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Following is University policy on registration requirements for graduate students holding student assistant positions.

The Graduate School considers full-time enrollment to be 8-12 graduate-level credits (300 and above; no audits or pass/fail) during the fall and spring semesters, and 4-8 graduate credits during the eight-week summer session

Dissertators are considered full-time with three graduate-level credits (generally research and thesis or required seminars).

Non-disseratators holding a fellowship or a research assistantship who need to maintain full-time status in the summer, or to qualify for loan deferral, must be enrolled for at least two graduate-level credits in the eight-week summer session.

Minimum Requirements:

 

Non-Dissertators	Minimum Credits (fall/spring)
RA	8 credits
TA or PA	Non-dissertator teaching assistants (TAs) [and non-dissertator project assistants (PAs)] who hold a semester appointment of at least 33.33% and are enrolled for six graduate credits, or who hold an appointment of at least 50% and are enrolled for four graduate credits, are considered full-time by the Registrar for loan deferment and for certification of student immigration status.
Fellow	8 credits
Trainee	8 credits
Dissertators (All)	3 credits

International students: Both the F-1 and J-1 student visa regulations require students to be full-time for the duration of their studies. Failure to maintain full-time status can result in the loss of F-1/J-1 student benefits, including on-campus employment and practical/academic training options. Any exceptions to full-time enrollment must be authorized by International Student Services (ISS), 217 Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym), 716 Langdon Street, 262-2044. For more information about what INS/USIA consider allowable exceptions, ask for the ISS handout, Less Than Full Time Status.

If you elect not to enroll as a full-time student as defined by the Graduate School, you are responsible for knowing about possible obligations that may require full-time status. Such obligations include visa eligibility, financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, external funding agencies, and department satisfactory progress requirements. Enroll for the highest amount of credits you need.

Full-time Status