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97 Nature of Program

97 Admission to

Graduate Studies

102 Graduate Studies

Policies and Procedures

107 Graduate Studies

Degree Requirements

111 Graduate Assistantships,

Scholarships, and Loans

GraduateStudies

Associate Vice Provost forAcademic Programs andGraduate Studies:Fernando Delgado, Ph.D.

Coordinator:Marge A. Runyan

Location:FAB S301(602) 543-4567

Website:www.west.asu.edu/graduate

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Graduate Studies at ASU West provides stu-dents with opportunities to study beyond thebachelor’s degree.

Professional graduate programs emphasizetraining that leads to professional practice. Inthese degree programs, students develop ahigh-order mastery of a comprehensive bodyof knowledge and the ability to organize andcarry out significant investigations in theirprofessional field. The following degrees areoffered through Graduate Studies:

Master of Arts Degree in Communication StudiesMaster of Arts Degree in Criminal JusticeMaster of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary StudiesMaster of Business AdministrationMaster of EducationMaster of Social Work

Nature of Program

EligibilityAnyone who holds a bachelor’s (or equiva-lent) or graduate degree from a college oruniversity of recognized standing is eligibleto apply for admission to Graduate Studies.Undergraduate deficiencies may be assignedif the undergraduate degree is based oncredits not accepted by ASU, such as lifeexperience or noncredit workshops andseminars.

Graduate Studies requirementsGenerally, an applicant must have a GPA of3.00 (4.00 = “A” scale), or the equivalent, inthe last two years of work leading to thebachelor’s degree. A student who enters agraduate degree program is expected to haveundergraduate educational experiences,including general education studies, that aresimilar to those required for the baccalaure-ate degree at ASU.

Requirements of the academic unitAcademic units or programs may have admis-sion requirements in addition to those ofGraduate Studies. Some graduate programsrequire scores from a national admissions testsuch as the Graduate Record Examination(GRE), Graduate Management AdmissionTest (GMAT), or the Miller Analogies Test(MAT). Some programs also require addi-tional materials such as a portfolio, letters ofrecommendation, or a statement of goals.Applicants should contact the academic unitregarding specific requirements.

Admission to Graduate Studies

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Submission of an applicationU.S. citizens and permanent residents shouldsubmit the following in one envelope (clearlylabeled “application”) to:

Graduate StudiesArizona State University WestP.O. Box 37100Phoenix, AZ 85069-7100

1. application;

2. application fee;

3. two transcripts from every college anduniversity in which the applicant waspreviously enrolled;

4. appropriate test score reports (e.g., GRE, GMAT); and

5. a domicile affidavit if the applicant is aresident of Arizona.

If all materials are not available, what is avail-able ought to be submitted with theapplication and fee. The rest of the materialsshould be submitted as soon as possible.

Graduate Studies accepts as official all tran-scripts submitted in sealed envelopes,stamped and verified by the issuing institu-tion or transcripts sent directly from anothercollege or university. The applicant must askthe appropriate testing service to send thetest results directly to Graduate Studies. Theprocess of providing all necessary recordsmay take two months or longer.

Portfolios, letters of recommendation, andstatements of goals should be sent directly tothe academic unit.

Application feeEach application for entry to ASU Westgraduate programs must be accompanied bya nonrefundable application fee. The fee is

$45 to apply for admission to a degree pro-gram and $15 to apply for nondegree studies.A student who pays the $45 application feemay apply within one year to more than onedegree program at ASU West.

Students currently enrolled in any ASU Westgraduate degree program need not pay a feeto change from one program to another.Former or present ASU nondegree studentsapplying to a degree program must pay the$45 application fee. ASU West nondegree ordegree students who have not been enrolledat ASU West for one or more semesters mustapply to reenter the university in their previ-ous degree or nondegree status. Reentryapplications must be accompanied by a non-refundable $15 application fee. The reentryfee is waived for students who were enrolledin Graduate Studies within the last twosemesters and session (fall, spring, or sum-mer) before the one for which they seekre-entry.

Applicants not accepted into the degree pro-gram to which they apply, can, within oneyear of the time the application fee was paid,apply to another degree program or apply tobe a nondegree student without paying anadditional application fee.

ASU faculty, staff, or dependents who are eli-gible for reduced tuition rates are grantedwaivers of the application fee.

International applicantsApplicants who will attend the universitywhile holding F-1 or J-1 visas must meet theregulations of the Immigration andNaturalization Services in addition to therequirements of Graduate Studies and thedegree programs to which they apply.

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Among the additional materials required ofinternational students are scores fromEnglish language examinations. All applicantswhose native language is not English mustsubmit a score from the Test of English as aForeign Language (TOEFL). All interna-tional applicants who do not speak English asa primary language and who wish to applyfor teaching assistantships must pass anexamination that certifies their skill in speak-ing English-either the Test of SpokenEnglish (TSE), which may be taken in thestudent’s home country, or the SPEAK test,which is administered at ASU Main TestingServices. Some degree programs also requireTSE or SPEAK scores of all applicantswhose native language is not English. Forspecific information about TSE require-ments, contact directly the head of theacademic unit.

As required by the U.S. Immigration andNaturalization Service, international appli-cants must also verify that they have thefinancial resources to cover their expensesduring graduate study at ASU West.Graduate Studies provides the FinancialGuarantee form to international applicants,who then must see that the form with a veri-fication from a bank or sponsoringorganization is completed and returned toGraduate Studies. The I-20 or the IAP66(documents needed to obtain a student visa)are issued only after the completed, properlyverified Financial Guarantee form hasarrived. International students may enroll atASU West only if they have been admitted toa degree program, a certificate program, orthe postbaccalaureate teacher education pro-gram. They must meet all appropriateimmigration standards and requirements.

Applications are processed when they arereceived. However, international applicantsshould submit all materials in December orJanuary in order to begin study the following

fall semester and in August or September inorder to begin study the following springsemester. An application fee of $45 (in U.S.funds) must accompany the formal applica-tion, which otherwise is not evaluated. (Seepage 98, “Application Fee,” in this catalogregarding multiple applications and othermatters relating to the application fee.)

All F-1 or J-1 visa students must have insur-ance coverage against illness and accidentbefore being permitted to register. Insurancemust be maintained throughout the student’senrollment in the university and may beobtained at the time of registration.

International applications. International appli-cants should submit the following in oneenvelope (clearly labeled “application”) to:

Graduate StudiesArizona State University WestP.O. Box 37100Phoenix, AZ 85069-7100

1. application;

2. application fee;

3. two copies of all college and universityacademic records;

4. translation of all college and universityacademic records;

All records must be in English. If the registrar ofyour institution does not issue records in English,original language records must be submitted withtranslations. Translations must be literal, com-plete versions of original records. Documents mustbe translated by a university or government offi-cial, not the applicant.

5. TOEFL score;

6. appropriate test score report (e.g., GRE, GMAT); and

7. Financial Guarantee form. (This itemmay be submitted at a later time.)

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Application deadlinesGraduate Studies does not have deadlines.Applications are processed as they arereceived. However, many academic unitshave specific and early deadlines. Applicantsare urged to contact the academic unitsregarding deadlines.

Application proceduresWhen Graduate Studies has a complete file(the application, Domicile Affidavit, applica-tion fee, transcripts, and applicable nationaladmissions test scores) for an applicant, onecopy is forwarded to the academic unit. Thesecond copy becomes part of the applicant’spermanent record. Academic units review thefile and the supporting materials (such asapplicable test scores, portfolios, and lettersof recommendation) and, following admis-sion policies established by Graduate Studiesand the faculty of the academic unit, make arecommendation (regular admission, regularadmission with deficiencies, provisionaladmission, or denial) to Graduate Studies. Allrecommendations are reviewed and approvedby admissions officers in the GraduateStudies Office. If there are questions aboutthe likelihood of a student succeeding in thedesignated program, Graduate Studiesadmissions officers communicate with theacademic unit, perhaps agreeing on a provi-sional admission or arranging for the studentin question to have a special faculty advisoror an advanced graduate student assigned as amentor. Other times they may suggest thatthe student take some preliminary courses asa nondegree student. International students,however, may enroll at ASU West only ifthey have been admitted to a degree programand therefore may not pursue nondegreestudies. They must meet all appropriateimmigration standards and requirements.

Academic units, which must indicate theirwillingness to admit applicants, frequently sethigher standards than those established byGraduate Studies. Denial decisions may bebased on the limitations of programresources as well as on the relative qualifica-tions of those competing for admission in aparticular semester.

Notice of admission decisionsOnly the associate vice provost for academicprograms and graduate studies can make for-mal offers of admission. The Office ofGraduate Studies notifies all applicants inwriting of the admission decision.

All documents received by the university inconnection with an application for admissionbecome the property of ASU West. If theapplicant does not enroll in the universitywithin one year, the admission documentsmay be destroyed.

The date (month/day/year) on the GraduateStudies’ letter of admission is the actual dateof admission. If the student is enrolled incourses on the admission date, those courses-if applicable-may be considered part of aprogram of study. Courses taken the semesterbefore this date are nondegree hours.

Readmission to Graduate StudiesAny former graduate student who has notbeen in attendance at the university for oneor more semesters must submit an applica-tion for reinstatement to Graduate Studies.The application should be submitted at leastone month before the beginning of thesemester in which the student plans to reen-ter. For details on reentry and other mattersrelating to the application fee, see page 98 ofthis catalog.

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Admission classificationsRegular admission. Applicants who fulfill allrequirements for admission and are accept-able to both the academic unit and GraduateStudies are granted regular admission.

Regular admission with deficiencies. A studentwhose grades and test scores are at an accept-able level but who does not have theundergraduate background expected by theacademic unit and the university may beassigned deficiency courses. The letter ofadmission specifies the deficiencies that mustbe completed before the student is awarded agraduate degree. Deficiency courses aretaken in addition to those normally requiredfor a degree.

Provisional admission. A student who does notmeet minimum academic standards but hascounterbalancing evidence to suggest thepotential for success may be admitted on aprovisional basis. Provisional admission pro-vides an academic unit with more evidenceon which to base its decision. Normally theacademic unit reviews the student’s status fol-lowing completion of 12 semester hours ofapproved graduate study. At that time, theacademic unit recommends to GraduateStudies a change in status to either regularadmission or withdrawal from the program.When students have completed their provi-sional requirements, they should check withtheir advisors to make sure that the change of

status has been recommended. A provisionalstudent may also be assigned deficiencies.

Nondegree admission. A student not interestedin earning a degree or not yet ready to applyto a particular degree program may enroll asa nondegree student. The application processis streamlined, does not require submissionof transcripts or test scores, and can be com-pleted during a single visit to the Admissionsand Records office or the Office of GraduateStudies. This process may also be completedby mail.

A maximum of nine hours taken at ASUWest while in this category may be appliedtoward a master’s degree at ASU West ifappropriate for the student’s program ofstudy. The six-year maximum time limitapplies to nondegree semester hoursappearing on a master’s program of study,see page 110.

Recognition of a degreeRecognition of a degree is acknowledgmentthat the program leading to the degree isequivalent to a program offered by ASU or isan acceptable program for the proposedgraduate major at ASU. A student who entersa graduate degree program at ASU West isexpected to have undergraduate educationalexperiences, including general educationstudies, that are appropriate for the program.

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Change in graduate degree programA change from one graduate degree programto another requires a new application toGraduate Studies. The usual admission pro-cedures are followed. For details on mattersrelating to the application fee, see page 98 ofthis catalog.

Determination of catalog requirementsIn determining graduation requirements, astudent may use only one catalog. A studentgraduates under the curriculum, courserequirements, and regulations for graduationin effect at the time of admission to agraduate degree program at ASU West. Astudent may also choose to graduate underany subsequent catalog issued.

Some changes in policies and proceduresaffect all students regardless of the catalogused by the student. These policies andprocedures may appear in the catalog or inother university publications.

RegistrationGraduate students, like all universitystudents, register during the intervals indi-cated in the ASU West Schedule of Classes.Details regarding registration and coursedrop-add procedures are also provided in thecurrent ASU West Schedule of Classes. Day andevening graduate classes, offered on or offcampus, during the two regular semestersand the summer sessions, are considered partof the regular program.

Audit enrollmentGraduate students may register as auditors inone or more courses; see the academic unit’sgraduate advisor for more information. Thestudent must be registered properly and paythe fees for the course. An audited course is

counted in the student’s maximum courseload. It does not count for students who musttake a minimum number of credits, e.g.,graduate assistants or students receivingfinancial assistance. The mark of “X” isrecorded for completion of an auditedcourse, unless the instructor determines thatthe student’s participation or attendance hasbeen inadequate, in which case a “W” maybe recorded.

Summer sessionsWork taken during the summer sessionscarries the same scholastic recognition asthat taken during the regular semester. Acomplete schedule of offerings is available inthe ASU West Summer Sessions Schedule ofClasses, which may be obtained from theAdmissions and Records office.

Course loadThe course load is determined by the stu-dent’s advisor but is not to exceed 15semester hours of credit during each of thetwo semesters, seven semester hours duringeach five-week summer session, or ninesemester hours of credit during an eight-week summer session. An audited course iscounted in the student’s maximum load.

All graduate assistants and associates mustenroll for a minimum of six semester hoursduring each semester (fall and spring) of theirappointment. The six hours cannot includeaudit enrollment. Enrollment in continuingregistration (595 or 695) does not fulfill thesix-hour requirement. A half-time (50%)graduate assistant or associate working20 clock hours per week may not register formore than 12 hours of course work eachsemester; a third-time (33%) assistant orassociate for more than 13 hours; and a quar-

Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures

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ter-time (25%) assistant or associate for morethan 15 hours.

During the summer sessions, graduate assis-tants employed 25% time may enroll for amaximum of six semester hours during a five-week session or nine hours during theeight-week session; those employed 50% timemay enroll for a maximum of five hours dur-ing a five-week session or seven hours duringthe eight-week session; and those employed100% time may enroll for a maximum ofthree hours during a five-week session or fourhours during the eight-week session.

All graduate students using universityfacilities or faculty time, must be registeredfor a minimum of one hour of credit, notaudit, that appears on the program of studyor is an appropriate graduate-level course.

Summer course loads. The maximum load foreach five-week session is seven semesterhours and nine semester hours for an eight-week session. The student registering for anycombination of sessions may not exceed atotal of 14 semester hours.

Course withdrawalDuring the first four weeks of a semester, astudent may withdraw with a mark of “W.”From the fifth week to the end of the tenthweek of a semester, a student may withdrawwith a mark of “W” only from courses inwhich the instructor certifies the student ispassing at the time of withdrawal.

Failure to withdraw officially from a courseresults in a grade of “E,” which is used in thecomputation of the GPA. The ASU WestSchedule of Classes lists the procedures forwithdrawal.

An instructor may withdraw a student from aclass with a mark of “W” or a grade of “E”for disruptive classroom behavior. A studentmay appeal an instructor-initiated withdrawal

to the standards committee of the unit inwhich the course is offered. The decision ofthe committee is final.

Withdrawal from the universityA graduate student who does not enroll forthree calendar years is considered withdrawnand must reapply for admission to a degreeprogram.

Students who find it necessary to withdrawfrom the university should obtain and com-plete an official withdrawal form from anyregistrar site. Until officially withdrawn, thestudent is registered in all courses and, at theend of the semester, receives grades appro-priate for the performance in each course. Astudent who officially withdraws from theuniversity during the first four weeks of asemester receives the mark of “W” in allcourses registered. A student who officiallywithdraws from the university later than thefourth week receives a mark of “W” or “E,”depending upon the quality of work at thetime of official withdrawal. No student ispermitted to withdraw during or after thelast two weeks of the semester (the last weekof classes and final examination week).

Academic integrityThe highest standards of academic integrityare expected of all students. The failure ofany student to meet these standards mayresult in suspension or expulsion from theuniversity and/or other sanctions as specifiedin the academic integrity policies of the indi-vidual colleges.

Violations of academic integrity include, butare not limited to, cheating, fabrication, tam-pering, plagiarism, or facilitating suchactivities.

The university academic integrity policies areavailable in the Graduate Studies Office.

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Misconduct in scholarly research and creative activitiesStudents are expected to maintain the higheststandards of integrity and truthfulness inscholarly research and creative activities.Misconduct in scholarly research and creativeactivities includes, but is not limited to, fabri-cation, falsification or misrepresentation ofdata, and plagiarism. Misconduct by any stu-dent may result in suspension or expulsionfrom the university and other sanctions asspecified by the individual programs. Policieson misconduct are available in the GraduateStudies Office.

Policies and procedures of the GraduateStudies Advisory Council Appeals Board(GSAB)The purpose of the GSAB is to review writ-ten appeals of graduate students (or onoccasion a faculty member may bring anappeal regarding a decision about a graduatestudent) made by a program, department,school, college, or by the Graduate StudiesOffice.

PolicyGrounds for appeal. GSAB will respond to arequest for an appeal on allegations of:1. Unfair removal from a graduate degreeprogram;

2. An adverse evaluation on an academicmatter other than grades; or

3. An unfair procedure in part of the gradu-ate program (e.g. comprehensiveexaminations).

GSAB will respond to a request for an appealif it appears or is alleged that:

4. All other remedies open to the graduatestudent have been exhausted;

5. The graduate student was previouslydenied a fair hearing;

6. The decision being appealed is not sup-ported by substantial evidence;

7. The sanction being imposed is beyondthe authority of the personnel involved; or

8. The sanction or action is unduly severeor disproportionately harsh in comparison tolike cases.

Composition. The GSAB consists of threemembers of the Graduate Studies AdvisoryCouncil, selected from the regular votingmembership of the Council, and calledtogether by the associate vice provostfor academic programs and graduatestudies only when an appeal is received.Appointments to GSAB shall not be longerthan three academic years. A chairpersonwill be designated by the associate viceprovost for academic programs and graduatestudies. In specific cases, GSAB may ask theassociate vice provost academic programsand graduate studies to appoint additionalmembers from the faculty or a graduate stu-dent representative.

GSAB meetings.1. GSAB will meet when notified bythe associate vice provost for academicprograms and graduate studies that anappeal is pending.

2. Two-thirds of the committee willconstitute a quorum.

3. A GSAB member must disqualifyhim/herself if a case involves a student inhis/her immediate unit, or if the member hassome direct connection to the appellant.Should this occur, the associate vice provost

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for academic programs and graduate studieswill replace the individual with a current orpast Graduate Studies Advisory Councilmember.

4. A recording secretary will be appointedat the beginning of each meeting anddetailed records will be kept of the delibera-tions. An audiotape may be made of themeetings.

General jurisdiction. GSAB has the authority toreceive written appeals from graduate stu-dents on the review of any action or decisionby any university faculty member, staff mem-ber, or administrator. However, any appealmust first be reviewed at the level of the aca-demic unit from which the graduate studentis making an appeal. GSAB has the right todecide not to hear an appeal, in which casethe decision of the academic unit stands.GSAB may hear appeals on program dis-missals, other academic issues or proceduralissues, and will consider appeals referred bythe associate vice provost for academic pro-grams and graduate studies.

Limitations. The GSAB will not hear:1. appeals of course grades;

2. appeals concerning academic dishonesty;

3. appeals for which the student has not fullyused all other appeal and review processes;

4. appeals filed more than 30 calendar daysafter receiving notification of the actionbeing appealed;

5. allegations of discrimination;

6. other appeals or grievances that are moreappropriately heard by other university com-mittees.

Note: Appeals are not heard during thesummer.

Authority.1. GSAB may affirm, modify or set asidethe decision being appealed, and recommendfurther actions as deemed appropriate.

2. GSAB may request additional evidenceor testimony.

3. GSAB has final authority in proceduralmatters, and if all participants (including theappellant) agree, reasonable variations in pro-cedures may be made.

4. GSAB makes a recommendation to theprovost, whose decision is final.

ProceduresFiling an appeal. Before an appeal is forwardedto GSAB, all preceding opportunities forresolving disputes must have been fullyexplored, beginning with the professor/staffmember responsible, the department chair orother relevant supervisor, and the dean orequivalent administrator.

All appeals must be submitted in writing,according to the format described in theGraduate Appeals Petition (copy availablefrom the Graduate Studies Office) andclearly specify the grounds for the appeal.The document must not exceed ten pages,including attachments.

The associate vice provost for academic pro-grams and graduate studies will notify theappellee of the appeal, and request in writing,information relevent to the case. A fifteenworking day time limit will be specified forthe appellee to provide the information, fromthe date of notification.

All documents, including the appeal, theappellee’s responses, lists of witnesses andother documentary evidence constitutes thewritten evidence in the case, and will betransmitted to all parties and GSAB membersas soon as possible. GSAB may accept orreject any additional evidence providedduring the course of the hearing.

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Initial review of appeals.1. Members of GSAB will be convened bythe chair, to conduct an initial review of theappeal to determine whether the appeal issubject to dismissal, redirection to anotheruniversity administrative process, redirectionto mediation, or to be heard by GSAB. (Ifthe appeal is deemed to be incomplete,GSAB members may ask the appellant toprovide an amended appeal within a reason-able time.)

2. If an appeal is directed to mediation andthat mediation fails, evidence emerging dur-ing the mediation process cannot beconsidered by GSAB during the hearingprocess, unless all parties agree to its consid-eration.

Hearings. All hearings shall be conducted inaccordance with written rules of proceduresadopted by GSAB and made available to allparties.

1. All written materials must be circulatedto all parties at least two days prior to anyscheduled hearing, and all parties have theopportunity for a written response to specificdocuments.

2. Parties to the appeal have the right to bepresent and to hear all statements made toGSAB.

3. Parties to the appeal have the right topresent oral and written statements, andwitnesses.

4. GSAB has the right to have an advisorpresent, call witnesses, or introduce informa-tion deemed relevant to the appeal.

5. Parties have the right to bring an advisorto the hearings, and must inform the chairthat an advisor will be present at least

48 hours prior to the hearing. The advisorsmay advise the parties but cannot participatedirectly in the process and cannot address theGSAB.

6. GSAB may establish time limits for pre-sentations.

7. Hearings normally are closed to the pub-lic, however, GSAB may consider a writtenrequest by the appellant to open the meet-ings. If it is agreed to hold open hearings,witnesses are excluded from the meetinguntil they have given evidence.

8. Parties may agree on a resolution at anypoint in the hearing process.

9. If the appeal involves more than one stu-dent, collective hearings may be held, at thediscretion of the GSAB, however, individualfindings and recommendations should berendered.

10. The chair will preside and rule on mat-ters of procedure, and has the right todismiss any person from the hearing, shouldhis/her conduct become disorderly.

Findings, recommendations. Upon completionof the hearings, GSAB will meet in closedsession to deliberate recommendations. Allissues presented in the appeal should beaddressed. Recommendations should clearlystate whether the appealed decision isaffirmed, set aside, or modified, and whatfurther actions if any, are needed. The chairwill send written recommendations to theprovost, via the associate vice provost for aca-demic programs and graduate studies, andprovide copies to all parties to the appeal,and members of GSAB.

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Graduate advisementAdvising is much more than technical sup-port; it is an integral part of graduateeducation. Students’ programs of study aregenerally tailored to meet individual needs,and students should seek advice from facultyor advisors as they plan their course work,examinations, and other degree require-ments.

Student responsibilityIt is the responsibility of the graduate studentto know and observe all procedures andrequirements of Graduate Studies as definedin the ASU West Catalog and the ASU WestSchedule of Classes. Each student should alsobe informed about the requirements con-cerning the student’s degree program andany special requirements within the academicunit.

Admission to all master’s degree programsStudents wishing to enroll in a master’s pro-gram at ASU West are admitted according tothe procedure described on pages 97-101 (seealso specific program descriptions). Sincegraduate work presupposes adequate prepara-tion in a selected field at the undergraduatelevel, deficiencies are specified at the time ofadmission by the academic unit involved.

Transfer credit Transfer of credit is the acceptance of creditfrom another institution for inclusion in aprogram of study leading to a degreeawarded by ASU at the West campus. Thenumber of hours transferred from otherinstitutions may not exceed 20% of the totalminimum semester hours required for a mas-ter’s degree unless stated otherwise for aspecific degree program.

Transfer credit taken before admission to agraduate degree program at ASU West isnondegree credit. Nondegree credit taken atASU West combined with nondegree credittaken at another institution may not exceednine hours on the master’s program of study.The date (month/day/year) on the officialletter of admission is the actual date ofadmission. If the student is enrolled incourses on the admission date, those courses-if applicable-may be considered part of aprogram of study. Courses taken the semesterbefore this date are nondegree hours.

Transfer credits must be acceptable towardgraduate degrees at the institution where thecourses were completed. Certain types ofgraduate credits cannot be transferred toASU West, including the following:

1. credits awarded by postsecondary institu-tions in the United States that lack candidatestatus or accreditation by a regional accredit-ing association;

2. credits awarded by postsecondary institu-tions for life experience;

3. credits awarded by postsecondary institu-tions for courses taken at noncollegiateinstitutions (e.g., government agencies, cor-porations, and industrial firms);

4. credits awarded by postsecondary institu-tions for noncredit courses, workshops, andseminars offered by other postsecondaryinstitutions as part of continuing educationprograms; and

5. credits given for extension and corre-spondence courses.

Acceptable academic credits earned at otherinstitutions that are based on a different unit ofcredit than the ones prescribed by the ArizonaBoard of Regents are subject to conversionbefore being transferred to ASU West.

Graduate Studies Degree Requirements

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Only resident graduate courses with an “A”or “B” grade may be transferred. A coursewith the grade of pass, credit, or satisfactorymay not be transferred.

Official transcripts of any transfer credit tobe used on a program of study must be sentdirectly to Graduate Studies from the officeof the registrar at the institution where thecredit was earned.

Correspondence and extension courses.Correspondence and extension courses can-not be used to meet the requirements for agraduate degree.

Credit requirements A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduatework approved by a student’s advisor andGraduate Studies is required. More than30 semester hours are required in certainprograms.

Program of study Upon receiving regular admission status thestudent should contact appropriate facultyand/or academic advisors. Such advising con-tact helps students form a committee (whenapplicable) and create an official Program ofStudy. The student must complete and file aProgram of Study before one-third of thesemester hours required for the graduatedegree program are completed. TheProgram of Study must be approved first bythe faculty and/or academic advisor, then thedirector of the graduate studies program,and finally by the associate vice-provost foracademic programs and graduate studies.

Courses appearing on an approved ASUWest graduate degree Program of Studymust be 500 or higher, except one 400 levelcourse may be included on the Program ofStudy.

The faculty and/or academic advisor, thedirector of the graduate studies program, and

the associate vice-provost for academic pro-grams and graduate studies must alsoapprove changes to the Program of Study.

Forms for the submission of the Programof Study are available in the GraduateStudies Office (FAB S301) and on line athttp://www.west.asu.edu/gowest/forms/posforms.htm.

Students who have not filed a Program ofStudy in compliance with the one-third rulewill be prevented from further registration.

A student may not apply for the comprehen-sive or final examination until a Program ofStudy has been approved and any foreignlanguage requirement completed.

GradingA - Excellent (4.00)B - Good (3.00)C - Passing (2.00)D - No Graduate Credit (1.00)1E - Failure (0.00)1

I - IncompleteW - Withdrawal2

X - AuditY - SatisfactoryZ - Course in Progress3

1 This grade cannot be applied toward a graduate degree but is includedin the calculation of a GPA.2 This grade is given whenever a student officially withdraws from a class.3 This grade is usually given pending completion of courses such aspracticum, research, applied project, solo performance, thesis, anddissertation (580, 680; 592, 692; 493, 593, 693; 596, 696; and599). No grade for the course in progress appears on the transcript.

A grade of “P” (pass) in a 400 level coursemay not appear on a program of study.Grades of “D” and “E” cannot be used tomeet the requirements for a graduate degree,although they are used to compute the GPAs.A student receiving a grade of “D” or “E”must repeat the course in a regularly sched-uled (not an individualized instruction) classif it is to be included in the program of study.However, both the “D” or “E” and the newgrade are used to compute the GPAs. Grades

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on transfer work or ASU law credit are notincluded in computing GPAs.

Graduate course work (500 and 600 levelcourses) reported as an “I” (incomplete)must be completed within one calendar year.At the time the “I” grade is given, the stu-dent must complete a “Request for Grade ofIncomplete” form. The form first serves as arecord of the “I” grade and the workrequired to complete it. When the studenthas completed the work, the form thenserves as a change-of-grade authorization.

If the work specified on the form is not com-pleted within one calendar year, the “I” grade(500 and 600 level courses) becomes part ofthe student’s permanent transcript. The stu-dent is not allowed to complete the coursework as specified on the “Incomplete” form.The student may, however, repeat the courseafter the “I” has become permanent, byreregistering, paying fees, and fulfilling allcourse requirements. The grade for therepeated course appears on the transcript butdoes not replace the permanent “I.”

Repeating ASU West courses. Graduate students(degree or nondegree) may retake anycourses at any level at ASU West, but allgrades remain on the student transcript aswell as in GPA calculations.

Standards and retentionTo be eligible for a degree, a student mustachieve two GPAs of “B” (3.00) or better.The first GPA is based on all courses num-bered 500 or higher that appear on thetranscript. (Courses noted as deficiencies inthe original letter of admission are notincluded.) The second GPA is based on allcourses that appear on the program of study.

The designation of academic recognition(summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cumlaude) is reserved for undergraduates.Graduate Studies does not use these aca-demic distinctions.

Academic excellence is expected of studentsdoing graduate work. Upon recommendationfrom the head of the academic unit, the asso-ciate vice provost for academic programs andgraduate studies can withdraw a student whois not progressing satisfactorily.

Graduate credit coursesCourses at the 500 and 600 levels are gradu-ate credit courses. Courses at the 400 levelapply to graduate degree requirements whenappearing on an approved program of study.However, 400 level courses are not graduatecourses by definition and cannot be certifiedas such for purposes of employment or trans-ferring to other institutions.

Reserving of course credit by undergraduates.Seniors at ASU West within 12 semesterhours of graduation may enroll in a 400 levelor graduate course and reserve the credit forpossible use in a future graduate program.The course cannot be used to meet a bac-calaureate graduation requirement. Beforeregistration in the class, the student mustsubmit a Graduate Studies Petition formrequesting credit reservation; the form mustbe signed by the student’s advisor, the headof the academic unit offering the class, andthe associate vice provost for academic pro-grams and graduate studies.

Permission to reserve a course does not guar-antee admission to a graduate degreeprogram or that the course may be usedtoward graduate degree requirements. Amaximum of nine hours of credit may bereserved, and only courses with an “A” or“B” grade are applicable. Reserved creditearned before admission to a graduate degreeprogram is classified as nondegree credit.The maximum course load for a studentenrolled in a reserved course is 15 semesterhours during a regular semester and six hoursduring a summer session.

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College of Law credit Graduate Studies accepts a numerical gradeof 70 or above for courses taken in theCollege of Law at ASU as part of anapproved program of study for a master’sdegree program. These grades are not usedin the two GPAs calculated for graduation:the courses on the program of study and allcourses numbered 500 and above.

A maximum of six semester hours taken inthe College of Law may be included in a 30-hour program of study for a master’s degree.For a 36-45 hour program, the number ofhours is limited to a maximum of ninesemester hours of course work in the Collegeof Law.

Comprehensive examinations A comprehensive examination, written, oral,or both, administered by the academic unit, isrequired in all professional master’s programsthat do not have a thesis or equivalentrequirement. A comprehensive examination isoptional in other programs. Students are noteligible to apply for the comprehensivesequivalent until they have been regularlyadmitted, have filed an approved program ofstudy, removed any deficiencies, and fulfilledany foreign language requirements. Studentsare required to register for at least one hourof credit that appears on the program of studyor one hour of appropriate graduate-levelcredit (such as Continuing Registration 595or 695) during the semester or summer ses-sion in which they take their comprehensiveexaminations. Failure in the comprehensiveexamination is considered final unless thegraduate academic advisor and the head ofthe academic unit recommend, and the asso-ciate vice provost for academic programs andgraduate studies approves, a re-examination.Only one re-examination is permitted. A re-examination may be administered no soonerthan three months and no later than one yearfrom the date of the original examination.

Graduation The student is eligible for graduation whenall course work is successfully completed, theGraduate Studies scholarship requirementshave been met, any required comprehensiveexaminations have been passed, and havebeen approved by the graduate academicadvisor and accepted by the head of the aca-demic unit and the associate vice provost foracademic programs and graduate studies.

Application for graduation. Students shouldapply for graduation no later than the datespecified in the “University Calendar,” seepages 3-4. All fees are payable at that time.Students applying for graduation after thedeadline are required to pay a late fee. At theend of the semester in which they apply forgraduation, students are officially notified ofany requirements for their degree that theyhave not yet completed. Students who do notcomplete all degree requirements by theiranticipated graduation date are required topay a refiling fee.

Maximum time limit Unless stated otherwise for a specific degreeprogram, all work offered toward a master’sdegree must be completed within six consec-utive years. The six years begin with the firstcourse included on a student’s approved pro-gram of study. For example, if the first courselisted was taken fall semester 1996, the stu-dent must complete all requirements byAugust 2002. The six-year maximum timelimit applies to nondegree transferred semes-ter hours appearing on a program of study.

Withdrawal policy A master’s degree student who does notenroll for three calendar years is consideredwithdrawn and must reapply for admission toa degree program.

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Programs leading to two master’s degreesA student may pursue concurrent master’sdegrees or a second master’s degree providedthat a maximum of one-sixth of the mini-mum total semester hours required for thecompletion of both degrees is common tothe two programs of study. The total numberof hours common to both degree programsmay vary from this maximum value onlywhen the Graduate Studies Advisory Council(GSAC) has formally approved coordinateddegree programs.

In all cases these guidelines must befollowed:

1. course work common to both programsmust constitute a well-planned and meaning-ful part of each of the programs;

2. the course work common to both pro-grams may not include Thesis (599) orResearch (592) credits leading to the thesis orequivalent in either degree program;

3. graduate credit transferred from anotherinstitution may be applied toward only onedegree program; and

4. when the two degree programs are pur-sued at the same time, they must have theapproval of the heads of both academic unitsinvolved.

Application procedure Since it is necessary for all applicants to beadmitted to degree programs before awardsare made, students should apply for admis-sion through Graduate Studies at the sametime they apply for financial assistance.

DefinitionsThe following definitions are provided toassist in interpreting awards. “Residenttuition” refers to the fee charged to all stu-dents who register for classes at ASU West.“Nonresident tuition” refers to additionalcharges assessed to nonresidents.

Graduate assistantships and associateships Appointments as graduate assistants andassociates are available in most academicunits offering graduate work to studentsadmitted with regular status. Students whohave completed a master’s degree or theequivalent may be considered for graduateassociateships when available.

A number of academic units administerassistantships under research programs spon-sored and supported by government,industry, and foundations. Inquiries concern-ing requirements and deadlines as well asapplications should be sent to the head of theappropriate academic unit.

Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, and Loans

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Nonresident tuition is waived (but not theresident tuition) for all graduate assistantsand associates working 25% or more time iftheir first working day occurs before the endof the first five days of instruction during thesemester in question.

Course load requirements for graduateassistants and associates are detailed onpages 102-103.

Assistantships, associateships, and commercial services All graduate students who are hired forclass/course support or who hold assistant-ships or associateships for a specificcourse—including teaching assistants, research assistants, and graduate assistants-may not take or provide notes for that courseto commercial notetaking services or stu-dents. An exception may be made by thecourse instructor(s) on a case-by-case basis asan authorized support service for a disabledstudent. This policy covers all commercialactivities (e.g., notetaking and paid reviewsessions) that might be associated with acourse for which the assistant/associate hasassigned responsibilities.

ScholarshipsRegents Graduate Academic Scholarships.Regents Graduate Academic Scholarships areavailable on a competitive basis to graduatestudents with outstanding academic records.This scholarship covers the resident tuitiononly (not nonresident tuition) and is granted forthe academic year or one semester only (notincluding summer sessions). Applicants mustbe regularly admitted to a graduate degreeprogram; continuing students must also be ingood standing (3.00 postbaccalaureate GPAat ASU). A graduate student may be nomi-nated for this scholarship by the head of thestudent’s academic unit. Application formsand further information may be obtained

from each academic unit. Forms are alsoavailable from the Graduate Studies Office.Applications should be completed andreturned to the academic unit. GraduateStudies does not accept direct applications.Applicants must meet deadlines establishedby the academic units and Graduate Studies.

Regents Graduate Tuition Scholarships. RegentsGraduate Tuition Scholarships are availableon a competitive basis to nonresident gradu-ate students with outstanding academicrecords. This scholarship covers nonresidenttuition only (not the resident tuition) and isgranted for the academic year or one semes-ter only (not including summer sessions).Applicants must be regularly admitted to agraduate degree program; continuing stu-dents must also be in good standing (3.00postbaccalaureate GPA at ASU). Applicationforms and further information may beobtained from each academic unit. Forms arealso available from Graduate Studies.Applications should be completed andreturned to the academic unit. GraduateStudies does not accept direct applications.Applicants must meet deadlines establishedby their academic unit and Graduate Studies.

Sponsored Scholarships. The scholarships listedbelow are offered through the GraduateCollege at ASU Main.

Herman E. DeMund Memorial Scholarship. Thisis an annual award of at least $2,000 for adeserving graduate student at ASU.Students who are regularly admitted to agraduate degree program are eligible to benominated for this award. Nominations aremade by the heads of the individual aca-demic units to the Graduate College andthe recipient is chosen from these nominees.The selection for this award is made on thebasis of scholastic ability.

The deadline for the submission of nomina-tions is announced by the Graduate College.

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Phelps Dodge Scholarships. Two graduatescholarships of $5,000 are awarded to regu-larly admitted graduate students who areresidents of Arizona and graduates of ASU.Awards for any academic year are limited to(1) a student chosen from the engineeringstudent body for advanced study in mining,geology, metallurgy, or other fields alliedwith or pertaining to the mineral industry, or,if no suitable candidate is available for post-graduate study in these fields, then foradvanced study in any engineering field, and(2) a student chosen from the student bodyfor advanced study in any field that the stu-dent may select and for which he or she maybe qualified. Nominations are made by thehead of the individual academic unit to theGraduate College and the recipients are cho-sen from those nominees. The selection forthese awards is made on the basis of aca-demic achievement. The deadline for thesubmission of nominations is announced bythe Graduate College.

Other forms of scholarship support. Students areencouraged to contact the academic unit inwhich they intend to study to determine ifother sources of support are available.

The Graduate College publishes GradNews, anewsletter listing current grant and scholar-ship information. The college also maintainsa file and some reference books and postsannouncements of national and regionalscholarships for which students may be eligi-ble. Announcements are available for reviewin Center Lobby, Wilson Hall, ASU Main.Funding source information is available onreserve at Hayden Library.

Loans Loans are available to students enrolled ingraduate programs to meet reasonable educa-tional expenses. Inquiries should be directedto Financial Aid Services, University CenterBuilding 120, (602) 543-8178.