RULES OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT DENVER

Working draft: March 30, 1998

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES SET FORTH IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE MINIMUM STANDARDS ONLY. INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS MAY HAVE HIGHER STANDARDS.

1. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CU-DENVER GRADUATE SCHOOL

1.1 General Principles

The assumptions underlying the plan for graduate school governance outlined in this document are in accord with the following statement from the Council of Graduate Schools (the principal association of American graduate schools).

Each institution should have a group of faculty members active in graduate programs who serve as a graduate council, review graduate curriculum proposals, set university-wide academic standards for graduate programs, and develop policies and procedures for the effective administration of graduate degrees. All academic matters pertaining to graduate degree programs should be determined by this or a similar group. Faculty members may be elected or appointed to the council. They should reflect the range and diversity of disciplines offering graduate degrees, but should understand that their responsibility is to represent the interests of graduate education as a whole, not of specific programs or departments.

The structure of the Graduate School outlined in this document provides a framework for decentralization of administration functions related to graduate admissions and completion requirements while maintaining a centralized support function for graduate education at CU-Denver. The Graduate School, through the Graduate Dean and the Graduate Council, provides a cross-disciplinary perspective and voice in the university planning process that is based on academic principles of excellence and innovation in graduate education. In addition, this document sets forth minimum standards for admission, matriculation, and completion of degrees in graduate programs at CU-Denver, as well as guidelines for Graduate Faculty appointments.

1.2 Composition of the Graduate School

All postbaccalaureate programs in all Schools and Colleges at CU-Denver shall be participants in and beneficiaries of the Graduate School. Further, degrees in graduate programs administered by CU-Denver that involve other campuses of the CU system are also overseen by the Graduate School.

1.3 The Graduate Dean

The Graduate Dean is appointed by the Board of Regents upon recommendation by the CU-Denver Chancellor and the President. The organization of the Graduate School is at the discretion of the Chancellor.

The Graduate Dean shall be tenured, a member of the CU-Denver Graduate Faculty, and preferably a full professor. The Graduate Dean is the Chair of the Graduate Council and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Council, is involved in strategic planning, program review, strengthening of and advocacy for graduate programs at CU-Denver, and serves as a member of the Dean's Council.

The Office of the Graduate Dean shall provide support functions such as:

(1) maintaining data pertaining to graduate programs, such as a list of Graduate Faculty,

(2) providing thesis/dissertation format review,

(3) serving as a source of information for students and faculty on academic requirements,

(4) serving as a central location for information about funding for students,

(5) seeking funding for students,

(6) informing the faculty of policy issues before the Graduate Council, and

(7) organizing cross-disciplinary seminars for faculty and students.

1.4 The Graduate Council

The Graduate Council is composed of the elected representatives of each School and College at CU-Denver. One graduate student serves on the Council. The Graduate Dean chairs the Council.

The Graduate Council is the policy-making body of the Graduate School. The Council advises the Graduate Dean on all matters related to the operation and enhancement of graduate certificate and degree programs and graduate instruction in general at CU-Denver, as specified in the Council's By-laws. The Graduate Council hears student appeals, participates in and initiates strategic planning, reviews proposals for new degree programs and for discontinuance of existing programs, and participates in program review. The Council may receive advice from the committees it establishes.

1.5 Graduate Program Development and Modification

Proposals for new degree programs and for the substantial modification of existing degree programs advance from the graduate program to the School/College Dean, then to the Graduate Dean. The Graduate Dean submits the proposal to the Graduate Council. Upon its review, the proposal proceeds to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Chancellor, the President, the Board of Regents and the CCHE as appropriate.

1.6 Administration and Enforcement of the Rules

The Graduate Dean shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the rules contained in this document.

The responsibility for the administration of the rules contained in this document may reside in the Office of the Graduate Dean or in the Office of a specified School or College. The Graduate Dean, the Dean of the School/College, and the Vice Chancellor for Academic affairs shall develop an administrative plan. The Graduate Council shall review and give final approval of this plan. All such plans shall be reviewed in the Spring of the year 2000 and every four years thereafter.

2. GRADUATE FACULTY

2.1 Definition of Graduate Faculty

The CU-Denver Graduate Faculty includes all members of the CU-Denver faculty who are appointed by the CU-Denver Graduate Dean. There are two types of membership: Regular and Special. In addition, members who are involved in the instruction or supervision of doctoral students shall receive Endorsement for these activities, as described below.

A list of members of the Graduate Faculty shall be maintained in the Office of the Graduate Dean.

2.2 Regular Membership

All full-time faculty members holding the rank of assistant professor, associate professor, or professor are eligible for Regular membership in the CU-Denver Graduate Faculty.

2.2.1 Privileges of Regular Membership

Privileges of Regular Members of the Graduate Faculty include:

(1) teaching graduate courses at the master's level,

(2) voting on issues that are before the Graduate Faculty,

(3) serving on committees of the Graduate School,

(4) participating in the activities of the specific program or programs in which the faculty member is appointed or to which her or his instruction may be deemed relevant, and

(5) serving as chair or member of graduate student examining committees at the master's level.

2.2.2 Term of Appointment of Regular Membership

Regular memberships awarded to untenured faculty members will not exceed their term of faculty appointment. Regular memberships awarded to tenured faculty members will be reviewed only at the request of the Graduate Faculty of her or his graduate program or the Dean of the School/College in which the program resides.

2.3 Special Membership

Special Members are individuals who are not full-time CU-Denver faculty. Special appointments are typically made for teaching specific courses or for service on thesis committees.

2.3.1 Privileges of Special Membership

The privileges of Special membership are identical to those for Regular appointments, except that a Special member may not vote on issues before the Graduate Faculty or serve on committees of the Graduate School. A Special member may serve as chair of a master's comprehensive examining committee only with the approval of the School/College Dean.

2.3.2 Term of Special Appointment

Special appointments may begin in any academic term and are generally for one to three consecutive calendar years or, in the case of members of doctoral committees, for the duration of the student's committee.

2.4 Doctoral Endorsement

Regular and Special members of the Graduate Faculty are eligible for the doctoral endorsement. A separate doctoral endorsement is required for each program in which the member participates.

2.4.1 Privileges of Doctoral Endorsement

Members with the endorsement may teach doctoral level courses and serve on doctoral advisory and examining committees. Regular members may serve as chair of doctoral advisory and examining committees.

2.4.2 Term of Doctoral Endorsement

The term of the endorsement is the same as for the primary appointment, Special or Regular.

2.5 Criteria for Graduate Faculty Membership

2.5.1 Criteria for Regular or Special Membership

Criteria for evaluating applications for membership shall be developed by each School/College.

These criteria shall include that a member of the Graduate Faculty have (1) demonstrated competence in scholarship, research or artistic creation, and/or skills appropriate to the faculty member's field; and (2) hold an earned doctorate, or hold a degree other than the doctorate recognized by the program faculty as a terminal or professional degree, or are considered by the program faculty to have unique qualifying skills or experiences needed by the program.

The School/College criteria shall address separately standards for evaluating applications for Regular and Special membership.

These criteria shall be approved by the faculty of the School/College through an existing committee or one established for this purpose, hereafter called the Graduate Faculty Appointments Committee, the School/College Dean, and the Graduate Dean in consultation with the Graduate Council.

2.5.2 Criteria for Doctoral Endorsement

Criteria for the doctoral endorsement shall be developed by each doctoral program with the approval of the School/College Graduate Faculty Appointments Committee, the Dean of the School/College, and the Graduate Dean in consultation with the Graduate Council.

Generally, members with the endorsement must hold an earned doctoral degree or other terminal degrees appropriate to the discipline, or must have demonstrated other attainments deemed to qualify them. Endorsements for doctoral committee service must reflect the ability of the individual to contribute, evaluate and guide the student's creative work because of their scholarship or professional expertise in the subject area.

2.6 Review Process

Each graduate program initiates recommendations for Graduate Faculty membership. The recommendation is forwarded to the School/College Graduate Faculty Appointments Committee, to the School/College Dean, and then to the Graduate Dean. The Graduate Dean may seek the advice of the Graduate Council.

Requests for appointment/reappointment should be received in the Office of the Graduate Dean prior to the academic term in which the appointment begins or as soon thereafter as possible. Each request is made on the CU-Denver Graduate Faculty Appointment Form and includes:

(1) a comprehensive current vita, (2) a letter describing the applicant's satisfaction of the School/College criteria, and (3) for Special appointments, a letter from the graduate program director listing the graduate responsibilities and duties to be assigned. The type of appointment, Special or Regular, with or without Doctoral Endorsement, shall be clearly identified on the request.

2.7 Intercampus Appointments

If a degree program involves more than one campus and if the program is overseen by the Graduate School, then faculty members on one campus may be required to obtain an intercampus appointment by the other participating campus or campuses. Approval of an intercampus appointment involving CU-Denver proceeds as for appointment to Special membership. Privileges and term of appointment are the same as for Special membership, with or without the Doctoral Endorsement. Reciprocal arrangements with other campuses or programs on other campuses may be negotiated by the Graduate School with the approval of the Graduate Council.

2.8 Revocation of Regular or Special Member status

The status of a Regular or Special Member may be revoked for cause by a majority vote of the Graduate Faculty of the graduate program. This recommendation shall be approved by the School/College Dean and the Graduate Dean.

2.9 Transition to School/College Criteria

Until each School and College has established a Graduate Faculty Appointments Committee, has developed criteria for Regular and Special Memberships and for Doctoral Endorsements, and these have been approved by the Graduate Council, the criteria and procedures for Graduate Faculty appointments shall follow those set out in the CU-Denver Graduate School Rules adopted November, 1995.

3. GRADUATE STUDENT ADMISSIONS

3.1 Student Admissions

3.1.1 Regular Students

Students are admitted by the faculty of a specific program as regular degree students to the Graduate School at CU-Denver provided the following are satisfied:

The student must

(1) hold a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university or demonstrate the completion of work equivalent to that required of these degrees as specified at CU-Denver,

(2) for the master's degree, have earned a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, where "A" is equal to 4.0, or have completed nine semester hours of relevant graduate course work with at least a 3.25 GPA,

(3) for the Ph.D. degree, have earned a 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA, and

(4) meet the specific requirements for admission as established by the program faculty, including remedial course work or examinations.

(5) International applicants to degree programs within the Graduate School at CU-Denver must achieve a minimum TOEFL ("Test of English as a Foreign Language") score of 500 (or its equivalent on the Michigan Test) if English is not their native language.

These are minimum requirements only; individual programs may have higher standards. However, meeting these minimum requirements or the still more restrictive requirements of individual programs does not guarantee admission.

3.1.2 Provisional Students

If an applicant cannot meet the minimum requirements for admission as a regular student or has taken more than 20% of her or his undergraduate courses as pass/fail, then the graduate program may admit the student for a probationary term not to exceed two calendar years following the start of study as a provisional student.

At the end of the probationary period, provisional degree students must either be admitted to regular degree status or be dropped from the graduate program. In the latter case, the Graduate School will suspend the student and notify the graduate program director and the student.

To be removed from provisional status, the student must earn at least a 3.0 GPA in the first twelve hours of graduate course work in admitted status. Individual programs may require higher standards.

3.2 Application Procedures

3.2.1 General Provisions

Admission to the Graduate School is approved by the program faculty and forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Application materials must include:

(1) Parts I and II of the CU-Denver Graduate School application.

(2) Two official transcripts for all academic work in colleges and universities completed to date.

(3) Letters of reference, as required by the program faculty.

(4) A non-refundable application fee.

(5) The Tuition Classification Form.

(6) Any other material required specifically by the program faculty.

Additionally, foreign students on an F-1 Visa must provide the following:

(1) Acceptable TOEFL scores (Test of English as a Foreign Language). (See 4.1 of these Rules).

(2) Financial Documentation. Students must attach documentation sealed or notarized by a bank, showing the amount of funds available for the student's support. If there is a private sponsor, the Affidavit of Support and bank statements and/or employer's verification of yearly salary must also be provided. If a scholarship from a private source or government agency has been awarded, the award letter must be provided. If the applicant is self-supported, official verification of availability of funds must be provided. This information would normally be supplied by a bank or other financial institution.

(3) Additional letters of reference, as required by the program faculty.

(4) Test scores as required by the program to which the applicant is applying.

(5) A certified English translation of all records and references not in English.

(6) Foreign students may not be admitted into provisional status.

Credentials submitted become the property of CU-Denver and are not returned to the applicant. No file is considered complete until all materials are received.

3.2.2 Provisional Students

If an applicant is accepted into provisional status, a provisional application form containing a program recommendation and conditions for removal of provisional status must be submitted by the graduate program director to the Graduate School in addition to the above.

3.2.3 Former Students

A student applying to a doctoral program immediately following completion of a master's degree or a student changing major fields of study must resubmit Parts I and II of the Graduate School application.

A student who was previously admitted to the Graduate School at CU-Denver, but who left in good standing without finishing a degree, may seek to return to complete the degree subject to these provisions:

(1) If three or fewer semesters, including the summer session, have passed since the student was first admitted to a degree program, the student need only notify the Office of Admission and Records.

(2) If four or more semesters have passed since the student last attended CU-Denver, but less than four years has passed since the initial admission date, then he or she is required to resubmit Part I of the standard application to the graduate program, which will then decide on the

student's readmission.

(3) If more than four years have passed since the time of initial admission, then the full application must be resubmitted.

3.2.4 Deferral of Matriculation

If a student gains admission but delays the start of study, admission at a later date is at the discretion of the program. Upon approval of the program faculty, the student must contact the Office of Admissions for registration information.

3.2.5 Changing Degree Programs

Students seeking to change from one degree program to another must provide all items required of students applying to the Graduate School for the first time. However, these applicants may petition the program to which they were initially admitted for release of documents supplied with their initial application.

3.3 Transfer Credits

Academic credit for course work from another accredited institution or earned as a special student at CU-Denver may be transferred into a graduate program only under the conditions given below:

(1) Transfer credit is accepted only after evaluation and approval by the student's program.

(2) The maximum number of semester credit hours that may be transferred into

(a) a professional or performance oriented master's degree program requiring at least 48 credits is 18,

(b) all other master's degree programs is 9, and

(3) A maximum of six credits of course work already applied toward a graduate degree received at CU-Denver or at another institution may, with the approval of the program faculty, be transferred into a second master's degree program. This maximum may be exceeded if this credit is earned as part of a dual degree option as described in 4.1.4 below.

(4) Courses with pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades will not be transferred.

(5) Grades received in courses transferred from another institution are not included in the grade point average at CU-Denver. A grade of "B minus" (2.7) or better must be earned in any course transferred into any graduate program.

(6) All work accepted for transfer credit must have been completed no more than six years prior to advancement to candidacy or else must be validated.

(7) Master's and doctoral degree students should submit requests for transfer credit as soon as possible, but no later than the date on which the application for candidacy is submitted.

(8) Credit will not be accepted for transfer until the student has been in residence in the CU-Denver Graduate School for at least one semester. Transfer credit does not reduce the full residence requirement.

(9) Undergraduate credits from another institution may not be transferred into the Graduate School. However, graduates of the University of Colorado may transfer up to nine hours of graduate courses taken during the senior year of their undergraduate studies (courses numbered 5000 or above) provided they (i) carry a grade of "B" (3.0) or better, (ii) fall within the time limit for the graduate degree, (iii) have not been applied to another degree, and (iv) are approved by the program faculty and the Graduate Dean.

(10) With the approval of the graduate program director, courses taken on other campuses of the University of Colorado are regarded as resident, not transfer credit, so long as the faculty members who taught these classes held an appointment to the CU-Denver Graduate Faculty at the time the courses were taken.

4. GRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Each School or College shall determine whether students are eligible to graduate under Plan I, Plan II, or both.

4.1 Minimum Degree Requirements

4.1.1. Master's Degree

Plan I (thesis option):

At least 24 credits, including 4 to 6 hours of thesis work. A minimum of 18 credits must be at the 5000 level or above and of graduate rank, as defined below. No more than six credits may be in individual study such as independent study, practica, internships or cooperative education.

Plan II (non-thesis option):

At least 30 credits. A minimum of 18 credits must be at the 5000 level or above and of graduate rank, as defined below. No more than seven credits may be earned in individual study such as independent study, practica, internships or cooperative education.

4.1.2 Ph.D. Degree

A minimum of 30 credit hours of courses numbered 5000 or above and of graduate rank as defined below and a minimum of 30 credit hours of dissertation work.

4.1.3 Graduate Status Courses

All courses applied toward the minimum requirement for a graduate degree must be 5000 level and above and taught by Regular or Special members of the Graduate Faculty. All courses applied toward a graduate degree must be of graduate rank.

Graduate rank courses are defined as:

(1) Courses within the major program at the 5000 level or above.

(2) Courses outside the major program, as approved for a specific degree plan by the faculty of the degree-granting program.

(3) Courses within the major program below the 5000 level, as approved for a specific degree plan by the faculty of the degree-granting program.

(4) No course below the 3000 level may be considered of graduate rank.

4.1.4 Dual Degree Option

A student may obtain two master's degrees in which credit for some courses are applied to both degrees under the following conditions:

(1) The component programs of the dual degrees must be pursued at the same time and the degrees awarded simultaneously.

(2) The dual degree option shall require a minimum of 70% of the course work required of the combined degrees, exclusive of background and entry courses for which the program grants waivers based on prior undergraduate credit.

(3) The student must satisfy the core requirements of both master's programs. In cases where both master's programs require the same course in the core, the common course shall not count toward the core requirements of both degrees. The programs will determine appropriate substitutes.

(4) The student must satisfy all completion requirements in both programs, unless these are specifically waived for all students in the dual degree option.

(5) The dual degree option has been approved by the faculty of the component programs, the Dean of the School or College in which each program resides, and the Graduate Dean in consultation with the Graduate Council.

4.2 Grades and Quality of Graduate Work

4.2.1 Grade Point Average (GPA)

To receive a graduate degree, a student is required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in all course work while enrolled in the Graduate School at CU-Denver. The average of the grades received in all courses applied to the graduate degree program must be at least 3.0. Grades received in foreign language courses taken to fulfill the language requirement and those received in courses to remedy deficiencies or prerequisite for graduate study are not to be used in calculating the GPA.

4.2.2 Minimum Grades in Individual Classes

A student who receives a grade of "C", "D", or "F" in a course may repeat that course once. The grade received in a repeated course will substitute for the original grade, and only the latter grade will be used in calculating the GPA for courses applied to a graduate degree. However, all grades received are used in determining probationary status and will appear on the student's transcript.

Only courses in which grades of "B minus" (2.7) or better are received are accepted for a doctoral program.

Only courses in which grades of "C plus" (2.3) or better are received are accepted for a master's degree program or for the removal of academic deficiencies.

Grades received in courses transferred from another institution and/or grades earned while classified as a special student are not included in calculating the GPA.

Courses applied to a graduate degree may not be taken pass/fail.

4.2.3 Student Ethics

Students are expected to adhere to the highest code of personal and professional ethics. Students who do not meet these standards may be disciplined or dismissed by the student's program.

4.2.4 Probation and Suspension

When a regular graduate student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, the program and the student will be notified and the student placed on academic probation by the Graduate School.

In the semester following placement on probation, the student's GPA in all course work taken must be at least 3.0. Otherwise, the student will be suspended by the Graduate School at the conclusion of that first semester.

At the end of two semesters following placement on probation, the student must raise the cumulative GPA to 3.0. Otherwise, the student will be suspended by the Graduate School, and both the student and program will be notified.

In extenuating circumstances, the student may petition the Graduate School for an extension of the probationary time period. The suspension decision is automatic unless a temporary extension is approved by the Graduate School.

4.2.5 English Proficiency

To receive a graduate degree, a student must be proficient in the use of the English language.

4.3 Examinations

A student must be registered at the time of conduct of the comprehensive examination for the master's degree or the Ph.D. degree.

4.3.1 Master's Degree

Each School/College shall determine which masters' or certificate programs in that School/College shall require a comprehensive final examination for all students in the program.

If the School/College determines that each candidate for the master's degree in a program is required to take a comprehensive final examination, then this examination shall be taken after the other requirements for the degree have been substantially completed. If Plan I is followed, the comprehensive final examination may include the defense of the thesis.

The comprehensive examination is given by a committee appointed by the graduate program director and approved by the Graduate School. The committee must include at least three members of the Graduate Faculty. Individual programs will determine the criteria for the student to pass.

4.3.2 Doctoral Degree

Preliminary Examination. Each graduate program director is responsible for ensuring that students are qualified for doctoral study. This may be accomplished by examination or other means.

Ph.D. Advisory Committee. By the time of the conduct of the comprehensive exam, a doctoral student must have selected, with the approval of the graduate program director, an advisory committee consisting of the student's dissertation advisor and at least two additional members of the Graduate Faculty. If the student's dissertation advisor is not a Regular member of the Graduate Faculty, then a Regular member shall chair this committee.

Comprehensive Exam Committee. The Ph.D. comprehensive examination shall be conducted by a committee appointed by the graduate program director and approved by the Graduate School. The Committee consists of the Ph.D. advisory committee and additional members as necessary to a minimum of at least five persons who are members of the Graduate Faculty.

Comprehensive Examination. Before admission to candidacy for the Ph.D., the student must pass a comprehensive examination in the field of concentration and related fields. This examination may be written, oral, or both and will test the student's mastery of a broad field of knowledge, not merely the formal course work that he or she has completed. The oral part of the comprehensive examination is open to members of the Graduate Faculty. Individual programs will determine criteria for the student to pass.

Final Examination/Dissertation Defense. A final examination of the dissertation and related topics will be conducted. The examination will be conducted by a committee appointed by the graduate program director and approved by the Graduate School and will consist of at least five members of the Graduate Faculty, one of whom must be from outside the student's program. Individual programs will determine criteria for the student to pass.

4.4 Foreign Language Requirement

The graduate faculty of each graduate program shall determine the foreign language requirement for doctoral degrees in that program.

4.5 Residence Requirements

A student is considered to be in full residence in any semester (including the summer term) when he or she is registered before the registration deadline and carries the equivalent of at least five credit hours. These may include both undergraduate and graduate courses.

4.5.3 Master's Residence Requirements

Master's degree residence requirements can be met only by full residence at CU-Denver for at least two semesters.

4.5.4 Doctoral Residence Requirements

The minimum residence requirement for doctoral students is six semesters of full residence at CU-Denver. Two semesters of residence credit may be allowed for a master's degree from another approved institution; however, at least four semesters of residence credit must be earned while in full residence at CU-Denver, two of which must be consecutive in one academic year.

Part of the residence requirement may be met by study at another graduate institution or in field work in absentia, provided that prior approval is given by the graduate program director and that the student's registration is maintained for the period away from CU-Denver.

4.5.5 Continuous Residence for Doctoral Students

Following successful completion of doctoral comprehensive examinations, students must register continuously until the requirements for the degree are completed. Doctoral candidates must register for no less than three and no more than ten credit hours of dissertation credit for each spring and fall term following advancement to candidacy.

4.6 Application for Admission to Candidacy

Admission to a graduate program does not imply admission to candidacy for degree.

4.6.1 Master's Degree

After completion of a significant portion of the required course work, a student who wishes to become a candidate for a degree must file an application in the Graduate School. This application must be filed no later than ten weeks prior to the date of the start of the comprehensive examination. The student's degree plan must be reported in this application along with approval of the plan by the student's advisor. Approval of the application will be granted only after it is demonstrated that the residency requirement and all standards of quality and content have been met.

4.6.2 Doctoral Degree

After completion of a significant portion of the required course work and before the comprehensive examination is scheduled, a doctoral student who wishes to become a candidate for a degree must file an application in the Graduate School. The application must be submitted at least 14 days before the scheduled start of the comprehensive examination. It must include an approved degree plan. Approval of the application will occur only after the comprehensive examination has been passed, the student has been in residence for at least three semesters, the language requirement has been satisfied, and all standards of quality and content have been met.

4.7 Thesis/Dissertation Requirements

4.7.1 Master's Requirements

A thesis, which may focus on research or expository, critical or other creative activities is required of every master's degree candidate under Plan I. Each thesis is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the master's degree.

The master's thesis must be filed with the Office of the Graduate Dean at least two weeks prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred. Requirements about the number of copies, sign-offs and format are established by the Office of the Graduate Dean and are outlined in the handbook "Directions for Preparing Master's and Doctoral Theses."

4.7.2 Doctoral Dissertation Requirements

A dissertation based upon original investigation that demonstrates mature scholarship and critical judgement as well as familiarity with the tools and methods of research must be written on a subject approved by the student's advisor and the graduate program director.

4.7.3 Doctoral Dissertation Credit Hour Requirements

To complete the requirements for the Ph.D. and other doctoral degrees, a student must complete at least 30 dissertation credit hours.

A doctoral student may not register for more than ten dissertation credit hours in any one semester.

No more than a total of ten dissertation credit hours taken in semesters prior to and including the semester in which the comprehensive examination is passed will be counted in the 30 dissertation hours required for the degree.

A student must register for at least three dissertation credit hours each semester continuously in the fall and spring semesters of each year, beginning with the semester following the passing of the comprehensive examination and extending through the semester or summer session in which the dissertation is defended.

A student who fails to register continuously for dissertation credit hours after passing the comprehensive examination may be required by the advisor to retake and pass the examination to regain status as a student in good standing in the Graduate School.

The Ph.D. dissertation must be filed with the Office of the Graduate Dean at least 18 days prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred.

4.7.4 Thesis/Dissertation Form Requirements

The Office of the Graduate Dean establishes requirements about the number of copies, sign-offs and format requirements. These are outlined in the handbook "Directions for Preparing Master's and Doctoral Theses," available in that Office. The students' thesis/dissertation advisor and the graduate program director have the primary responsibility for ensuring that the form requirements are satisfied; however, the Office of the Graduate Dean will conduct a final review. If the form is improper, then the dissertation will be returned and the student placed on graduation hold until the standard is met.

4.8 Time Limits for Completion of Degrees

4.8.1 Master's Degree

Master's degree students have five years, from the date of the start of course work, to complete all degree requirements (including filing the thesis with the Office of the Graduate Dean if Plan I is followed). For students who fail to complete the degree in this five-year period, the graduate program director must file an annual statement with the Graduate School explaining that the student is making adequate progress and should be allowed to continue in the program. Students who do their work exclusively in summer sessions must complete all degree requirements within 72 months from the start of course work.

A student who does not complete all degree requirements within the specified period of time must validate, by special examination(s), any course work taken more than six years prior to advancement to candidacy.

4.8.2 Doctoral Degree

Doctoral students are expected to complete all degree requirements within seven years from the start of course work in the doctoral program. For students who fail to complete the degree in this seven year period, the graduate program director must file an annual statement with the Graduate School explaining that the student is making adequate progress and should be allowed to continue in the program. This request must be signed by three members of the student's advisory committee. If the Graduate School approves this request, the student may continue studies for one additional year. If the Graduate School does not approve the request, the student may be dropped from the program. If the Graduate School and the program director cannot agree on whether a student should be continued, the Graduate Council will make the final decision.

This seven-year rule is applicable regardless of when the student passes the comprehensive examination. Taking or retaking the comprehensive examination does not automatically entitle a student to an extension of the time limit for completion of the degree, but the student may petition the Graduate School for an extension.

5. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIPS

A student admitted provisionally or as a non-degree student is not permitted to hold a Graduate Assistant appointment.

A student on academic probation is not permitted to hold an appointment.

A student on appointment must demonstrate continued adequate progress toward the degree and be a full-time student.

Adequate progress means: Certification by the graduate advisor, committee chair, or graduate program director that the student is making the progress required by those most closely associated with the student's graduate work.

Full-time status means: Enrollment for at least five hours of course work each semester or for one or more hours of thesis or dissertation credit.

If the appointment is supported by university resources, the student may be appointed for at most 50% time. If the appointment is supported by external grant and contract revenues, then the appointment may exceed this limit upon approval by the graduate program director.

An exception to any of the above regulations governing graduate student appointments may be warranted in special cases. The graduate program director may request exceptions by writing the Graduate Dean to explain the circumstances that warrant such exceptions. Such requests must be made in advance of the students' beginning their appointments. Direct requests from students will not be accepted.

6. GRADUATE APPEALS

Appeals of grades and other specifically course-related matters shall be conducted according to the appeals procedures within each School or College, with final resolution resting with the Deans of these units.

Under some rare and extenuating circumstances a student may wish to appeal one or more of these rules. Appeals of matters related to these rules shall proceed as follows:

(1) The student is responsible for constructing a petition and presenting arguments and evidence for waiver or inapplicability of a rule. This petition is submitted by the student to the program director.

(2) The graduate program director in consultation with the graduate faculty in the student's program reviews the petition. If they decide to support the petition, a letter of support is provided, and this letter, plus the petition, is forwarded to the Graduate Dean. A student may forward a petition directly to the Graduate Dean, if desired, in the absence of a letter of support. However, the student must show evidence that the matter has been fully reviewed within the program before it will be considered by the Graduate Dean.

(3) The final decision rests with the Graduate Dean, who may consult with the Graduate Council.

(4) If an appeal of these rules involves two or more campuses, the final action rests with the CU Vice President of Academic Affairs and Research.

7. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to the standing rules of the Graduate School may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of those who return ballots in a vote by written ballot of all Regular members of the Graduate Faculty. With the approval of the Graduate Council, the Graduate Dean may approve revisions of the campus' standing rules that update information, resolve ambiguities, or promote clarity.

APPENDIX: BYLAWS OF THE CU-DENVER GRADUATE COUNCIL

1. NAME

The name of the organization shall be "The Graduate Council of the University of Colorado at Denver", hereafter called the Graduate Council.

2. AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

The purpose of the Graduate Council is:

(1) To recommend policies relevant to graduate study and research and creative work at CU-Denver to University administrative officers and to the Graduate Faculties.

Note: "Graduate Faculties" include regular faculty members at CU-Denver who hold appointment to the Graduate Faculty and other regular faculty members responsible for graduate instruction outside the Graduate School who are not members of the Graduate Faculty.

(2) To oversee the functioning of its standing and ad hoc committees.

(3) To ensure that the Graduate Faculties are informed about decisions of the Council and its committees.

Note: The Graduate Council informs the Graduate Faculties of its actions through the elected representative of each academic unit and at the plenary meetings of the Graduate Faculties.

(4) To call a plenary meeting of all Graduate Faculties as needed to report to and consult with the Graduate Faculties.

Note: Meetings of the Graduate Faculties may also be initiated upon request from members of the Graduate Faculties, and with the approval of the Council itself.

(5) To advise the Graduate Dean on student appeals, if needed.

(6) To participate in strategic planning and in program reviews.

(7) To review proposals for new degree programs and discontinuance of existing degree programs..

3. MEMBERSHIP

The Graduate Dean serves as chair of the Graduate Council.

The Council is composed of one graduate faculty representative elected by each of the respective Graduate Faculties of the Colleges of Engineering, of Arts and Media, and of Architecture and Planning and the Schools of Business Administration, Education, and Public Affairs, four representatives from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, one representative from the Library, and one non-voting graduate student.

The student member is appointed by the Graduate Dean from a different constituency each year in rotation.

4. COMMITTEES

The Graduate Council oversees the functioning of the two standing committees, as well as directing ad hoc committees created as needed.

Standing committees implement policies of the Graduate Council and make policy recommendations to the Council.

The Chairs of these official committees shall be members of the Graduate Council.

4.1 Curriculum Committee

The curriculum committee reviews and recommends new graduate courses and new graduate degree program proposals, as well as revisions to them, and recommends criteria for graduate level courses.

4.2 Research and Creative Activities

The research and creative activities committee seeks to support scholarly and creative work and awards funds for research and creative work.

5. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

5.1 Graduate Council

Appointment is for a three year term. Membership from the Colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Architecture and Planning is staggered so that one new appointment or reappointment from these colleges is made annually. Similarly, membership from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and from the three other professional schools (Business Administration, Education, and Public Affairs) is staggered so that one new appointment or reappointment from CLAS and from these three professional schools is made annually. The non-voting graduate student representative serves a one year term.

5.2 Standing Committees

In consultation with deans and department chairs, the Graduate Dean recommends committee members for approval by the Graduate Council. Recommendations are made with sensitivity to representation of the respective Graduate Faculties at CU-Denver.

Appointments to standing committees are for a two year term. Terms of appointment are staggered so that one-half of a committee membership consists of continuing members and one-half consists of newly appointed members.

5.3 Ad Hoc Committees

Appointments are for a term necessary to complete the task set before the committee.

5.4 Council and Committee Vacancies

Mid-term vacancies among Graduate Council and committee members may occur due to resignation or other unanticipated causes. To fill a Graduate Council vacancy the School, College or Library in which the vacancy occurs will hold an election to determine the new representative. The newly elected representative will complete the term of the departed representative. As committee vacancies arise, the Graduate Dean in consultation with the former member's Dean will recommend a replacement to the Graduate Council. Newly appointed committee members will complete the term of the departed member.

6. MEETINGS

6.1 Graduate Council

A minimum of two meetings per semester, fall and spring terms, will be held. Summer meetings are called as needed.

6.2 Standing Committees

A minimum of one meeting will be held during each of the fall and spring semesters. Summer meetings are called as needed.

6.3 Ad Hoc Committees

These committees will meet as appropriate to conduct their assigned tasks. Upon conclusion of its assigned task, the ad hoc committee will be dissolved.

6.4 Plenary Session of the Graduate Faculties

Plenary sessions may be called by the Graduate Council or Graduate Faculties.

7. QUORUM

The Graduate Council and its standing and ad hoc committees are called to order when a simple majority of their membership is present. Matters other than amendments to the bylaws are decided by a majority vote of those present.

The Graduate Dean votes only in the case of a tie vote by Council members. The Graduate Dean also serves ex officio as a non-voting member of all standing and ad hoc committees of the Council.

8. BYLAWS

The Graduate Council shall adopt such bylaws, rules, and procedures as desired for the accomplishments of its purposes. The Graduate Council may refer major policy questions to the Graduate Faculties for discussion. The Council will determine whether policy questions will be referred to the Graduate Faculties and whether a vote should be taken on them. Matters requiring a vote of the Graduate Faculties are referred to the faculty by mail ballot and are decided by a majority vote of those voting.

9. AMENDMENTS

Amendment to these articles may be proposed by any Graduate Council member in writing. Copies of proposed amendments shall be sent to each Graduate Council member two weeks prior to a regularly scheduled meeting. The proposal shall be discussed during the Graduate Council meeting and, if brought to a vote, is decided by a two-thirds vote.