Exceptions to Graduate School Policies in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
Exceptions and Other Adjustments to Graduate Council Academic Policies and Graduate School Administrative Policies In Response to COVID–19 Outbreak
Version 12 (Revised December 7, 2021)
- Guidance for new and continuing graduate students in SP 2022
- Guidance for applicants to the Graduate School in FA 2021
- The following exception has been extended through SU 2022 for applicants seeking admission in Fall 2022.
- Guidance for new and continuing graduate students in FA 2021
- All other COVID-related exceptions expire at the end of the SU2021 semester.
- UPDATED - September 15, 2021: Re-Consideration of Exceptions for In-Person Benchmark Examinations
- The following exceptions have been extended through SU21.
- Exception Process for Spring 2021 Optional Alternative Grades - UPDATED – April 1, 2021
- Demonstration of English Proficiency for International Students
- Guidance for Exceptions to Concurrent Degree Policy
- Fall 2020 Guidance for Exceptions to In-Person Participation Requirements for Graduate Benchmark Examination
- Extensions to Graduate Council Time Limits Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Acceptance of SP 20 Semester Towards Doctoral Residency Requirement
- The Graduate School has extended this guidance to allow FA 20 and SP 21 semesters to count towards fulfillment of the doctoral residency requirement (GCAC-601 Residency Requirement – Research Doctorate) for students enrolled full time unless they are formally enrolled entirely in off-campus research (SUBJ 610).
- Demonstration of English Proficiency for International Students
- Guidance for Exceptions to Concurrent Degree Policy
- Fall 2020 Guidance for Exceptions to In-Person Participation Requirements for Graduate Benchmark Examination
- Extensions to Graduate Council Time Limits Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Considerations and Decision Regarding Optional Alternative Grading for Graduate Students Enrolled in the Graduate School -FALL2020 (FA20)
- Acceptance of SP 20 Semester Towards Doctoral Residency Requirement
- Extensions to Graduate Council Time Limits Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Acceptance of SP 20 Semester Towards Doctoral Residency Requirement
Policy Provision Exceptions or Added Flexibility Offerings
The first column lists the policy that has an exception. The second column contains the name of the relevant section within the policy for which the exception applies. The third column contains the description of the exception or added flexibility offered.
| Policy | Relevant Policy Provision(s) | Exceptions or Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students | Graduate Council requirement for TOEFL | At home testing now accepted. See details at "Demonstration of English Proficiency for International Students” |
| GCAC-401 Grading System | Deferred grade policy for graduate students | Extend Deferred Grade Deadline upon request |
| GCAC-514 Continuity of Registration and Resume Study | Resume Study after discontinuation | Resume Study processes will be streamlined |
| GCAC-515 Registration Requirements When Course Work Has Been Completed | Continuous enrollment requirement for PhD students | Execute Leave of Absence for impacted students |
| GCAC-516 Registration for Work Done Away from Campus | Students must complete registration | Offer support for remote registration when needed |
| GCAC-606 Comprehensive Examination - Research Doctorate | Includes a requirement for the student and minimum faculty members to be physically present | Programs may allow remote participation as needed; report required. Details can be found in Revised Guidance for Exceptions to In-Person Participation Requirements for Graduate Benchmark Examinations. |
| GCAC-608 Final Oral Examination - Research Doctorate | Includes a requirement for the student and minimum faculty members to be physically present | Programs may allow remote participation as needed; report required. Details can be found in Revised Guidance for Exceptions to In-Person Participation Requirements for Graduate Benchmark Examinations. |
| GCAC-608 Final Oral Examination - Research Doctorate | Requirement for Final Performance | Program may restructure assessment to allow remote participation as needed; report required. Details can be found in Revised Guidance for Exceptions to In-Person Participation Requirements for Graduate Benchmark Examinations. |
| GCAC-401 Grading System | Quality grades and Pass-Fail (P/F) grading | Details can be found in Optional Alternative Grading for Graduate Students in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak |
|
Time limits for benchmark examinations and time to degree | Details can be found in Extensions to Graduate Council Time Limits Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak |
Column one has name of the Graduate School requirement. Second column contains the standard for which an exception has been granted. Third column contains the proposed solution to handle the exception.
Graduate School Process Requirements
| Other Requirements | Standard | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis and Dissertation Submission Deadline | Extended to April 6 | Additional extensions may be available; contact gradthesis@psu.edu; see FAQs |
| Submission of official transcripts | Deadline for submission to matriculate | Graduate Education Services (GES) is already flexible in submission deadlines |
| Student who dropped 1 credit when study abroad was canceled | Need 1 credit to graduate this semester | Program should establish 1 credit Special Topic or Independent Study course, as appropriate |
| Students on assistantships who dropped 1credit a when study abroad was canceled | Need 1 credit to maintain eligibility | Program should establish 1 credit Special Topic or Independent Study course, as appropriate |
Questions about the process should be addressed to Graduate Enrollment Services (814-865-1795 or gswww@psu.edu)
Questions about the policy provisions should be addressed to Michael Verderame (814-865-2516 or mxv8@psu.edu)