PhD FAQ

1. I'm ready to defend my proposal/dissertation?  What do I need to do?
2. Where will my classes be held?
3. How do I add or drop a class after classes have started?
4. How do I add my name to the waitlist for a course? 
5. How do I register for a consortium course?
6. When do I complete my graduation application?
7. What are typical course loads?
8. How do I take a semester off from the program?
9. Can my G.P.A. result in dismissal from the program?
   
   

1. I’m ready to defend my proposal/dissertation. What do I need to do?
Please consult the answers located on the Milestone Guide webpage, and contact Beth Eck with further questions. 

2. Where will my classes be held?
While the majority of SPP courses are held on the Arlington campus, doctoral students take many courses on the Fairfax campus offered by SPP as well as other departments.

3. How do I add or drop a class after classes have started?
The add and drop periods are published each semester on the Academic Calendar, and schedule changes can be made using Patriot Web during the schedule adjustment period. Generally, you may add a course up to two calendar weeks into a 14-week semester and drop a course up to five calendar weeks after the first day of class (for a partial refund). After the drop deadline has passed, students are only permitted to withdraw from classes for extenuating, non-academic circumstances.

4. How can I add my name to the waitlist for a course?
Certain classes in SPP have a waitlist option. If you attempt to register for a course that is full, and a waitlist exists for that particular course, Patriot Web will permit you to add your name to the waitlist. The waitlist is an automatic process, each time a student drops the course, the first person on the waitlist receives an override permitting that student to register for the course. The override is in effect for three days. If you fail to register for the course during the three day time frame, the next student on the list is issued the override. Students who are waitlisted should check Patriot Web on a regular basis to determine if such an override has been issued.

5. How do I register for a consortium course?
Graduate students are permitted to take up to six credits through consortium classes during the course of their program. You should meet with Beth Eck to discuss the process for obtaining approval and registration procedures. Additional consortium information can be found on the consortium web site.

6. When do I complete my graduation application?
You will receive instructions for completing the steps to graduation, including the graduation application, via e-mail during the semester in which you intend to graduate. The application cannot be completed prior to that point. Additional details about the graduation application process can be found on the registrar’s web page.

7. What are typical course loads?
The university considers nine credits to be a full-time load at the graduate level. International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are required to carry nine or more credits each semester. Students wishing to take more than 12 credit hours should meet with Beth Eck to discuss their course load. Students taking fewer than nine credit hours are classified as part-time students, unless they hold a research assistantship.

8. How do I take a semester off from the program?
Students requiring a leave of absence from their program for a single semester must contact Beth Eck to request a leave of absence. Any student taking two or more consecutive semesters off must obtain permission to reenroll from the School of Public Policy. At this time, the School will review the student’s academic standing prior to granting reenrollment permission.

9. Can my G.P.A. result in dismissal from the program?
Students enrolled in the School of Public Policy must maintain good academic standing. Doctoral students are encouraged to consult the Student/Faculty Handbook for additional information. Students should pay particular attention to the following:

• A student who receives a B- or below in a core course must retake the course during the next term in which it is offered.
• Receiving a grade of "F" in a single course will result in dismissal from the program.
• Receiving a grade of B- or below in two or more 800-level courses, even if retaken, will result in dismissal from the program.
• Receiving a grade of B- or below in a single core course after the second attempt will result in dismissal from the program (since PUBP 709 is a remedial course for PUBP 801, a grade of B- or below in PUBP 709 will result in dismissal).
• Failing the comprehensive qualifying examination after the second attempt will result in dismissal from the program.
• Failing the field examination after the second attempt will result in dismissal from the program.