of all applicants. Admission to the university does not constitute admission to a master’s program. Meeting minimum university admission standards for graduate status may not satisfy master’s program admission requirements. Additional or higher criteria may be required by the college or department. An applicant’s character, integrity and general fitness to practice a particular profession may also be considered in the admission process.

Applicable Credits and Courses

Total Hours Required
A minimum of 30 semester hours (combined course work and thesis) is required, although many programs require more. For the thesis option, at least 24 semester hours of course work must be earned exclusive of thesis. For the non-thesis option, at least 50 percent of the credits offered for the degree must be in a single field of concentration. A research report may be required in a non-thesis option master’s program.

Course Levels 6000-Level Courses. A minimum of fifteen credit hours (including thesis hours) of an individual’s program of study must be in 6000-level courses, which are designed for graduate students. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the Graduate Council. Exceptions to this rule have been granted to Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and English.

Directed Independent Studies Courses
A maximum of three courses may be taken as independent study, for a total of no more than six semester hours.

Residence Credit
At least 21 semester credits must be UCF credits. Residence credits may be earned through enrollment in courses physically offered on the main campus; or at the UCF area campuses (Brevard, Daytona Beach, South Orlando, Downtown Academic Center); or at geographical locations where UCF courses are being taught by regular UCF faculty members. Residence credits also include UCF courses offered through the World Wide Web.

Transfer of Credits Taken Before Enrolling at UCF
Work taken at an accredited institution BEFORE a student is given graduate status at UCF may be transferred into the student’s program of study. Transfer course work may come from the following areas:

  • Work taken as a post-baccalaureate student at UCF
  • Work taken at institutions within the State University System (SUS)
  • Work taken at other accredited institutions not in the SUS
  • Work taken while in graduate status in another major while at UCF
  • Work taken in a graduate certificate program at UCF
No more than nine semester hours total of graduate credit may be transferred into the graduate program from UCF post-baccalaureate work or from other accredited institutions. More than nine semester hours (all of the hours taken in a graduate certificate program) can be used in a graduate degree program with the consent of the program.

Graduate programs are permitted to accept up to nine hours of graduate course work taken at UCF while an undergraduate student as part of an undergraduate program of study. Oversight of the appropriateness of and discretion for accepting such courses into a graduate program of study will be provided by the instructor, graduate program coordinator, and graduate college coordinator. The use of these hours of graduate course work in a graduate program of study is at the discretion of the college and program. This does not apply to undergraduate course work taken while an undergraduate student.

Institutions not in the State University System must be fully accredited by a regional accrediting association of the Commission on Accreditation (e.g., the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). In some instances, UCF will have conducted an independent evaluation of a nonaccredited institution. If judged to be equivalent, hours may be transferred from these schools. In all instances, only grades of B or better will be transferred.

Students who wish to take course work elsewhere while enrolled as a student at UCF must apply and be accepted as a Traveling Scholar. Credits earned as a Traveling Scholar are considered “resident” credits that are earned at UCF. Consult the “Traveling Scholar” section in this chapter for more information.

Senior Scholars Program

UCF undergraduates who successfully complete UCF graduate course work as part of their UCF undergraduate program are designated Senior Scholars. As Senior Scholars they are entitled to use up to nine hours of graduate credits toward a UCF graduate degree, with the consent of the program. Senior Scholars may include this honor on their resumes. Undergraduates wishing to participate in this program should consult their adviser.

Time Limitation for Degree Completion

The student has seven years from the date of admission (prerequisite, articulation, and foundation courses are exempt) to the master’s program to complete the degree. No course older than seven (7) years at the time of graduation may be used in the Program of Study for a master’s degree. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment (missing enrollment at the university for a period of two major semesters [spring/fall], excluding summers) must file for readmission to the university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program.

Examinations

Evaluation
All examination procedures and other evaluations of a student’s progress shall be the province of the individual department or appropriate unit operating within the framework of the college (or colleges for interdisciplinary programs).

Comprehensive Examination
An appropriate culminating academic experience is required of all master’s degree students. It may include a thesis defense, written or oral examination, research report, capstone course, presentation and defense of a portfolio of student work, or other appropriate scholarly activity of a type that has been approved by the Graduate Council.

Advisory Committees

Appointment of Committee or Adviser
It is the responsibility of the appropriate academic Dean of the college or the coordinator of the program to (1) determine whether an advisory committee or an adviser will be used and (2) approve the necessary appointments.

The Office of Graduate Studies reserves the right to review appointments to advisory committees, place a representative on any advisory committee, or to appoint a co-adviser. There may be two advisers appointed by the program, the Academic Adviser who oversees the satisfaction of university requirements, and in thesis degree programs, a Thesis Adviser who may oversee the thesis research. The Academic Adviser must be a UCF faculty member in the program granting the degree.

The Academic Adviser is normally necessary when there is considerable flexibility in course work, or where the student is conducting research and working with a thesis adviser who is not a UCF faculty member. Both thesis and non-thesis programs may find it useful to appoint an Academic Adviser.

Thesis Advisory Committee
A student seeking a degree requiring a thesis shall have a Thesis Advisory Committee of at least three members with the designation of chair and/or thesis director being optional. Two of the members must be faculty in the program. This committee shall recommend to the Dean of the college the design of the student’s program of study, provide continual guidance for the student, and be the principal mechanism for the evaluation of the student’s thesis and performance in any general examinations.

Thesis

In some programs, students are required to complete a thesis. An oral defense of the thesis is required with copies of the approved thesis being prepared in accordance with program, college, and university requirements. The UCF Thesis and Dissertation Manual describes formatting requirements for theses/dissertations and outlines the steps graduate students must follow to submit their theses/dissertations to Graduate Studies for binding. Graduate students can use the copies on reserve at the Reference Services Desk in the UCF Library (second floor), or access this information on the editor’s website at http://www.graduate.ucf.edu.

Each semester the Thesis and Publications Editor presents workshops to inform graduate students about procedures, deadlines, and requirements associated with preparing a thesis and dissertation.

Students who wish to complete their degree requirements in a given semester must take their oral defense and turn in their final unbound copies to the Thesis and Publications Editor in Graduate Studies by the dates shown in the Graduate Catalog.

Enrollment Requirement
Master’s level students who are engaged in thesis or research report-related activity must be enrolled for at least one credit hour each semester continuously during which this activity takes place after completion of regular course work and required minimum thesis hours. This requirement does not negate the requirement that all graduate students be enrolled the term they graduate. (See “Registration in Term of Graduation.”)

Thesis Defense
The Dean of the college, or designee, will normally attend all thesis defenses. Thesis committee members who do not approve of the thesis may choose to not sign the thesis approval sheet. Thesis defenses will be approved by a majority vote of the Thesis Advisory Committee. Further approval is required from the Dean or Dean designee and the Office of Graduate Studies before final acceptance of the thesis in fulfilling degree requirements.

Education Specialist Programs

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees are awarded in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and School Psychology. The Ed.S. degree provides an opportunity for professionals in leadership positions in an educational environment to receive in-depth academic study. This degree provides the opportunity for the development of a high level of professional proficiency in such areas as instruction, supervision, administration, curriculum, and current research literature. Because the purpose of the Ed.S. degree may differ from that of the Ed.D., credit earned in an Ed.S. program is not automatically transferable to a doctoral program. Instead, if a holder of an Ed.S. degree enters a doctoral program at a later date, the doctoral advisory committee will decide how much of the credit earned in the Ed.S. program will be credited toward the doctorate. In any case, only 30 hours taken prior to doctoral status may be transferred into the doctoral program of study. The primary goal of the Ed.S. degree is teaching or acquiring professional proficiency in a specialized education-related area.

University Admission Standards

Admission to the Education Specialist program requires (1) a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (except in the case of the School Psychology Specialist program, which does not require a master’s degree, but does have other special admission criteria), (2) a combined score of 1000 (Verbal and Quantitative Sections of the General Graduate Record Examination), (3) other criteria as required by the individual departments, and (4) a recommendation for admission by the appropriate College of Education Graduate Admissions Committee. Admission to the university does not constitute admission to a specialist program.

Examinations

Two examinations are required. Educational Leadership majors must successfully complete one three-hour examination in their major area and one three-hour examination in an area of specialization. Curriculum and Instruction majors must successfully complete one three-hour examination in their teaching specialty and one three-hour examination in the Educational Foundations area.

Program of Study and Academic Standards

A program of study (i.e., required course work) will be specified by the student’s program area and approved by the college. Minimal core requirements for the Ed.S. degree consist of 36 hours beyond the master’s degree in an approved program, which must include a minimum of 12 graduate-level hours in the specialization area, 6 graduate-level hours in research/statistics, and additional core requirements that are specific to each of the Ed.S. degrees. An overall 3.0 GPA must be maintained on all graduate work attempted. All other academic standards which apply to master’s students will not be lower for specialist students.

Transfer of Credit

Educational Leadership program. Total transfer credit can never exceed nine semester hours. All credit must be earned after the master’s degree with the maximum being nine semester hours from accredited institutions.

Curriculum and Instruction program. Up to 30 hours of credits earned during the master’s degree are transferable into the specialist degree.

Time Limitation and Continuous Attendance

The student has seven (7) years from the date of admission (prerequisite, articulation, and foundation courses are exempt) to the specialist program to complete the degree. No course older than seven (7) years, at graduation, may be used in the program of study for a specialist degree. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment (missing enrollment at the university for a period of two major semesters [spring/fall], excluding summers) must file for readmission to the university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program.

Doctoral Programs

University Admission Standards

Eligibility for admission to a doctoral program should be limited to superior students who have demonstrated intellectual ability, high achievement, and adequate preparation for advanced study and research in a chosen field.

Minimum university standards for admission to a doctoral program require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 attempted semester hours of undergraduate studies, or a score of at least 1000 on the combined verbal-quantitative portion of the GRE or a combined verbal-quantitative score of at least 450 on the GMAT, or a master’s degree from an accredited institution and GRE or GMAT scores. A GRE or GMAT (Business Administration) score is required of all applicants. However, meeting minimum university admission standards may not satisfy doctoral program admission requirements. Additional or higher criteria may be required by the college or department.

Examinations

To avoid confusion of terminology for examinations, all programs should use the following terms: Qualifying Examination. This title designates the examination (optional by programs) which is used to determine if students should continue with their doctoral studies. It is normally given within the first year of the doctoral program. This is a written examination and is permanently filed in the student’s records in the program.

Candidacy Examination. This title is used for the examination which the student takes prior to admission to Candidacy Status. This is a written examination and is permanently filed in the student’s permanent records. It is normally taken near the end of completion of course work, and must be passed before being allowed to enroll in dissertation hours.

Dissertation Proposal Examination. After passing the general Candidacy Examination, the student will write and defend a Dissertation Proposal in an oral examination.

Dissertation Defense. This is an oral examination (or defense) of the dissertation.

Completion of Qualifying Examination

Eligibility to continue a doctoral program should be limited to superior students who have demonstrated intellectual ability, high achievement, and adequate preparation for advanced study and research in a chosen field. The decision to allow a student continuing progress toward a doctorate is made by the graduate committee of the program area concerned and the Dean of the college on the basis of the qualifying examination and/or other criteria as specified by the individual program area. This exam is normally taken within the first year of a doctoral program.

Program of Study

A program of study (i.e., required course work) will be specified by the student’s program area and approved by the college. The particular plan of study, which may vary from student to student, should be formulated jointly by the student and the appropriate committee or adviser in the program area. Changes in the program of study may be made at any time by the advisory committee.

Course Requirements

The course requirements for a doctoral degree will consist of lectures, seminars, discussions, independent research, and independent study. Each program of study will include a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the baccalaureate degree, 57 semester hours of which must be exclusive of the dissertation, with at least 6 semester hours of course work taken at UCF outside the student’s program area. A university-wide minimum of at least 15 hours of dissertation hours are required for all doctoral programs. Specific programs may require more.

Independent Study Hours
No more than 12 total semester hours of independent study (including those hours counted toward a master’s degree) may be applied to a doctoral program of study.

Academic Standards

Academic standards for doctoral students will meet or exceed those previously stated for master’s programs.

Special Degree Requirements

Each student may be expected to demonstrate an appropriate competency in a related area. The appropriate competency must be carefully defined by the program area and approved by the student’s committee and the Dean of the college. Any course credit earned in attaining such a skill does not count toward minimum hour requirements.

Residency Requirements

Each student is expected to complete two contiguous semesters in full-time graduate student status after acceptance into a doctoral program. Doctoral students must be registered a minimum of 9 semester hours during this time.

Transfer Credit

Up to 30 semester hours of credit from an accredited institution may be transferred into a doctoral program, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the graduate committee of the program area generally at the time the student is admitted to the program. The transfer hours will consist of a maximum of six hours of 4000-level work, no 3000-level courses, and no courses with grades of less than “B.” The College of Engineering and Computer Science allows up to 36 credit hours, including up to 6 thesis credits, to be transferred from the master’s program.

Graduate programs are permitted to accept up to nine hours of graduate course work taken at UCF while an undergraduate student as part of an undergraduate program of study. Oversight of the appropriateness of and discretion for accepting such courses into a graduate program of study will be provided by the instructor, graduate program coordinator, and graduate college coordinator. This does not apply to 4000-level course work taken while an undergraduate student.

Time Limitation for Degree Completion

The student has seven years from the date of admission to the doctoral program to complete the dissertation. No courses taken since the original program entry date at UCF may be older than seven years and used in the program of study.

Readmission

Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment (missing enrollment at the university for a period of two major semesters [spring/fall], excluding summers) must file for readmission to the university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program. To file for readmission, the student must complete a Reactivation/Readmission Application, or contact the Office of Graduate Studies by fax (407-823-6442) or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu) and state a desire for readmission for a particular term. Graduate Studies will consult with the program about readmission. For more information about readmission, refer to the “Admission” chapter.

Doctoral students admitted to candidacy must continuously enroll in three hours of dissertation course work (XXX 7980) each semester until the dissertation is completed after completion of required minimum dissertation hours.

Examination Committee

In some programs a doctoral examination committee will be formed consisting of several faculty members representing the appropriate disciplines and approved by the Dean or college designee to administer qualifying and/or candidacy examinations. In many cases this committee will consist of the program graduate committee. All members will evaluate and vote as to whether students have successfully completed the exams.

Candidacy

Admission to Candidacy
Students may not be admitted to candidacy until a Doctoral Committee has been appointed, and the Committee has certified that the student has successfully completed the Candidacy Examination and demonstrated the qualifications necessary to successfully complete requirements for the degree. Only after admission to candidacy may a student register for dissertation hours (XXX 7980). The admission to candidacy will be approved by the graduate college coordinator and forwarded to Graduate Studies for status change.

Candidacy Examination
The purpose of the Candidacy Examination is for the student to demonstrate knowledge of the field, including theory, bibliography, and research methodology. The examinations must be written and should be based on the student’s plan of study and may be a defense of a written dissertation proposal. Written examinations are administered and established on campus by the student’s Doctoral Committee in coordination with the college. All written original examination materials will be kept in the student’s file in the program.

Enrollment in Dissertation Hours
The student must continue to enroll for at least three semester hours of dissertation credit each semester after attaining candidacy status until the oral defense of the dissertation has been made after completion of regular course work and the required minimum number of dissertation hours. Post-candidacy enrollment is allowable for a maximum of four years subject to the seven-year time limitation.

Dissertation

Dissertations are required in all doctoral programs. An oral defense of the dissertation is required with copies of the approved dissertation being prepared in accordance with program requirements.

Dissertation Advisory Committee Composition
Doctoral students must have a Dissertation Advisory Committee prior to the Candidacy Examination. The Committee, which will consist of a minimum of four faculty members (three from the college in which the program is located and one from outside that college), must be approved by the Dean or designee of that College. Program areas may further specify additional committee membership. All members should be in fields related to the dissertation topic. The Office of Graduate Studies reserves the right to review appointments to advisory committees, place a representative on any advisory committee, or appoint a co-adviser.

All members vote on acceptance or rejection of the dissertation proposal and the final dissertation. The dissertation proposal and final dissertation must be approved by a majority of the committee.

Dissertation Preparation
The Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation Manual describes UCF’s formatting requirements for theses/dissertations and outlines the steps graduate students must follow to submit their theses/dissertations to Graduate Studies for binding. Graduate students can obtain the manual from the Thesis and Publications Editor in the Office of Graduate Studies, use the copies on reserve at the Reference Services Desk in the UCF Library (second floor), or access this information on the editor’s website at http://www.graduate.ucf.edu.

Each semester the Thesis and Publications Editor presents workshops to inform graduate students about procedures, deadlines, and requirements associated with preparing a thesis and dissertation. Those students who have just passed Candidacy are encouraged to attend a workshop.

Students who wish to complete their degree requirements in a given semester must take their oral defense and turn in their final unbound copies to the Thesis and Publications Editor in Graduate Studies by the dates shown in the Graduate Catalog. Doctoral students also must provide one unbound copy for microfilming by University Microfilms International (UMI). The editor will send dissertations to UMI, with the student’s completed UMI form and microfilming fee.

Dissertation Defense
The dean of the college or his/her designee will normally attend all dissertation defenses. Dissertations will be approved by a majority vote of the advisory committee. Further approval is required from the Dean or Dean designee and the Office of Graduate Studies before final acceptance of the dissertation in fulfilling degree requirements.

Special Scholar Programs

Traveling Scholars

The university participates in the Board of Regents Traveling Scholar Program (6C-6.07) enabling a graduate student to take advantage of special resources available on another campus but not available on the home campus; for example, special course offerings, research opportunities, unique laboratories, and library collections. A traveling scholar is a graduate student who, by mutual agreement of the appropriate academic authorities in both the sponsoring and hosting institutions, receives a waiver of admission requirements of the host institution and a guarantee of acceptance of earned resident credits by the sponsoring institution.

A traveling scholar must be recommended by his or her own graduate adviser, who will initiate a visiting arrangement with the appropriate faculty member of the host institution. After agreement by the student’s adviser and the faculty member at the host institution, graduate deans at both institutions will be fully informed by the adviser and have the authority to approve or disapprove the academic arrangement. A student will register at the host institution and will pay tuition and/or registration fees according to fee schedules established at that institution. The Traveling Scholar form, available in the department offices, must be used for documentation. This form must be completed and prior approval obtained before any course work can be taken.

Each university retains its full right to accept or reject any student who wishes to study under its auspices. A traveling scholar will normally be limited to one term for a total of six credit hours taken as a traveling scholar at another institution.

A traveling scholar is not entitled to displacement allowance, mileage, or per diem payments. The home university, however, may at its option continue its financial support of the traveling scholar in the form of a fellowship or graduate assistantship with any work obligation to be discharged either at the home or at the host institution.

As part of the Traveling Scholars agreement, SUS institutions agree to accept one another’s entrance requirements and credits. All Traveling Scholars are required to submit the Student Health History and immunization requirements according to UCF and BOR policies. Credit is not automatically transferred into the graduate program of study. The student must request an official transcript be sent from the host institution to Graduate Studies (AD 230, P.O. Box 160112, Orlando, FL 32816-0112; Phone 407-823-2766), and the graduate program coordinator must complete the Program of Study so that the credits can be entered into the student database. Credits earned at another institution while in Traveling Scholar status will be considered resident credits and are not counted as “transfer” credits under the “nine-hour” rule. These hours may count toward UCF residency requirements if prior approval is obtained. Graduate students are not allowed to be traveling scholars in their final, or graduation, term except by prior approval of Graduate Studies.

International Visiting Scholars

The following policy and procedures allow departments to invite international visitors to study or participate in research activities at UCF. These scholars will be designated as Visiting Scholars or Visiting Research Scholars. The policy is directed to those who do not wish to earn a degree, but who may audit courses in the post-baccalaureate, non-degree-seeking status for professional development and who normally have complete financial support provided by some outside agency. These visitors will have J-1 Exchange Scholar Visa status, limited to one year, which can be extended. J-1 visa holders must return to their home country; they may not request to remain in the United States. Visitors seeking degrees will use regular UCF admission procedures and must qualify for an I-20 Certificate of eligibility for an F-1 Student Visa.

Visitors participating in the international scholars program who are required to audit courses at UCF must fill out the UCF Nondegree/Certification/Transient Application and pay the $20 application fee. The deadline is about four (4) months before the beginning of a term. A faculty member, as Faculty Sponsor, must accept the responsibility for recommending, advising, and directing the activities of the scholar. The procedure for extending an invitation is as follows:

  1. If financial support will be provided to the visiting scholar using university resources, then the approval of the university must be obtained on all correspondence with the visiting scholar. Written arrangements should be made with the Vice President for Research for financial support prior to invitations to visiting scholars.
  2. The Department Chair will submit a recommendation to the Dean specifying the Faculty Sponsor, documenting anticipated activities, and providing the following information on the Visiting Scholar:
    1. Date of birth
    2. City and country of birth
    3. Country of residence if different from country of birth
    4. Place of work (academic institution, business firm, etc.)
    5. Current position held in country of residence
    6. Academic background
    7. Professional experience
    8. Source and amount of financial support (recommended honorarium, if any)
    9. English proficiency
    10. Dates of visit
    11. Statement of how the Visiting Scholar will participate in research and what will be accomplished
    12. Office space, equipment, etc. which will be required for scholar’s use
  3. If arrangements are approved, the Dean will notify the Vice President for Research that the College is extending an invitation. The Chair’s recommendation will be included with the notification. These will be sent to Graduate Studies so that the invitation and application may be placed in the visiting scholar’s official university file.
  4. Graduate Studies will then forward copies of the information to the International Student Services Office. A copy of the recommendation will also be sent to the Director of International Student Services asking that Form IAP-66 for the J-1 Visa be issued.
  5. The Faculty Sponsor will then correspond with the visitor detailing the conditions of the visit, including whatever limited financial support and facilities will be provided and what is expected of the Scholar, with copies of this correspondence sent to the International Student Services Office and the Vice President for Research. The Scholar will be asked to write a brief report at the termination of the visit.
During each academic term of the visit, the Visiting Research Scholar may be required to audit one hour of XXX 6918, Directed Research, under the direction of the Faculty Sponsor and also may be permitted (or required) to audit regular courses. The Visiting Scholar will be admitted to post-baccalaureate status and will audit courses as directed and approved by the Faculty Sponsor. The Visiting Scholar will not be permitted to take courses for credit unless formally admitted to a degree program or upon written approval from the Dean of the college in which the student is studying.

The international visiting scholar will be appointed Visiting Research Scholar or Visiting Scholar in the College and may be given a modest honorarium. Such scholars will normally not be maintained on the College payroll, but are expected to have extended financial support.

Academic Common Market Scholars

The university is a participant in the Academic Common Market Program with other universities in the Southeast offering access to both undergraduate and graduate courses in selected fields. Arrangements can be made for certified Florida residents to earn a graduate degree at a participating university, and be treated as an in-state student at that university. This program can be used only when the field of study is not available in the home state and the participating institution approves. Students taking part in this program will have to apply and be accepted by a participating university, notifying that university of their planned attendance as an Academic Common Market Scholar. The participating universities are located in the following states:
Alabama Louisiana Tennessee
Arkansas Maryland Texas
Florida Mississippi Virginia
Georgia Oklahoma West Virginia
Kentucky South Carolina  
Both Florida and Texas only participate at the graduate level. For further information, please contact Graduate Studies at 407-823-5815 (AD 230, P.O. Box 160112, Orlando, FL 32816-0112).

Linkage Agreements

 The State of Florida has established various linkage agreements to assist in the development of stronger economic and social ties between Florida and strategic foreign countries. Linkage Institutes are set up throughout the state, and provide out-of-state tuition exemption to scholars from the foreign countries represented by the institutes. To participate in these exemptions, students must apply to the Linkage Institute for the country in which they reside to receive an out-of-state tuition award. Students participating are required to return home after their tenure of graduate study for a length of time equal to the exemption period. Each institute develops its own criteria for selection of students, and typically support the out-of-state fees for about 20 to 30 scholars a year. The institutes established in Florida are listed below with their contact persons.

Florida-Brazil Institute
Dr. Elizabeth Lowe McCoy, UF, 352-392-5834
Dr. Terry McCoy, UF, 352-392-0375
Dr. Robert Vitale, Miami-Dade Community College, 305-237-2533

Florida-Canada Institute
Dr. Warren McHone, UCF, 407-823-2629
Dr. Sean P. Smith, Palm Beach Community College, 561-367-4574

Florida-Caribbean Institute
Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg, FIU, 305-348-2894
Mr. Francisco Bertot, Daytona Beach Community College, 904-254-3091

Florida-China Institute
Dr. Henry O. K. Chen, UWF, 904-474-2665
Mr. Robert J. Ludwiczak, Brevard Community College, 407-632-1111
Ms. Miriam B. Stamps, USF, 813-974-6305

Florida-Costa Rica Institute
Dr. Erasmo G. Gerato, FSU, 904-644-1414
Ms. Carol Litrides, Valencia Community College, 407-855-9989

Florida-Eastern Europe Institute
Dr. Jean Kijek, UCF, 407-823-3647
Dr. Robert W. Westrick, Lake Sumter Community College, 352-365-3523

Florida-France Institute
Dr. Erasmo G. Gerato, FSU, 904-644-1414
Dr. Eugene Scruggs, USF, 813-974-4126
Dr. Robert Vitale, Miami-Dade Community College, 305-237-2533

Florida-Israel Institute
Dr. William B. Stronge, FAU, 561-367-2833
Dr. Benjamin Popper, Broward Community College, 954-475-6733
Ms. Nancy Q. Rosen, FAU, 954-351-4150

Florida-Japan Institute
Dr. Mark Orr, USF, 813-974-4090
Ms. Shigeko Honda, UWF, 904-474-3108
Dr. Glen E. Goltermann, UWF, 904-474-2144

Florida-Mexico Institute
Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg, FIU, 305-348-2894
Mr. Hugh Anderson, Polk Community College, 813-297-1026

Florida-West Africa Institute
Dr. Harriett A. Paul, FAMU, 904-599-8825
Dr. Roland E. Buck, UNF, 904-620-2600
Dr. Brenda Simmons, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, 904-633-8319

Proprietary and Confidential Information

If thesis or dissertation work is supported by a contractual agreement with an outside sponsoring agency, and provision was made in the agreement to delay disclosure of the study’s results for the purpose of filing a patent or copyright, then this section describes procedures for handling the thesis/dissertation. (See also “Patent and Invention Policy” for explanations of rights associated with patents and copyrights.)
  1. Only for those theses and dissertations where a prior written agreement was made with an outside sponsoring agency or where the university wishes to pursue a copyright/patent may publication of the thesis/dissertation be delayed. Review and delay of disclosure of the thesis/dissertation will normally not exceed one term.
  2. The review by the outside sponsoring agency or by the university for the purpose of copyright or patent will follow the oral defense of the document. If it appears that the review process will delay certification of the degree or if the delay of disclosure is exercised, the certification process will be completed prior to deposit. The document will be held by the college or the Office of the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and deposit in the Library will take place following the delay.
  3. No graduate degree will be awarded when the thesis or research report, after a reasonable interval, is not available to the public. If material is sensitive, classified, or will be or has been patented, it may be placed in the Office of the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies for a specified period.
  4. Contractual agreements that contain provisions for review and delay of disclosure shall be reviewed by the Vice President for Research, and exceptional cases shall be considered by the Graduate Council. Exceptional cases include a delay of disclosure for more than one year and/or review prior to the oral defense.
  5. The student and the student’s Advisory Committee shall be informed of the possibility of the delay of disclosure at the time of appointment of the Advisory Committee.

Patent and Invention Policy for Graduate Students

The “Patent and Invention Policy for Graduate Students” is included here in its entirety. Departments and colleges should discuss this policy with graduate students at orientations.

PREMISE: UCF has three fundamental responsibilities with regard to graduate student research. They are to (1) support an academic environment that stimulates the spirit of inquiry, (2) develop the intellectual property stemming from research, and to (3) disseminate the intellectual property to the general public. UCF owns the intellectual property developed using university resources. The graduate student as inventor will according to this policy share in the proceeds of the invention.

  1. University Authority and Responsibilities: Department of Education (6C7-2.029 Copyrights and Patents, pp. 1461 and 1462) authorizes the university to take any action necessary to secure letters of patents, copyrights, and trademarks on any work produced by a graduate student’s research done in a thesis or dissertation, or in connection with dissertation problems.
  2. Definitions: For the purposes of this policy the following definitions shall apply:
    1. A work includes any copyrightable material (other than journal articles) such as printed material, computer software or databases, audio or visual materials, circuit diagrams, architectural and engineering drawings, lectures, musical or dramatic compositions, choreographic works, pictorial or graphic works, and sculptural works.
    2. An Invention includes any discovery, invention, process, composition of matter, article of manufacture, know-how, design, model, technological development, strain, variety, culture of any organism, or portion, modification, translation, or extension of these items, and any mark used in connection with these items.
    3. Instructional Technology Material includes motion pictures, film strips, photographic and other similar visual materials, live video and audio transmissions, computer programs, computer-assisted instructional course work, programmed exhibits, and combinations of the above materials, which were prepared or produced in whole or part by a graduate student, and which are used to assist or enhance instruction.
    4. University Support includes the use of university funds, personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, or technological information, and includes such support provided by other public or private organizations when it is arranged, administered, and/or controlled by a university.
    5. Student-generated Effort means that the ideas come from the graduate student alone outside the field or discipline for which the graduate student is employed by the university, the work was not made with the use of university support, and the university is not held responsible for any opinions expressed in the effort.
    6. Research means the inquiry or examination in some field of knowledge undertaken to establish facts or principles that are true. Research, as used in this policy, does not include work done in an internship or coop setting where new knowledge in a field is not actively sought, but rather a setting that offers a real life experience for the graduate student.
  3. Work(s)
    1. Student-generated Effort - A work made solely by the graduate student, outside the field or discipline for which the graduate student is employed by the university, is the property of the graduate student, who has the right to determine the disposition of such work and the revenue derived from such work.
    2. University-supported Efforts - If the work was not made solely in the course of student-generated efforts, the work is the property of the university, and the graduate student shall share in the proceeds therefrom.
    3. Disclosure
      1. Upon creation of a work that is potentially patentable, and prior to any publication, the graduate student shall disclose to the Vice President for Research, or representative, any work made in the course of university-supported efforts, together with an outline of the project and the conditions under which it was done.
      2. The Vice President for Research, or representative, shall gather information to assess the relative equities of the graduate student and the university in the work.
      3. Within sixty days after such disclosure, the Vice President for Research, or representative, will inform the graduate student whether the university seeks an interest in the work.
      4. The graduate student and the university shall not commit any act which would tend to defeat the university’s or graduate student’s interest in the work and shall take any necessary steps to protect such interests.
  4. Invention(s)
    1. Student-generated Efforts All inventions made outside the field or discipline in which the graduate student is employed by the university and for which no university support has been used are the property of the graduate student.
    2. University-supported Efforts An invention made in the field or discipline in which the graduate student is employed by the university, or receiving university support, is the property of the university and the graduate student shall share in the proceeds therefrom.
    3. Disclosure
      1. A graduate student shall fully and completely disclose to the Vice President for Research, or representative, all inventions which the graduate student may develop or discover while a graduate student of the university, together with an outline of the conditions under which it was done. With respect to inventions made during the course of approved outside employment, the graduate student may delay such disclosure, when necessary to protect the outside employer’s interest, until the decision has been made by the outside employer whether to seek a patent.
      2. If the university wishes to assert its interest in the invention, the Vice President for Research, or representative, shall inform the graduate student within 120 days of the graduate student’s disclosure.
      3. The division of proceeds generated by the licensing or assignment of an invention, shall be according to the established royalty division set forth in the patent policy of the university, pp. 1461-2, paragraph (c).
      4. The graduate student and the university shall not commit any act which would tend to defeat the university’s or graduate student’s interest in the invention and shall take any necessary steps to protect such interests.
  5. Release of Rights
    At any stage of making the patent applications, or in the commercial application of an invention, if it has not otherwise assigned to a third party the right to pursue its interests, the Vice President for Research, or representative, may elect to withdraw from further involvement in the protection or commercial application of the invention. At the request of the graduate student in such case, the university shall transfer the invention rights to the graduate student, in which case the invention shall be the graduate student’s property, and none of the costs incurred by the university or on its behalf shall be assessed against the graduate student.
  6. University Policy
    1. The university has a policy addressing the division of proceeds between graduate students and faculty when the research is done and results in a dissertation, Department of Education (6C7-2.029 Copyrights and Patents, pp. 1461 and 1462). The university also has a policy addressing the division of proceeds between faculty and the university. It is contained in the Patents and Copyrights Policy of the Office of Sponsored Research. This same division of royalties will apply in the disbursement of royalty income to graduate students, unless this has been negotiated in a contractual agreement at the start of research.
    2. All research done by graduate students enrolled at the university for and with companies must have a contractual agreement negotiated at the start of that research.
    3. The Graduate Studies Faculty and Staff Guide details when dissertation or thesis dissemination can be delayed because of patent concerns. This can only occur when a prior contractual agreement has been entered into including provisions for review and delay for dissertation purposes. (See “Proprietary and Confidential Information” in the University Graduate Regulations section.)




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