Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

GRADU A TE

ST U D E NT

HANDBOOK

2021 - 2022

POLICIES, PROCEDURES & RESOURCES

Academic Regulations

Fellowships, Scholarships and Awards

Graduate Student Association

Policies and Procedures for Graduate Assistants

C O L L E G E O F G R A D U A T E S T U D I E S

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

The information within this Graduate Student Handbook is superseded by

information in the University of Toledo (UT) General Catalog and UT Policy

Website.

University of Toledo General Catalog

http://www.utoledo.edu/catalog/

University of Toledo Policy Website

http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/

College of Graduate Studies

http://www.utoledo.edu/graduate/

419.530.GRAD (4723)

Main Campus

University Hall 3240, Mail Stop 933

Health Science Campus

Mulford Library 1st floor, Mail Stop 1042

Important Notice about this Handbook:

This handbook is for informational purposes only. While every effort is made

to provide accurate and current information, The University of Toledo reserves

the right to modify rules, policies, requirements and any other matter, without

notice. It is the responsibility of the student to meet and satisfy all University,

college and program requirements.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

TABL E O F CO NTE NTS

Vision and Mission 4

General Information 6

Communication 6

Electronic Mail Services Policy 6

Responsible Use Policy 7

Student Code of Conduct 7

FERPA 8

Academic Regulations 9

Time Limitations for Degrees 10

Academic Fresh Start 12

Graduate Student Academic Dishonesty Policy 12

Graduate Student Academic Grievance Policy 13

Enrollment Regulations 14

Minimum Continuous Enrollment 14

Residence Requirements for the Ph.D. and Ed.D. 14

Enrollment Status Policy 15

Student Fees and Accounts 16

Leave of Absence 16

Academic Program Documents 18

Project, Thesis, and Dissertation Committees 22

Graduation 24

Health & Safety 30

Sexual Harassment and Other Harassment Policies 32

Sexual Assault Response/Prevention 32

Fellowships, Scholarship and Awards 34

Graduate Student Association 37

Policies & Procedures for Graduate Assistants 38

College of Medicine and Life Sciences Support Opportunities 42

Resources at the University 46

All forms and documents referenced in this Handbook are

available on the

College of Graduate Studies Website.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

College of Graduate Studies

Vision Statement

The vision of the College of Graduate Studies is to enable its graduate

and

professional academic programs to become nationally distinguished

and highly

ranked and to improve the human condition by preparing graduates for

careers in the 21st century and fostering a culture of life- long learning.

Mission Statement

The mission of the College of Graduate Studies is to provide leadership for

graduate education through exceptional support services for graduate

students and faculty; to foster quality in graduate education, research and

scholarship; to nurture the diversity and collegiality of graduate programs;

and to work with Graduate Council to establish university graduate

policies, standards and procedures that define best practices for the

graduate programs it serves.

Accreditation

The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of

the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate’s,

Bachelor’s, Specialist and Doctoral degrees. The official letter confirming the

university’s status of affiliation with the Higher Learning Commission can be

found on the website of the Office of

Assessment, Accreditation, and Program

Review as well as information

regarding individual program accreditations

and endorsements.

https://www.utoledo.edu/aapr/accreditation/index.html

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Nondiscrimination Policy

Policy Number: 3364-50-02

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/administration/diversity/

pdfs/3364-50-02.pdf

The University of Toledo does not discriminate in its employment practices

or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender. The

University of Toledo also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing

discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or

complaint process internally or externally.

Reports of sexual harassment and discrimination questions regarding Title

IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX

Coordinator. For a complete copy of the policy or for more information,

please contact the Title IX Coordinator https://www.utoledo.edu/title-ix/

or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights

(OCR)

http://www.ed.gov/ocr.

Administrative Contact Information

Complaints or notice of alleged Title IX policy violations, or inquiries about or con

cerns

regarding Title IX policy and procedures, may be made internally to:

Vicky Kulicke, Director Title IX and Compliance & Title IX Coordinator

Oﬃce of Title IX and Compliance

Mail Stop 137

2801 W . Bancroft St.

Toledo, OH 43606-3390

Snyder Memorial Hall 1120

(419) 530-4191

ti[email protected]u https://www.utoledo.edu/title-ix/

Inquiries may be made externally to:

A person may also file a complaint with the appropriate federal, state, or

local agency within the time frame required by law. Depending upon the

nature of the com- plaint, the appropriate agency may be the federal Equal

Employment Opportunity

Commission (EEOC), Oﬃce for Civil Rights (OCR) of the

U.S. Department of Education,

the Department of Justice:

Oﬃce for Civil Rights (OCR)

U.S. Department of Education

400

Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-1100

Customer Service Hotline #: (800) 421-3481

Facsimile: (202) 453-6012

TDD#: (877) 521-2172

Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

General Information

The Graduate Student Handbook clarifies minimum university-level

requirements and policies that apply to all graduate students at The

University of Toledo. Each student is also expected to adhere to

requirements and procedures specific to their own degree program and

college.

Communication

The College of Graduate Studies communicates with students using various

methods; however, the student’s UTAD (University issued email address) is

the official and most frequently used form of communication. Students are

advised to check their University email often as official notices will be sent

via email. Information regarding UTAD accounts and other technology

resources can be found on the Information Technology website.

http://www.utoledo.edu/it/

The College of Graduate Studies homepage contains vital information for

the UT graduate community and provides useful links to other university

resources, policies, and offices. It is recommended that students regularly

visit the site: http://www.utoledo.edu/graduate/

The MyUT portal is a secure web environment that provides a single access

point for important information. Through this entrance, students find

information on academic, services, events, and more. The information in

the portal is organized by pages, referred to as tabs. Each tab in the portal

has various areas of information (channels) which allow for quick access.

There is a Graduate Student Tab with information specific to the UT

graduate community. There is also a Student Self Service Tab which can be

used to check grades, change addresses, view class information, as well as

other features. http://myut.utoledo.edu/

Electronic Mail Services Policy

Policy Number: 3364-65-07

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/administration/info_tech/

The University of Toledo provides electronic mail (“e-mail”),

communication, and collaboration services to support academic, research,

medical, and administrative functions of the institution. University

electronic communication services are to be used responsibly within the

normal standards of professional and personal courtesy and conduct. The

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

use of electronic communication services is a privilege, not a right, and it should

be treated as such by all users. This policy establishes guidelines for the

responsible and efficient use of University of Toledo (“University”) electronic

communication services, and to clearly set forth the rights and responsibilities

of the university’s authorized users regarding these services, including e-mail.

Responsible Technology Use Policy

Policy Number: 3364-65-01

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/administration/info_tech/

The principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression apply to the use

of university computing resources. So, too, however, do the responsibilities and

limitations associated with those principles. Like the use of any other university-

provided resource and like any other university-related activity, the use of

computing resources is subject to the requirements of legal and ethical behavior

within the university community. The legitimate use of a computer, computer

system or network does not extend to whatever is technically possible. Although

some limitations are built into computer operating systems and networks, those

limitations are not the sole restrictions on what is permissible. Users of

university computing resources shall comply with the requirements identified in

this policy.

Student Code of Conduct Policy

Policy Number: 3364-30-04

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/main_campus/student_life/pdfs/

3364_30_04_Student_code_of_conduct.pdf

The Student Code of Conduct articulates the University’s expectations of

behavior for students, student groups, and student organizations and the

potential outcomes to be imposed for inappropriate conduct. This policy

explains the University’s requirements for notice, and the student, student

groups, and student organizations opportunity to be heard with regard to

alleged violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of

Conduct is not intended to be exhaustive in terms of defining all acts of

misconduct. The Student Code of Conduct specifies the rights and

responsibilities of students, student groups, student organizations, the

university, and the rights of other parties going through the Student Conduct

Process. Students, student groups, and student organizations are expected to

engage in conduct that represents the mission, vision, and values of the

university. Sanctions implemented through the Student Conduct Process are

designed to provide students, student groups, and student organizations with

the opportunity to accept responsibility, provide accountability, reflect on their

choices, challenge their decision-making processes, and assist them in changing

their behavior to better align with the University’s expectations. Being a

member of the University Community is a privilege. Actions by students, student

groups, or student organizations that interfere with the welfare and/or safety of

the University Community are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Confidentiality of Student Records (FERPA) Policy

Policy Number: 3364-71-15

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/academic/undergraduate/

The university supports a student’s right to confidentiality of their records.

The

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended,

(the Act) is

a federal law, which requires that a written institutional policy complying with

the Act be established and that a statement of adopted procedures covering the

privacy rights of students, be published. Reinforcing longstanding institutional

policy, the Act and other laws require The University of Toledo to maintain the

confidentiality of student educational records except as noted in the policy. The

University Registrar is primarily responsible for the administration of this policy

at The University of Toledo. Notification of this policy associated procedures,

and students’ rights under the Act is distributed annually to all enrolled

students. This policy also conforms to the requirements of the Ohio Privacy Act,

as amended.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Academic Regulations

Responsibilities of Graduate Students

Graduate students are expected to become familiar with academic

regulations of the University and the specific requirements of their graduate

program. The student is solely responsible for complying with all regulations

of the University, the College of Graduate Studies and the department of

instruction, and for meeting all requirements for the degree. The student

should consult with their advisor on a regular basis to ensure that they

remain on track within the degree program or in the event that there are

any questions concerning the requirements for the degree.

Advising

The College of Graduate Studies at The University of Toledo places a high

priority on a program of faculty advising for students. After a student has

been accepted for graduate study by the Graduate College, a program

contact is appointed. The student should address questions concerning the

program to the faculty member and seek advice prior to registration. All

questions regarding advising should be directed to the academic college.

The College of Graduate Studies works with the advisor as identified on the

required academic programs forms (i.e. Plan of Study and GRAD form).

Academic Standards

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (four point grading system) in graduate

coursework is required for graduation. Graduate students whose

cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 during any semester will be placed on

academic probation. Depending on the program, a full-time student on

academic probation will have one or at most two semesters (excluding

summers) to meet the cumulative GPA standard. A student failing to meet

the standard will be subject to dismissal. A part-time student on academic

probation will be required to meet the GPA standard after 12 additional

credit hours of graduate coursework. A grade of C (2.0) is the minimum

passing grade for graduate courses. Therefore, any graduate course in

which a grade below “C” or grade of “U” was earned will not be used to

fulfill graduation requirements. Grades of below “C” will continue to be

counted in calculating the cumulative grade point average. Individual

programs may offer a specific number of credit hours with earned grades of

C or below to be repeated one time. Colleges are permitted to establish

individual program course retake standards. However, such standards shall

not exceed two courses up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Both the

original and repeated grades will appear on the transcript and be calculated

into the cumulative GPA. Colleges/departments/ degree programs may

enact additional coursework grade requirements beyond the minimum

standard established here by the Graduate Faculty.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Graduate students shall be responsible to consult with the appropriate

graduate degree program director for the applicable standards.

Grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, S, U, WP, or WF may be

awarded depending on College/program/departmental policies. A limited

number of graduate courses earn grades of S (Satisfactory) or U

(Unsatisfactory) upon completion. A grade of S will be allowed for credit

toward graduation but is not computed in the grade point average. A

grade of U earns no credit and the course must be repeated to earn

graduate credit but is not computed in the grade point average. The grade

of PR may be awarded to indicate work in progress and courses with this

grade will not be included in the GPA calculation. The grade of

IN is

assigned only under extraordinary circumstances when unexpected

events

prevent a student from completing the requirements of the course within

the term of enrollment. The student must complete the required work

before the end of the following semester (excluding summers) in which

the IN grade was received; otherwise the grade will be converted to the

grade of F by the Office of the Registrar. The student may initiate a request

for an additional semester to complete the work for the grade (excluding

summers). The extension is granted upon the approval of the faculty

member and the associate dean of the college offering the course. Once

the IN grade has been converted to F, the student must re-register and

take the course again. The grade of IN will not be included in the GPA

calculation. It is recommended that faculty set specific benchmarks for

completion of the course or material each term, and regularly assign S, U

or IN grades as appropriate instead of awarding a PR. Students may not

graduate with a grade of U, IN, or PR on their Plan of Study. Students may

not graduate with a grade of IN or PR on their transcript. A grade of WP

(withdrawal passing) or WF (withdrawal failing), according to the status of

the student at the time of withdrawal, will be assigned to students who

withdraw after the university established withdrawal period at the

discretion of the instructor. The grade of WP will not be included in the

GPA calculation. A grade of WF indicates that a student’s work is

unsatisfactory (grade of less than C) and will be included in the GPA

calculation as a grade of F. Students may repeat courses with grades WF or

U subject to the maximum credit hour repeat limitation.

Time Limitations for Degrees

At the University of Toledo, credit applied towards the master’s degree or

education specialist degree must have been earned within the period of

six years immediately preceding the time the degree is awarded.

Credit applied for the doctoral degree must have been earned within

seven years immediately preceding the time the degree is awarded

(combined M.D./Ph.D. program limit is ten years). Certificate programs

must be completed within four years.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Request for Extension of Time

An extension of the time limit for the degree may be requested by a

student by written petition to the College of Graduate Studies. Although

exceptions may be warranted, students who exceed the norm shall be

required to justify in writing their request for an extension. An extension of

one-year or less may be requested using the Continuation of Matriculation

for Degree form. Further requests for extension may be requested using the

Request for Time Extension and Course Recertification form. All extensions

must be recommended by the departmental faculty through internal

departmental and college processes, with final review and approval by the

College of Graduate Studies. A fee of $55 per course is assessed to graduate

students approved for extensions of one semester or one year beyond the

time limitation for the degree. The fee is assessed for those courses on the

plan of study which exceed the time limitation by one year or less. A fee of

$550 per recertified course (maximum of $3,000 per student) is assessed to

graduate students approved for extensions greater than one year beyond

the time limitation for the degree.

Out-of-Date Coursework

Requests for extensions beyond one year require additional information

and supporting documentation. The central consideration in determining

whether more time can be allowed is whether the student’s knowledge of

the subject matter is current at the time of graduation. For students in a

master’s, education specialist, or certificate program, there are several

ways this may be demonstrated including:

•

The student is teaching the subject matter in a separate context.

•

The student has been examined (written or oral) by a current

instructor of the course to determine their currency of knowledge.

•

The student will be examined on the subject matter during their

final oral defense of the thesis or during the comprehensive exam.

•

Passing a more advanced course in the same subject area that

clearly utilizes and builds upon the work of the lower level course.

•

Publishing scholarly research demonstrating substantial knowledge

the course content.

•

Completion of an independent study to address a particular

deficiency.

•

Professional development activities and/or professional experienc

es that

are documented by evidence such as samples of work-related

projects relevant to course content with an explanation for how they

are applied on the job.

For students in doctoral programs, advisors are asked to explain how the

committee will certify that the student’s knowledge of the appropriate

content will be current at the time the degree will be granted.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Sponsored Programs Website.

This form normally should be completed at the time the student

determines the nature of the research project. However, in all cases the

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

student must have submitted the form demonstrating compliance before

engaging in related research. Failure to obtain the proper approvals could

prevent or significantly delay the awarding of the degree. Compliance

with federal and state regulations is essential to assure continued funding

of the University research programs and, therefore, requires cooperation

of all University researchers.

If a student works on a project that is supported by a research grant or

contract between the University and an external entity or entities, the

student must comply with all terms of the grant or contract. Contractual

agreements in support of research or other sponsored activities are legally

binding on the University, including the administration, faculty and students

engaged in the sponsored projects.

The Committee Member Section of the GRAD form establishes the faculty

who will act as mentors to the graduate student. The Committee must

include only faculty with the appropriate level of graduate faculty status.

The committee must be approved through the appropriate channels of the

academic college before submission to the Graduate College. Any additions

or removals of committee members must be made on an amended GRAD

Form and submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Defense Acceptance and Intellectual Protection

Students with a thesis or dissertation requirement must obtain the DUE:

Immediately upon scheduling the defense date. Students with a thesis or

dissertation requirement must complete this two-part form with their

adviser for approval to present/defense their paper, as well as ensure that

any invention or proprietary information contained in the thesis/

dissertation and presentation/defense of the paper is legally protected.

Completing this form ensures that access to the thesis/dissertation or

presentation/defense, which might disclose an invention, is determined at

the direction of the student and faculty adviser. Upon public disclosure of

an invention, all international patent rights are lost and a one-year bar date

is set to file a patent in the U.S., or all rights are lost.

Approval of Project/Thesis/Dissertation Forms

This form is required of all students completing a project, thesis, or

dissertation requirement. It must be submitted in paper copy with all

original signatures by the last day of the term in which the degree will be

awarded. No exceptions, waivers, or extensions to this deadline will be

granted.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Foreign Language Exams

Certain programs require completion of Foreign Language Examina

tions.

•

Preparation

Graduate students who feel they need special preparation for the

foreign language examination may consult the Department of Foreign

Languages (419.530.2606) for appropriate methods of preparation.

French, German and Latin for Reading Knowledge courses, numbered

5210, are offered for non-language majors and are recommended for

the purpose of better preparing students who have insufficient

previous language training. For some programs, the 5210 class fulfills

the foreign language requirement. Students should consult their

major department for details concerning the requirement

•

Preliminary Procedures

Graduate students should first complete an Application Form for the

Foreign Language Examination. The application is available on the

Graduate College Website. Bring the completed form to the Graduate

College Office (University Hall 3240) for signature, and then submit the

signed copy to the Foreign Language Department (Field House 2400).

This must be done at least two weeks prior to the week of the

examination (that is, by the end of the seventh week in a regular

semester and the second week of a summer session). Since these tests

are administered by the Department of Foreign Languages,

appropriate material must be approved well in advance by that

department. Graduate students, often in consultation with their

advisers, select materials to be brought to the Department of Foreign

Languages Office. Faculty members from the Department of Foreign

Languages will approve the material and select at least 40 pages of

text to be studied by the candidate.

Please avoid works of fiction and similar works commonly translated

into English, as well as texts with large number of graphs, pictures or

diagrams. Usually, it takes three to four days to secure approval of the

examination material.

•

Examination Procedures

Each examination will consist of a written translation of 600 to 900

words (from the 40 pages of approved text) to be completed within a

three hour period. Students must indicate in their translations an

ability to read the foreign language accurately and to express

themselves in correct English. Demonstration of proper language

structure is more important than an incoherent running of otherwise

correct vocabulary. The use of a dictionary (to be supplied by the

candidate) will be permitted.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

•

Time and Place of the Examination

Each semester, examinations are given during the ninth week of

classes, Monday through Friday, in the Test Center (Field House Room

1080). Students should call the Test Center well in advance at

419.530.2011 to arrange their test time, which is determined on a

space available basis. In the summer sessions, examinations are given

during the fourth week of classes.

•

Grading and Notification

The Foreign Language examination is not graded on a traditional letter

basis; it is simply marked pass or fail. Approximately one week after

the examination is taken; the Department of Foreign Languages will

notify the College of Graduate Studies and the candidate’s advisor of

the results of the examination. Students who fail may repeat the

Foreign Language examination in a subsequent semester, but not

more than a total of three times in a single language. The student

must submit a different text for approval if repeating the exam. No fee

is charged for the examination.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Project, Thesis, and Dissertation

Committees

The graduate student, in consultation with the advisor, is responsible for

assembling a project, thesis or dissertation committee that meets all

program and University requirements. All members of the committee must

be members of the Graduate Faculty of the University of Toledo.

Current membership rosters are available on the College of Graduate

Studies Website.

Composition of Master’s Project Committee

Associate membership on the graduate faculty is a prerequisite to chairing

a master’s project committee. A master’s project committee must consist

of a minimum of two members both of whom are at least associate

members of graduate faculty.

Composition of Master’s Thesis Committee

Full membership on the graduate faculty is a prerequisite to chairing a

master’s thesis committee. A master’s thesis committee must consist of a

minimum of three members, all of whom must be members of the

graduate faculty. An expert from outside the University may also serve as

one of the three thesis committee members upon recommendation of the

committee chair, and approval by the department chair and the graduate

dean. The request, along with the Graduate Faculty Membership

Application and curriculum vita, must be submitted to the College of

Graduate Studies for approval prior to appointment to the committee.

Composition of Clinical Masters and

Doctoral Level Scholarly Project Committees

The MSBS clinical track, including Physician Assistant studies, the Doc

tor of

Physical Therapy, and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate adviso

committees are composed of a minimum of one member. For the DNP

degree, the Project Committee will consist of a chair and two other

graduate faculty members selected in collaboration with the chair. The

other committee members need to have Full Graduate Faculty or adjunct

Graduate Faculty status as appointed by the respective College of Graduate

Studies.

Composition of Doctoral Dissertation Committee

Full membership on the graduate faculty is a prerequisite to chairing a

doctoral dissertation committee. A doctoral dissertation committee must

consist of a minimum of four members. One of the four members must be

an external committee member whose primary appointment is outside the

candidate’s program or department or may be outside the University. The

external member must be familiar with the standards of doctoral research

in the field of the dissertation and should be in a field related to the

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

student’s dissertation topic. Those committee members who are tenured or

tenure-track UT faculty must be members of UT’s graduate faculty. An

expert from outside the University may serve on the doctoral dissertation

committee upon the recommendation of the committee chair, and

approval by the department chair and the graduate dean. The request,

along with the Graduate Faculty Membership Application and reader’s

curriculum vita, must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies for

approval prior to committee appointment.

The composition of the doctoral dissertation committee is recommended

by the chair of the committee in consultation with the student; it requires

concurrence by the relevant department/program director, the dean (or

designate) of the academic division, and approval by the dean of the

College of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Graduation

The University has three (3) official graduations: May, August and

December. However, it holds two (2) commencement ceremonies per

year: one in May, the other in December. Those students anticipating the

August graduation will have the opportunity to participate in either the

December or May commencement ceremony. Students graduating in

summer but participating in the spring ceremony must apply for

graduation by the fifth week of the previous spring semester to ensure

their name appears in the commencement book. All summer graduates

will be invited to the fall ceremony held in December.

Students expecting to graduate in May, August or December need to

submit a formal “Application for Graduation” by the posted deadline for

the term. Applications for Graduation should be completed through the

MyUT portal (MyUT.utoledo.edu). Applications for graduation may be

accepted after the deadline date; however, applying after the deadline

often means the student has missed graduation related information and

mailings, and the student's name may not appear in the commencement

program. No applications will be accepted after the last day of classes for

that term. Information regarding the ceremonies will be mailed to you

during the semester. Students who fail to graduate in the semester for

which they have applied must submit a new application and be registered

for a minimum of one graduate credit hour.

There is a one-time (per graduate degree program) Graduation Services

fee of

$125 assessed prior to degree conferral. This is assessed the first time you

apply for graduation from a graduate degree program.

Once your application has been processed, the fee will not be refunded. If

you do find it necessary to withdraw your application and apply for a future

term, you will not be assessed the fee again.

Please note that attendance at the ceremony does not mean that you have

graduated, but simply that you have participated in the ceremony, with

actual graduation contingent upon completion of all degree requirements.

Degrees are posted to the transcript record within thirty days of the

commencement date (but may take longer in some instances) providing all

requirements have been met by the required deadlines and the College of

Graduate Studies has academically cleared the student. Graduate students

completing all degree requirements will receive their diplomas

approximately six to eight weeks after the ceremony. The diploma will be

mailed to students using the graduation address as given on the Application

for Graduation form. It is imperative that all deadlines are met, as

graduation deadlines cannot be extended.

Contact the Bookstore to place your order for cap and gown. Check with

the Registrar’s Office for exact deadlines. Information regarding rings and

announcements will be provided by the Bookstore.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Academic and Financial Deficiencies.

All matters concerning incompletes, in progress grades (PR’s), missing

grades, prior degrees, plans of study, dissertations, thesis work, proper

admissions to the College of Graduate Studies, and any other requirements

needed to complete the degree program must be completed and processed

through the College of Graduate Studies and/or the Registrar’s Office.

Students will be notified by e-mail (to their UTAD account only) of any

deficiencies after applying for graduation. Please contact the College of

Graduate Studies for specific deadlines.

Computer Accounts.

Information Technology will purge any student data from university

systems after you graduate or leave the University. For email, student

accounts (i.e. first.last@rockets.utoledo.edu) stay active as long as the

account is utilized. Home directory and campus distribution lists are

removed but students are welcome to continue to use their rockets

account. If the password expires for more than six months the account is

deleted.

Directory Release of Information.

If your student records have been coded as “No Release” for directory

information, your name will NOT be published in any area newspapers for

graduation. If you wish to verify or change your directory release

information, you must contact Graduation Processing in Student Records at

419.530.4829 no later than one month before graduation. Release of

information to area media cannot be guaranteed after that date.

Completion Requirements

Certain requirements must be satisfied if you are to graduate on schedule.

In order to serve the many students applying for graduation each

semester, the College of Graduate Studies must strictly enforce all

necessary deadlines. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all the

requirements are met. Check with your advisor to ensure that all

department and college degree requirements have been met. If you have

any questions about the requirements detailed below, please contact the

College of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Certificate

Apply for graduation through the MyUT portal prior to the filing dead-

line for the semester in which you plan to graduate, whether a formal

ceremony is held or not. The application should be submitted through

the MyUT portal.

Regular admission status into the College of Graduate Studies in the

department and college for which you are applying for your degree

is required.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Registered for a minimum of one graduate credit hour in the semester

you apply to graduate. Please note: Completion of an In- complete

(IN), an in Progress (PR), or non-recorded (NR) grade will not fulfill the

registration requirement. If your graduation is postponed for any

reason, it will be necessary to register for a minimum of one graduate

credit hour during the semester you re-apply for graduation.

Official undergraduate transcripts must be on file in the College of

Graduate Studies. If the degree was earned at The University of

Toledo, all items will be on file. International students must also

provide their diploma. Transcripts and diplomas must be provided in

both English and the native language.

Approved Plan of Study must be on file with the College of Graduate

Studies. Courses on your Plan of Study must appear on your transcript.

Any changes to your approved Plan of Study must be filed with the

College of Graduate Studies either by completion of a Course

Substitution form or an amended Plan of Study. All course-work must

fall within the four year time limitation to complete the certificate

degree. Any coursework that exceeds this time limit will require

revalidation.

All grades must be posted. Incomplete and in Progress grades must be

removed from your transcript. Exception: Students contiuing in

another degree program when those courses are not being used to

fulfill the requirements for the degree being evaluated for completion.

Attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.

Payment of all outstanding fines and fees. If there are any out-

standing fees, a hold will be placed on your account and your diploma

and transcript cannot be mailed.

All required forms (if applicable based upon your program

requirements) must be completed and on file in the College of

Graduate Studies: Plan of Study and Graduate Student Exit Survey.

Master’s Degree

Apply for graduation through the MyUT portal prior to the filing

deadline for the semester in which you plan to graduate, whether a

formal ceremony is held or not. The application should be submitted

through the MyUT portal.

Regular admission status into the College of Graduate Studies in the

department and college for which you are applying for your degree is

required.

Registered for a minimum of one graduate credit hour in the semester

you apply to graduate. Please note: Completion of an Incomplete (IN),

an in Progress (PR), or non-recorded (NR) grade will not fulfill the

registration requirement. If your graduation is postponed for any

reason, it will be necessary to register for a minimum of one graduate

credit hour during the semester you re-apply for graduation.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Official undergraduate transcripts must be on file in the College of

Graduate Studies. If the degree was earned at The University of

Toledo, all items will be on file. International students must also

provide their diploma. Transcripts and diplomas must be provided in

both English and the native language.

Approved Plan of Study must be on file with the College of Graduate

Studies. Courses on your Plan of Study must appear on your transcript.

Any changes to your approved Plan of Study must be filed with the

College of Graduate Studies either by completion of a Course

Substitution form or a revised Plan of Study. All coursework must fall

within the six year time limitation to complete the master’s degree.

Any coursework that exceeds this time limit will require revalidation.

Written proof of passing Comprehensive Exams if these are part of the

requirements for your degree.

If completing a project or thesis, it must be approved by your

committee. Composition of the committee must meet all University

guidelines. All committee members must hold Graduate Faculty

Membership.

For students completing a Project, the Approval of Project

form must be submitted no later than the last day of classes

for the term the degree will be awarded. Projects are not

submitted to the Graduate College or uploaded to OhioLINK.

For students completing a thesis, submission of Acceptance

of Thesis for Defense Form is required when your defense is

scheduled.

For students completing a Thesis, your document must be

approved by your college and uploaded in an electronic

format to OhioLINK no later than the last day of classes for

the term the degree will be awarded. The “Approval of

Thesis” form must be submitted to the Graduate College at

that time. As your college may have a separate deadline,

earlier than the Graduate College deadline, please check

with your department to ensure all posted deadlines are

met. Please be sure to use the Manual for the Formatting of

Graduate Dissertations and Theses.

All grades must be posted. Incomplete and in Progress grades must be

removed from your transcript. Exception: Students continuing in

another degree program when those courses are not being used to

fulfill the requirements for the degree being evaluated for completion.

Attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.

10)

Payment of all outstanding fines and fees. If there are any outstanding

fees, a hold will be placed on your account and your diploma and

transcript cannot be mailed.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

11)

All required forms (if applicable based upon your program

requirements) must be completed and on file in the College of

Graduate

Studies: Graduate Research Advisory (GRAD) Committee

Approval

& Assurances, Approval of Project/Thesis, Intellectual

Protection and Patent Sign-Off Form, and Graduate Student Exit

Survey.

Doctoral Degree

Apply for graduation through the MyUT portal prior to the filing

deadline for the semester in which you plan to graduate, whether a

formal ceremony is held or not. The application should be submitted

through the MyUT portal.

Regular admission status into the College of Graduate Studies in the

department and college for which you are applying for your degree is

required.

Registered for a minimum of one graduate credit hour in the semester

you apply to graduate. Please note: Completion of an Incomplete (IN),

an in Progress (PR), or a non-recorded (NR) grade will not fulfill the

registration requirement. If your graduation is postponed for any

reason, it will be necessary to register for a minimum of one graduate

credit hour during the semester you re-apply for graduation.

Official undergraduate transcripts must be on file in the College of

Graduate Studies. Masters transcripts on file if appropriate. If the

degree was earned at The University of Toledo, all items will be on file.

International students must also provide their original diploma.

Transcripts and diplomas must be provided in both English and the

native language.

Approved Plan of Study must be on file with the College of Graduate

Studies. Courses on your Plan of Study must appear on your transcript.

Any changes to your approved Plan of Study must be filed with the

College of Graduate Studies either by completion of a Course

Substitution form or a revised Plan of Study. All coursework must fall

within the seven year time limitation to complete the doc- toral

degree. Any coursework that exceeds this time limit will require

revalidation.

Written proof of passing Comprehensive and/or Foreign Language

Exams

if these are part of the requirements for your degree.

Acceptance of Dissertation for Defense form is required when defense

is scheduled.

Dissertation must be approved by your committee. Composition of the

committee must meet all University guidelines. All members must hold

Graduate Faculty Status. Your document must be ap- proved by your

college and uploaded in an electronic format to OhioLINK no later than

the last day of classes for the term the degree will be awarded. The

signed “Approval of Dissertation” form must be submitted to the

Graduate College at that time. As your college may have a separate

deadline, earlier than the Graduate

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

College deadline, please check with your department to ensure all

posted deadlines are met. Please be sure to use the Manual for the

Formatting of Graduate Dissertations and Theses available on the

College of Graduate Studies Website.

All grades must be posted. Incomplete and In Progress grades must be

removed from your transcript.

10)

Attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.

11)

Payment of all outstanding fines and fees. If there are any out-

standing fees, a hold will be placed on your account and your diplo- ma

and transcript cannot be mailed.

12)

All required forms must be completed and on file in the College of

Graduate Studies: Graduate Research Advisory (GRAD) Committee

Approval & Assurances, Application for Candidacy, Approval of

Dis

sertation, Intellectual Protection and Patent Sign-Off, Survey of

Earned Doctorates, and Graduate Student Exit Survey.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Health & Safety

Health Requirements

Graduate programs that have clinical components such as patient care

have health requirements. Immunizations, CPR, physicals, and other

health requirements are determined by the individual program. Contact

your program advisor or program office for detailed information regarding

these requirements, associated fees, and forms.

Student Health Insurance

The University believes it is important that all students maintain health

insurance coverage to help ensure academic success and wellbeing. For

detailed information regarding UT Student Health Coverage and rates,

please visit: https://www.utoledo.edu/depts/hr/benefits/student/

Student Safety

At the University of Toledo the safety and well-being of all students is our

primary concern. Students are encouraged to visit the University of

Toledo Police Homepage for the latest safety and security information,

and to educate themselves on safe choices and best practices.

The site provides information on the appropriate responses to a wide

range

of situations, including fire, evacuation, weather-related emergen

cies, and

other situations that may impact the operations of the University. Students

are strongly encouraged to sign up for the UT Alert communication system

to receive a text message, e-mail or phone call if there is a campus

emergency, class cancellation or other critical information.

http://www.utoledo.edu/depts/police/

Rocket Card

The Rocket Card is the official University of Toledo Identification Card.

Students on the Health Science Campus must have their I.D. badge in their

possession and worn at waist level or above.

http://www.utoledo.edu/rocketcard/

Key Control

Policy Number: 3364-20-09

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/administration/facilities/pdfs/3364-

20-09-key-control.pdf

Facilities and Construction is authorized to issue university keys to faculty,

staff, graduate assistants, students, and individuals with an authorized

relationship (i.e. visiting scholars, ACE fellows, etc) and requiring key access

to university facilities.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Procedure details can be found under the link entitled “ADM-07 Key

Control” standard operating procedure

(SOP) located at:

https://www.utoledo.edu/facilities/sop-approved.html.

HSC Card Access

The UT Health Science Campus has a card access system. Please check

with

your department regarding access areas and authorization proce

dures.

http://w

ww.

utol

u/d

pts

ce/HS

ard

_Acces

Vehicle Traffic and Parking

Policy Number: 3364-61-01

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/administration/police/pdfs/

3364_61_01.pdf

The University of Toledo provides parking facilities for use by the

University's students, faculty, staff, patients, affiliates, visitors, guests,

and other persons or groups whose activities are consistent with the

mission of the University. The University retains the right to determine

which activities are consistent with its mission.

http://www.utoledo.edu/parkingservices/index.html

Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Policy

Policy Number: 3364-60-01

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/administration/safety_health/pdfs/

3364_60_01_smoke_free_tobacco_free_policy.pdf

In an effort to promote the highest levels of health and well-being, The

University of Toledo campuses are tobacco-free. Tobacco-free policies

benefit our campuses, including smokers and nonsmokers, by protecting all

persons from unhealthy exposure to secondhand smoke and providing a

supportive environment that helps tobacco users reduce or cease use of

tobacco products.

Except for expressly noted exceptions this policy applies consistently to all

faculty, staff, students, visitors, patients and contractors of the

University of

Toledo: Main Campus, Health Science Campus, Scott Park

Campus, UTMC

Clinical Satellite locations, Center for Visual Arts, Lake Erie Center, and

Strahan Arboretum.

Policy on Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Policy Number: 3364-30-02

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/main_campus/student_life/pdfs/

3364-30-02%20%20Policy%20on%20alcoholic%20beverages.pdf

It is the goal of The University of Toledo to establish and sustain an

environment on campus that is conducive to the intellectual, emotional,

and social growth of all the members of its community. The University of

Toledo is committed to promoting and maintaining a work and academic

environment that is free from illegal use of alcohol and drug use/abuse in

accordance with all federal, state, local or University regulations, as well as

the federal drug free schools and campus regulations.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

This policy is designed to inform University faculty, staff and students about

the University’s commitment to maintaining an alcohol and drug free work

and academic environment. This policy also governs the possession, sale

and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the University’s campuses. It is

the University’s goal through these policies and programs, to encourage

members of its community to make responsible decisions and to promote

safe, legal, and healthy patterns of social interaction.

When there has been a violation of the standards of conduct, the University

shall initiate appropriate measures which may include disciplinary action.

Such action may result in sanctions up to an including suspension or

separation from the University. Violations may be reported by the

University to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Those referred to

law enforcement authorities are subject to prosecution.

Sexual Harassment and Other Forms of Harassment

Policy

Statement

Policy Number: 3364-50-01/Policy Number: 3364-50-02

https://www.utoledo.edu/policies/administration/diversity/

The University is committed to maintaining an environment of equity and

respect that is free from sexual harassment and other harassment

prohibited by this policy to enable all employees and students to perform

to their highest level of potential. Harassment prohibited by this policy

impedes the realization of the University’s mission of distinction in

education, scholarship and service. Members of the University com- munity

have the collective responsibility to eliminate harassment prohibited by this

policy through education and by encouraging all members of the University

community to report concerns or complaints. (Please visit the University

Policy Website to view the complete policy.)

Sexual Assault Response/Prevention

Policy Number: 3364-50-01

https://www.utoledo.edu/title-ix/sexual-misconduct/confidential-resources.html

The University of Toledo is committed to creating a community free from

violence. Sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, and

stalking will not be tolerated at the University of Toledo. Sexual assault can

include any form of actual or attempted sexual activity perpetrated upon a

person without the consent of that person and against that person's will.

Responsibility for obtaining consent lies with the person initiating or

escalating sexual activity in an atmosphere free from coercion, force, or

intoxication. Consent should be obtained verbally throughout sexual

interaction. Silence does not constitute consent. Consent may be

withdrawn at any point during sexual activity.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

The Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program ("SAEPP") is a

campus resource that provides confidential, pressure-free support and

information to survivors of sexual assault, by phone or in person. SAEPP can

provide information about sexual assault reporting options, options for

medical treatment and evidence collection, campus and community

resources, and survivor's rights. SAEPP advocates are available to

accompany survivors and provide support during medical visits, law

enforcement contacts, campus judicial hearings, and local court

proceedings. All university personnel should refer sexual assault survivors

to SAEPP. https://www.utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/SAEPP/

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Fellowships, Scholarships and Awards

Applications for the following Fellowships, Scholarships and Awards

awarded by the College of Graduate Studies are generally available by early

to mid-fall semester with an application deadline of mid-February (date

specified on application forms). For questions or additional infor

mation,

please email [email protected] or visit the College of Gradu

ate Studies.

University Fellowships

The prestigious University Fellowship is the highest award the College of

Graduate Studies offers. This award is for new, incoming Ph.D. students

who have exceptional academic records and are registering for the first

time in the fall semester. It provides a stipend for the academic year as

defined by each departmental program, plus remission of instructional

fees, the out-of-state tuition and general and other student fees. There are

a limited number of these competitive fellowships. It may be renewed for

up to three years for a total of four years of support provided the student

maintains an outstanding academic record and makes significant progress

toward the degree. Applicants should be full-time doctoral students.

Practice or professional doctorate students are not eligible (JD, PharmD,

MD). Acceptance by the program is required prior to the award

designation, and previous recipients of this award are not eligible.

Graduate Dean’s Scholars and Fellows (GDSF)

The Graduate Dean’s Scholars and Fellow (GDSF) is part of the College of

Graduate Studies Diversity and Outreach Initiative which seeks to ensure

that students traditionally under-represented nationally in graduate

education have access to assistance to encourage their pursuit of higher

education and possess the skills, leadership and ability to make a significant

impact in their chosen field participation. The Graduate Dean’s Scholars

and Fellows will act as ambassadors for the College of Graduate Studies and

support its efforts to provide rich and rewarding experiences that enhance

inclusion and exhibit the rich human diversity of our graduate programs.

This Diversity and Inclusion Initiative also provides funding for Masters and

Doctoral students at the University of Toledo who contribute to the

diversity of their program of study and/or the university community.

Graduate Dean’s Scholars and Fellows receive full-time tuition (based on

the requirements of your academic program and the approval of the

College of Graduate Studies) for up to 4 semesters for a master’s degree or

up to 8 semesters for a doctoral degree, and a stipend commensurate with

that offered in the program of study. Tuition refers to instructional fees

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

only (in-state and out-of-state tuition) and cannot be applied to

undergraduate, audited or repeated courses. Scholars/Fellows are expected

to fulfill a 20-hour a week assistantship, which includes diversity and

inclusion related activities while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

McNair Scholars Awards

The McNair Post-Baccalaureate Scholars program at The University of

Toledo

offers two opportunities for students who participated in an un

dergraduate

Ronald E. McNair Baccalaureate Achievement program.

Graduate Application Fee Incentive

The College of Graduate Studies will waive the graduate application fee for

McNair Scholars that seek admission to a masters or doctoral program at

the University of Toledo. Applicants are required to provide documentation

from the Director of the undergraduate McNair Program that verifies

completion of Ronald E. McNair program prior to initiating the application

process. Please see the College of Graduate Studies website for instructions

on requesting the application fee waiver.

McNair Graduate Scholar Award

The McNair Graduate Scholarship Award is part of the College of Graduate

Studies Diversity and Outreach Initiative. The scholarship seeks to ensure

that students traditionally under-represented nationally in graduate

education have access to assistance to encourage their participation.

This award is available to students applying for admission to a masters or

doctoral program and successfully completed an undergraduate Ronald E.

McNair Baccalaureate Achievement program. This award is competitive

with preference given to doctoral students and first year students.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Students awarded the McNair Graduate Scholar Award will receive a

graduate assistantship, consisting of a stipend and a tuition waiver for full-

time enrollment for up to 4 semesters of a master’s degree or up to 8

semesters of a doctoral degree.

Please see the College of Graduate Studies website for eligibility criteria

and application information.

Richard L. Bostleman Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is presented to one full-time graduate student at The

University of Toledo who has successfully completed an undergraduate

degree

and participated at least two years in NCAA level intercollegiate athletics at

UT. Must have applied to the College of Graduate Studies and be formally

admitted to a graduate program at UT. The recipient is selected on the basis

of merit. The scholarship is renewable provided the recipient is making

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Satisfactory progress towards their degree; generally, for no more than two

years at the master’s level and three years at the doctoral level. This

scholarship becomes available only after the existing recipient has

concluded the terms of this scholarship support. The amount varies each

year depending upon available funds and in the past has ranged between

$2,000 - $3,000.

Helen M. Fields Memorial Achievement Award

This award is presented to one full-time graduate student with an excellent

academic record in the field of English or Education. The recipient will

receive a certificate in addition to the award. The amount varies depending

upon available funds and in the past has averaged $300 -

$2,500.

Robert N. Whiteford Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is presented to one full-time graduate student to assist in

research for the thesis, project or dissertation and to further the student’s

professional development. The recipient will receive a certificate of

recognition in addition to the scholarship. The amount varies each year

depending upon available funds and in the past has averaged

$300 - $600.

Additional Graduate Scholarships

The Office of Student Financial Aid provides a listing of scholarship

opportunities http://www.utoledo.edu/financialaid/scholarships/

Application procedures and deadlines are specific to each scholarship.

Note: Need-based scholarships may require a completed Free Applica

tion for

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be on file. Students may complete the FAFSA

on the web at http//:www.fafsa.ed.gov or students may contact the Office

of Student Financial Aid at 419.530.8700.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Graduate Student Association

Student Union 1509

https://www.utoledo.edu/graduate/currentstudents/gsa/

GraduateStudentAssociati[email protected]

419.482.8383

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is an organization that strives to

voice

the concerns of graduate students, representing approximately 4,500

graduate students at the University of Toledo (UT), while also

sponsoring

numerous graduate programs and providing funding to subsi

dize travel to

conferences and symposiums. The GSA represents the diverse graduate

community by serving on numerous University-wide committees and

councils including the Graduate Council. The GSA organizes the annual

Midwest Graduate Research Symposium (MGRS) each spring to encourage

graduate students to share their research with university colleagues and

other graduate students and faculty judges from around the Midwest. The

GSA also organizes social events both on and off campus to help graduate

students develop social and professional contacts across all of the

University’s colleges.

Travel Reimbursement Program

The GSA will provide travel funds to graduate students to participate in

conferences, conventions and seminars. The fund has a budget each

semester for travel awards. Applications are available through the Graduate

Student Association website. Check the GSA website for application

deadlines and protocols.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Policies and Procedures for Graduate

Assistants

The following are the regulations governing graduate assistantships funded

by the College of Graduate Studies of The University of Toledo. These

regulations may be supplemented by departmental or college requirements

for the specific position the student is appointed to fill.

Questions regarding your assistantship should be directed to your advisor,

immediate supervisor, or the departmental graduate program director.

Availability

Assistantships are available for students enrolled in degree-granting

programs in most graduate departments. Students must be registered each

term the assistantship is awarded in accordance with all regulations

governing graduate assistantships. At this time there is no centralized list of

open assistantship positions. Areas supporting graduate assistantships

include academic advisor, department chairs, college offices, and non-

academic departments. To enquire about graduate assistantships, students

need to first contact their academic program advisor.

Definitions of Assistantships

The graduate assistantship provides an opportunity for a graduate student

to serve in a professional role and to establish a professional relationship

with faculty and administrators. Only graduate students holding regular

admission to a degree program are eligible for graduate assistantships.

There are four types of assistantships available at The

University of Toledo:

Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships,

Administrative

Assistantships, and Internships/Externships.

Teaching Assistantships

The Teaching Assistant is expected to participate directly in the teaching of

a course or be assigned to specific teaching support or related activities. It

is expected that the assistantship will be a learning experience that

facilitates completion of degree requirements and helps the student

prepare for a professional career. The University’s intention is to make the

teaching assistantship a valuable and integral part of the student’s graduate

education.

Research Assistantships

The Research Assistant is expected to participate in research as directed by

a University faculty member. In many cases, the faculty member will have a

research grant. The appointment is primarily a learning experience.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Rather than function simply in one isolated phase or serve as a clerical

assistant, the assistant will be given the opportunity to learn research

design, data fathering, data treatment, interpretation, reporting, etc. Duties

will be discussed with the sponsoring faculty member.

Administrative Assistantships

The Administrative Assistant is expected to participate directly in the

administrative duties assigned by the supervisor. It is expected that the

assistantship will be a learning experience that facilitates completion of

degree and helps the student prepare for a professional career. The

intention is to make the assistantship a valuable and integral part of the

graduate student’s higher educational experience.

Internships/Externships

A selected number of graduate programs provide paid internships/

externships through agreements with companies/organizations in the

Toledo area. The internship/externship provides the graduate student an

opportunity to serve in a professional role and to establish relationships

with professionals in their field of study. Duties will be discussed with the

sponsoring company representative and the UT faculty member. Students

should contact their department for more information.

Benefits

Graduate Assistants receive a stipend and tuition scholarship. Stipends

differ by discipline and rank. Contact the department for specific

information about stipend levels. The tuition scholarship may be used for

graduate-level instructional and out-of-state fees. The number of credit

hours covered is dependent on academic program of study. Typical

graduate assistantships cover 9 credit hours for full time assignments and 6

credit hours for part time assignments. Under no circumstances will a

tuition scholarship be applied for undergraduate courses, courses taken for

audit, or repeat courses.

Graduate Assistants are eligible to receive a faculty/staff parking permit for

the same price as the student permit. The faculty/staff parking permit will

allow Graduate Assistants to park in student or faculty/staff parking lots.

Applying for an Assistantship

The assignment of the graduate assistantship position is made by the

admitting department. When required by the program, the Graduate

Assistantship Application should be submitted simultaneously with the

Graduate Admission Application. Assignments are usually made early in

February and March for the upcoming fall term.

Academic Standards

Only graduate students holding regular admission to a degree granting

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

program are eligible for graduate assistantships. Students holding

assistantships are to maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in order to remain

eligible for assistantship support. Any student with an assistantship who

fails to achieve a 3.0 GPA will have one semester to raise their average to

the minimum level. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the

assistantship. This policy applies to appointments for the summer semester

as well as the academic year. Graduate students who fail to achieve a 3.0

GPA over two consecutive semesters may be suspended or terminated

from their academic programs at The University of Toledo.

Job Descriptions/Duties

Graduate assistants will be assigned specific duties by their immediate

supervisors either as teaching assistants, research assistants, administrative

assistants, or interns/externs. Graduate Assistants should completely

understand their duties before beginning the academic semester in which

they are assigned. An assistant can be terminated for one or more of the

following: Neglect of duty, Failure to make adequate progress toward the

degree, Incompetence, and/or Financial condition of the University.

Terminations of Graduate Assistantships due to any of the above-

mentioned conditions may cause revocation of all or a portion of the

stipend and tuition scholarship. The Graduate Assistant’s department and

immediate supervisor will make this determination.

Length of Employment and Enrollment

The length of appointment of your assistantship is stipulated by the

department. Students must be aware of their financial support

mechanisms, concerning number of credit hours enrolled and know what

the stipulations are for their particular circumstances.

It has been the practice of the College of Graduate Studies to not extend

appointments beyond the following:

Master’s level – two years for full-time assistants and four years for part

-time.

Doctoral level – four years for full-time assistants and eight years for part-

time

Only rarely have exceptions to this policy been granted.

Additional On-Campus Employment

Additional employment outside graduate assistantship must not be

assumed by the student. The student is expected to work full- or part- time

toward a degree, depending upon the enrollment required for the

assistantship. Exceptions will be made only for assignments of short

duration, per semester and if the student has a minimum GPA of 3.0.

International students are only permitted to work a total of 20 hours per

week during the academic year and 28 during summer semester.

Domestic students are allowed to work a total of 24-25 hours per week,

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

including their assistantship for the entire year. The Request for On-

Campus Employment Outside of Graduate Assistantship Duties Form

requesting the College of Graduate Studies permission for additional

employment may be obtained online at the College of Graduate Studies’

Website or from the student’s advisor. The student’s advisor must argue

that the progress of the student towards their degree will not be delayed or

disrupted by the additional assignment.

English Language Test for International Teaching Assistants

The State of Ohio (1986) requires that all assistants who provide instruction

services in the classroom must be tested for English proficiency before

assuming their assistantship responsibilities. The University of Toledo and

the American Language Institute screen new international teaching

assistants (ITA) to ensure minimum standards of spoken language

proficiency are met before allowing ITAs to teach at the university. The

screening process required for each student is dependent upon the English

proficiency assessment tool that was taken to satisfy the requirement for

regular admission. This assessment (SPEAK test) is done during the week

before their first term. Those international students that do not meet the

standard will be required to take additional English language training

provided by the American Language Institute (ALI) until proficiency is

verified by the appropriate testing. http://www.utoledo.edu/cisp/ali/

Payroll

Graduate assistants receive a stipend for work as stipulated in offer letter.

The stipend will be broken down into equal paychecks based on dates

stipulated in offer letter. Once students see the Employee Tab on the MyUT

portal they are able to set up Direct Deposit, otherwise paychecks are

mailed on the payroll date to the student’s local address as stated on their

MyUT account. All graduate assistants are paid one week in arrears.

Graduate Assistants selecting the direct deposit option can view and print

their paystub on MyUT under the Employee tab. It is important to ensure

that all appropriate paperwork (ePAF, etc.) are submitted by the student’s

home department by the appropriate deadline each term.

Parking

Parking permits can be requested on MyUT Student Self Service each

semester. Graduate Assistants are eligible to upgrade their student parking

permit to faculty/staff parking privileges at the same rate as a student

permit. This can be done once the student sees their active employee tab

on MyUT. To avoid a ticket, students should park in designated student

areas until you receive email confirming your parking pass has been

upgraded to staff status. Students need to apply for a new permit each

semester.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

College of Medicine & Life

Sciences Support Opportunities

Predoctoral Fellowship/Graduate Research Assistantship

Full-time students admitted to regular status in the Biomedical Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy degree program may be eligible for financial sup- port

in the form of a predoctoral fellowship or graduate research assistantship.

This support requires that the student be actively registered EACH semester

in which they are seeking fellowship/graduate research assistantship

support. PhD students with a stipend from a predoctoral

fellowship/graduate research assistantship will be supported in whole or

part by the College

of Graduate Studies (COGS) funds. Current Funding

structure for stipend

support is;

First Year 100% support from COGS

Second Year 50% support from COGS and 50% from

major Advisor grant(s)

Third Year 25% support from COGS and 75% from

major Advisor grant(s)

Fourth/Fifth Year 100% support from major Advisor grant(s)

Stipend support is based on the current National Institutes of

Health/National Research Service Award level.

All tuition funding support is from College of Graduate Studies.

For Eligibility requirements please contact the Program Director of the

academic program of interest.

Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) Premaster Fellowships

limited number of premaster fellowships (currently $10,000 per year) from

the College of Graduate Studies are available for MSBS/research track

candidates who meet the specific departmental or program requirements.

MSBS Premaster Fellowship awards are limited to 2 years or less. For

further information please contact the Program Director of specialization.

Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) Research Track

Graduate Research Assistantship

Students may be eligible for a MSBS research track graduate research

assistantship award after they have completed all of the didactic courses on

their MSBS Plan of Study (usually the second year). The MSBS Re- search

Track Research Assistantship award is limited to 1 year.

Please contact your academic program or department for specific

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

requirements.

Students with more than one year of support while in the PhD program are

not eligible for MSBS research track graduate research assistantship

support from the College of Graduate Studies.

To receive a MSBS research track graduate research assistantship

award, the

process must be initiated by the student’s advisor and department funds

must be available.

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences—MSBS Tuition

Scholarship Award

A limited number of MSBS tuition scholarship awards are available for

MSBS/research track candidates who meet specific departmental or

program requirements. The applicant should have the potential to con-

tribute to the research programs in their department/program.

MSBS Tuition scholarships are limited to the first 30 didactic (carrying a

letter grade) credits on the student’s UT transcript.

For students transferring from a PhD to a master’s degree program, the

tuition scholarship already awarded will count toward the maximum six

semesters permitted by the tuition scholarship.

Applications for MSBS Tuition Scholarship Award

To apply for an MSBS tuition scholarship the applicant must have a major

advisor. A recommendation for a scholarship must be made by the

student’s major advisor and the department/program director to the

Associate Dean of the College of Medicine Graduate Programs and the

Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Other Master’s Tuition Scholarship Awards

Master’s tuition scholarship awards also are available for students in other

master's programs. To be eligible for these awards, new students must be

regularly admitted to one of the following programs and student must

contact the individual specified.

•

MSOH and MPH students apply to the Chairperson of Public Health.

•

OTD students apply to the Chairperson of Occupational Therapy.

•

Physician Assistant students apply to the Chairperson of Physician

Assistant Studies.

•

MSN students apply to the Associate Dean of MSN

•

Doctor of Physical Therapy students to the Chairperson of Physical

Therapy.

Postdoctoral fellows, University Medical Center residents and fellows

may

receive a full-time or part-time tuition scholarship award when approved

by the Associate Dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences and the

Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Retention of Awards

Predoctoral Fellowship/Graduate Research Assistantship/MSBS

Premaster

Fellowships/MSBS Research Track Graduate Research Assistantship, plus MSBS

Tuition Scholarship Awards and other HSC Master’s

Tuition Scholarships

For a student to retain their award they must be continuously registered

per their program requirements, be in good academic standing and making

satisfactory progress toward the degree. It is the responsibility of the

student to be aware of all policies, procedures, and expectations covered in

The University of Toledo’s policies, General Catalog, and the Graduate

College Handbook, as well as those resources given to you by your program,

department or college.

Tuition Scholarships

In addition to above requirements for all HSC graduate students, students

who received a tuition scholarship and have completed all courses on their

Plan of Study or core curriculum with only Thesis Research or Scholarly

Project to complete degree, may enroll as a part-time student and retain

the tuition scholarship.

Students in the OTD and MSBS/PA programs may enroll as a part-time

student for the last semester of their program and retain a tuition

scholarship.

Tuition scholarships for students in the MSOH, OTD, MSBS/PA, MPH, DPT,

and MSBS/PT are for one academic year with the possibility to apply for a

second year of support. Second year support is not automatic. Students will

compete with all other students applying for the second year scholarship

support. Tuition scholarships may be awarded for a maximum of 2 years for

students in these other programs.

Good Academic Standing

All graduate students receiving financial support (stipend and tuition or

tuition only) are to adhere to the Graduate Academic Standards. If, in any

semester, the student loses their good academic standing, they may follow

the procedures below requesting maintenance of support upon this loss of

good academic standing. The Dean, College of Graduate Studies may

approve the request, or may refer the request to the Graduate Academic

Program director.

The procedures to be followed in requesting maintenance of support

upon the loss of good academic standing are as follows:

1. Student must initiate in writing, a discussion with their program

director and major advisor to request their support for continuation

of the award.

2. The advisor or program director should submit a letter to the Dean,

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

College of Graduate Studies requesting continued support. The re

quest

must be justified, taking into account any mitigating circumstances, and

must recommend the number of semesters the student will be allowed

to rectify their GPA.

Renewal

All Programs

Failure to regain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or to replace U grades in the agreed

upon time limit will result in forfeit of the fellowship/graduate research

assistantship/MSBS award without eligibility to petition for continued

support.

These requirements are based on the conviction that full-time fellowship

support has been granted on a competitive basis in support of graduate

education and the recipients should be qualified to move rapidly toward

completion of doctoral requirements.

Additional Employment

Predoctoral (PhD), Premasters in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) and

MSBS

Research Track Graduate Research Assistantship

The purpose of the PhD/MSBS track graduate/fellowship is to allow

students to devote full-time to their scholarly activities. No additional

employment may be undertaken which would interfere with this goal.

Exceptions are rarely granted. Should the student feel additional

employment is essential, they must seek prior permission from their

program director. After review of the mitigating circumstances, the

department may recommend that the Dean, College of Graduate Studies

allow employment within defined limits. Failure to adhere to these

guidelines could result in the discontinuance of the award. Student should

submit the form located on the Graduate College website.

https://www.utoledo.edu/graduate/currentstudents/graduateassistants/

employmentoutsideofassist.html

TRAVEL SUPPORT

The Graduate Student Association will provide travel funds to graduate

students to participate in conferences, conventions and seminars.

Appli

cations are available through the Graduate Student Association website.

Check the GSA website for application deadlines and protocols.

https://www.utoledo.edu/graduate/currentstudents/gsa/

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022

Resources at the University

Career Services

https://www.utoledo.edu/career/

Catherine S. Eberly

Center for Women

http://www.utoledo.edu/centers/eberly/

Counseling Center

http://www.utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/index.html

Office for Diversity and Inclusion

https://www.utoledo.edu/diversity/

Division of Student Affairs

http://www.utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/departments.html

HSC Student Wellness Center

https://www.utoledo.edu/studenthealth/

Information Technology

http://www.utoledo.edu/it/

Learning Enhancement Center

http://www.utoledo.edu/success/lec/index.html

Main Campus University Health Center

https://www.utoledo.edu/studenthealth/

Rocket Solution Central

http://www.utoledo.edu/rsc/

Student Disability Services

http://www.utoledo.edu/offices/student-disability-services/

University Libraries

http://www.utoledo.edu/library/

The Writing Center

http://www.utoledo.edu/success/writingcenter/