College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2015-2016 Catalog

19  three letters of recommendation (from professors, colleagues, and/or those who can speak on behalf of the applicant’s potential for success in the program)  a writing portfolio: 20–25 pages of original pieces of writing; may include academic papers,  professional work-related writing, creative writing, and nonfiction prose.  a personal statement (approximately 500 words) detailing the ways in which the M.A. in Writing program may help the applicant achieve his or her goals Student Enrollment In order to maintain an active student status, all students are to be in continuous registration until they receive their degree unless prior approval is received from the Program Office. Failure to remain in continuous registration will be considered formal withdrawal from the program. Full-Time Status Students are considered to be full-time if they complete six credit hours each semester. Ph.D. students are recommended to follow the “Course of Study/degree Plan.” A student on financial aid considering completing less than the scheduled credit hours in any given semester/term should discuss this with the Financial Aid Office prior to the time of registration. Attendance Students are required to attend all scheduled learning activities, which include but are not limited to, lectures, chats, seminars, and exams. It is the policy of the university to excuse, without penalty, absences due to religious observances and to allow students to make up missed work. Course instructors should be notified in advance in the case of any anticipated absence. Excessive absences may result in a lower grade at the discretion of the course instructor. Students should review the course syllabus for course-specific policies related to attendance. Time Limits Masters Programs : Students must complete their program within five years from the date of first enrollment. This means that students are expected to graduate with the Master degree within this time period. Doctoral Program : Students must complete their program within seven years from the date of first enrollment. This means that students are expected to graduate with the Doctoral degree within this time period. In order to remain an active and matriculated student, registration is required in every semester, until the completion of degree requirements unless a leave of absence has been granted. Failure to remain in continuous registration will be deemed the student's formal withdrawal from the program. All other program, center, and university requirements will be in effect. Leave of Absence Matriculated students (degree candidates) who must interrupt their studies for an adequate reason such as illness may be granted a leave of absence. Students must apply in writing or by e-mail for a leave of absence to the program Office three (3) weeks prior to the start of the new term. If granted, the leave shall be for a stated period of time, not to exceed one year. Time spent on an approved leave of absence is not charged against the degree program time limit (5 years for master’s degree and 7 years for doctoral degree). Students who interrupt their studies without being on an approved leave of absence will be assumed