All graduate students at Ohio University are expected to familiarize themselves with the Graduate Catalog . The catalog contains academic policy information related to graduate student success including registration requirements, standards of work (i.e., grade-point average requirements for degree conferral), information about graduation, and time limits for program completion.
Ohio University Accessibility Services
Accessibility at Ohio University means collectively working toward the creation of inclusive experiences for all members of our community. Inclusion and accessibility begin with providing transparent information about our institution as we continue to work toward our aspirations.
Any student who suspects they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the class instructor privately to discuss specific needs and provide written documentation from the Office of Student Accessibility Services. If the student is not yet registered as a student with a disability, they should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services by email and also visit their website .
Code of Conduct
Academic integrity and honesty are basic values of Ohio University.  Students are expected to follow standards of academic integrity and honesty.  Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to cheating on examinations, submitting the work of other students as your own, submitting the same assignment in different courses without the instructor’s permission, and plagiarism in any form will result in penalties ranging from an “F” on an assignment to suspension or expulsion, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Academic misconduct is a violation of the Ohio University Student Code of Conduct .
Additionally, all students, student organizations, and student groups are expected to follow the Ohio University Student Code of Conduct. Questions related to the Code of Conduct can be directed to a student’s faculty advisor.
Financial Assistance
The Department of Counseling and Higher Education (CHE) offers limited assistantships and scholarships available to master’s level students. Appointments are based on availability, need, experience, and qualifications. To apply for assistantships or scholarships, visit the Patton College of Education’s assistantship page. Students may also apply for graduate assistantships or student employment at OU Jobs ( Ohio University Jobs/Assistantships ). For scholarships and other financial aid opportunities through Patton College, visit the College’s scholarship and financial aid page . The College will accept applications at any time during the academic year or summer session. Applications received by January 15th will be given preference for the following academic year. Students with a current graduate assistantship (GA) or graduate record scholarship (GRS) seeking re-appointment should complete applications by March 15th. The awarding of assistantships and scholarships during the academic year is dependent on the availability of funds. Continuation of financial assistance is based on department needs and student performance, which is reviewed annually by faculty. Some students acquire GAs in other offices on campus. All students with a GA position, regardless of department or office, must review and comply with Graduate College Graduate Appointment Policies.
Registration Information
All graduate students must be registered for a minimum of .05 to 1 graduate credit in any term in which service is received from Ohio University. Please visit the Graduate Catalog for policies.
Standards of Work
Per the Ohio University Graduate Catalog , conferral of a graduate degree or certificate requires an accumulative graduate grade-point average (GPA) of at least a B (3.0). No course with a grade below a B- (2.0) may be used to satisfy any graduate degree or certificate requirement. Should a student achieve less than an overall B (3.0) GPA, the office of the Dean will request a written statement from the departmental graduate committee to justify the student’s continuation in the program.
Course grades typically employ an A-F scale. An Incomplete (I) means that the student has not completed the work required for a regular (A-F) grade. Students must complete the work within the first two weeks of the next semester of enrollment or two years from the end of the term in which the grade of “I” was given, whichever comes first, or the “I” converts automatically to an “F.” Progress (PR) indicates the student has made progress in the course but has not finished the work required for a letter grade. It may extend longer than one semester. The program does not encourage frequent use of PR grades. Students cannot graduate with a PR on their transcripts.
Graduation
Ohio University holds biannual commencement ceremonies, at the close of fall and spring semesters. Students are required to register and submit a graduation application. Students are encouraged to review their Program of Study along with their DARS ( Degree Audit Reporting System ) and submit any changes using the appropriate form ( Change in Program of Study).
Program Completion Time Limit
Per the Graduate Catalog , six calendar years is the maximum time allowed between the dates of a master’s level graduate program matriculation until the completion of the requirements for the degree. Doctoral students have a seven-year calendar year maximum.
Advisor Assignments and Changes
Upon initial admission, a student at any level (i.e., non-degree, M.Ed., Ph.D.) is assigned a faculty advisor by the program coordinator. The selection of the advisor is based on considerations such as existing advising loads, pairing of students and faculty with identifiable similarity of academic and/or research interests, and when known, student and/or faculty preferences.
Students may request a change in faculty advisor at any time. The student completes the form available on the Patton College forms page . If the decision originates with a student, it will be the sole responsibility of the student to seek out and gain the consent of another faculty member to serve as the advisor. In the event the decision to end an advisor-advisee relationship originates with a faculty member, it will be the responsibility of the faculty member to assist the student in identifying and obtaining a replacement faculty advisor. If no new advisor can be identified, the matter will be brought before the CE faculty for resolution.
Leave of Absence Policy
If you are enrolled in a degree program but do not expect to make progress toward your degree for some time due to personal, medical, or professional reasons, you should request a leave of absence from the degree program before leaving the program temporarily.
Students on an approved leave of absence may not use university resources and services or engage in consultation with faculty in an academic capacity. A leave of absence does not extend the seven-year time limit of the doctoral degree.
Requesting a leave of absence ensures that faculty members in your academic program are aware of your plans and have assisted you in taking the necessary steps to complete work before the leave. An approved request for a leave of absence also confirms to third parties your status as a student in good standing. To request a leave of absence, you must submit a written request to your doctoral advisor stating the reason for the leave and the expected duration of the leave. Please review the Patton College Leave of Absence Policy and the form for submitting the request .
You are responsible for resolving all issues about financial support, federal financial aid, and any outstanding debt to Ohio University before a leave of absence. Before the completion of the leave of absence, you must notify The Patton College Graduate Student Affairs Office, so that the reentry process can be initiated.
Students who are completing work under the auspices of a one-term extension will not be eligible for a leave of absence. If such students need more time to complete their dissertation work, they are eligible to request readmission. A student who does not return and resume enrollment in the degree program after an approved leave of absence will be dropped from the program. To ensure compliance with current SEVIS regulations and visa restrictions, international students on an F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status must also obtain authorization from International Student and Faculty Services before the initiation of a leave of absence and before returning to campus.