Graduate Procedures

Here is an index to some of the processes you may use during your graduate career at UW-River Falls. If you have additional questions, please contact the Graduate Studies Office.

Appeals Process

If you are unable to complete your program of study within a seven-year time limit, you may appeal for an extension. Acceptable reasons would include unusual health conditions, fulfillment of military obligations or similar extenuating circumstances.

To make an appeal you would complete the appropriate form and return it to the Graduate Studies Office. In your appeal you must include 

• a specific plan and timetable to complete your degree requirements;
  
• a statement on your efforts to stay current within your program of study;
• a review from each department chair for all courses taken outside of the seven-year window; and
  
• a recommendation from your adviser.

The Appeals Committee of the Graduate Council will review your request and make a recommendation to the Graduate Council which will then vote on the appeal. You will be notified by the Graduate Studies Office whether or not your appeal has been granted.

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Applying for Graduation

You must apply for graduation through your eSIS account. Click here for instructions on how to apply for graduation in eSIS. See the Registrar's Commencement Information for deadlines, application fees and regalia information.

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Grading Disputes

Grading disputes should first be discussed with your course instructor. If you are unable to resolve differences, you may appeal in writing to the department chairperson. You must submit your request before the end of the term following the grade assignment. The chairperson will submit your written request to the instructor, who will prepare a written response. You will receive a copy of the instructor's response within three weeks after the chairperson receives your request. 

If you are still dissatisfied with the instructor's response, you must notify the chairperson and the Director of Graduate Studies in writing within two weeks. The Director will convene a meeting with you, the instructor, and the chairperson and try to resolve the grading conflict. Both you and the instructor shall provide copies of any course work which is in your possession. The burden of proof is on you to demonstrate evidence of misgrading. 

The Director will inform you in writing of the outcome of this meeting. If the grade you appeal was assigned by the chairperson, the Director will receive your initial appeal and request a faculty member to replace the chairperson or program director in the appeals proceedings. If the issue is not resolved in your meeting with the Director, the instructor and the chairperson, you may appeal to the Vice Chancellor, whose decision is final.

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Plan B Papers

You will defend your master's paper in an oral examination conducted by the three members of your graduate committee. The final copy of your paper, with a cover sheet signed by your adviser, must be submitted to the Graduate Office.  In addition, Plan B research papers must adhere to guidelines for mandatory submission to the university's repository in the Chalmer Davee Library, MINDS@UW-River Falls.  The checklist and submission form can be found at the MINDS Submission Information page.

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Re-Entry Process

If you are a returning graduate student in good academic standing, you may complete a re-entry request form instead of a complete graduate application. Students who wish to change their program of study or status from temporary student to pursue a degree or certificate will need to complete the full graduate admission process. See Apply Online. 

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Requesting Course Load Exceptions

See Course Load Rules to determine if you will exceed the course load limits for a particular term. To request an exception, you will need to complete the Excess Load form and obtain signatures from your adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies. In some cases a copy of your transcript may be required. It is your responsibility to submit the completed form to the Registrar's Office before the end of the first week of classes for the term that you are requesting an exception.

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Scheduling Exams

To schedule your oral examination, you will need submit a form with the time and location of your exam to the Graduate Studies Office at least two weeks before the examination date and not later than four weeks before the end of your final term. If your final term happens to be during the summer, you must make your scheduling arrangements during the previous spring term.

If you are in a program requiring written comprehensive examinations, you must make arrangements with your department to take the exams.

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Thesis Submission

Because each member of your graduate committee must approve your completed thesis, you must inform all three members of the committee about the development of the problem, research progress, and results, as well as the writing of the thesis. You will defend your thesis in an oral examination. Once your paper has been approved by your graduate committee, you will submit it for binding.

Two copies of the thesis must be bound. One copy will go to your adviser and one will be submitted to the UWRF Library academic repository. To have your thesis bound, you will first pay the $10 fee per copy to the Student Billing and Financial Aid Service Counter in 315 North Hall (Map) and then bring your receipt, two copies of the thesis and cover page to the Graduate Office for signature by the Graduate Studies Director.  The copies will then be sent out for binding.

It is your responsibility to check the manuscripts for proper pagination and deliver them to the Graduate Office. Acceptable margins are either one-inch margin on all sides or a wider margin on the left to accommodate the binding. The cover sheet for the thesis must be signed by your adviser and your Graduate Committee.

Plan A theses must adhere to guidelines for mandatory submission to the university's academic repository at MINDS@UW-River Falls.  The checklist and submission form can be found at MINDS Submission Information.

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