Graduate College Bulletin

A few key University policies that apply to graduate students are summarized in this section of the Bulletin. For detailed policies, refer to the OU Health Campus Faculty Handbook and Student Handbook. In addition to policies, the Student Handbook provides information about academic resources, life on campus, and other resources for students.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, and University of Oklahoma Leadership provide governance and leadership for the University.

1.1 - Equal Opportunity Policy

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/gender expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to:

Marci Gracey

Associate Vice President of Institutional Equity Phone: (405) 325-3546

Email: mgracey@ou.edu Website: ou.edu/eoo.html

1.2 - Academic Appeals

The responsibility for academic evaluation rests with the faculty. If a student believes they were wrongfully and unfairly evaluated by an instructor, and if the student is not able to resolve the matter in conference with the instructor or the department chair, an appeal may be made to the appeals board of the college offering the course, according to the Academic Appeals Policy found in the Student Handbook, Section 2.1 and the Faculty Handbook, Appendix C.

All thesis and dissertation appeals are heard by the Graduate College Appeals Board.

1.3 - Academic Misconduct

The Academic Misconduct Code describes academic misconduct as including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, fraud, destruction, bribery or intimidation, assisting others in any act proscribed by this Code, or attempting to engage in such acts. This includes the unpermitted and/or unattributed use of artificial intelligence tools.

The code provides that the student's Dean shall be notified of the charge and the Dean shall notify the student. Notification of the Dean shall be in writing with a brief description of the evidence, and shall be made within 10 University business days after discovery of the incident, exclusive of University breaks or academic inter- sessions. The code outlines possible disciplinary actions, the provisions for a conference with the Vice Provost for Educational Services, and the request for a hearing or appeal. A complete copy of the Academic Misconduct Code is in the Faculty Handbook.

1.4 - Research Programs

Research is a critical mission of University of Oklahoma Health Campus. It is vital to the growth, health and progress of the state of Oklahoma, region, and nation. Participation in research and creative activity projects is fundamental to a graduate student’s training and development. Research projects that include graduate students are conducted in all graduate programs offered at the OU Health Campus. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact the Program Director in their academic program for information on research projects that will match their career goals and for opportunities to join these research teams.

All research at OUHC is compliant with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines. Details can be found at the OU Office of Compliance.

1.5 - Human Subjects in Research

All research involving human subjects or the use of data generated via human subjects research must be reviewed and approved by the University of Oklahoma Health Campus Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to subject recruitment and data collection. All human subject research to be performed by faculty, staff, or students of the University of Oklahoma Health Campus must be reviewed by the IRB. The IRB’s primary roles are to determine if the rights and welfare of human subjects who volunteer to participate in research studies are adequately protected and ensure that adequate informed consent procedures are used. University of Oklahoma Health Campus policies for the protection of human subjects in research activities and IRB application materials can be accessed at the IRB web site. If you have questions about compliance or the IRB approval process, you may contact the Office of Human Research Participant Protection at (405) 271-2045 e-mail irb@ouhsc.edu.

1.6 - Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research

All research performed on live vertebrate animals or teaching that uses live vertebrates must be described for review and approval by the University of Oklahoma Health Campus, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to obtaining animals and data collection. The primary role of the IACUC is to assure compliance with the U.S. Animal Welfare Act and Amendments and to assure that animals receive humane care during procedures in accordance with federal regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare of the Public Health Service (OLAW/PHS). If you have questions on the IACUC policies and procedures, you may contact the IACUC office at (405) 271-7381 or visit the IACUC web site.

1.7 - Patent Policy

The University of Oklahoma Intellectual Property Policy governs the ownership of certain inventions made by University students, staff, and/or faculty members. The policy provides, in part, that all discoveries and/or inventions, patentable or not patentable, which are made or conceived of while the inventor is a student at the university with substantial use of university facilities, or are made with funds provided by or through the university (including research funds), are the property of the University. The policy protects and offers substantial benefits to the inventor, while simultaneously protecting the University’s interests in the invention. Students and faculty members are expected to be familiar with their rights and obligations under the University Intellectual Property Policy and to promptly report any inventions as outlined in the Policy. Please be aware that the University Intellectual Property Policy is subject to revision at any time, and the most current version of the policy will be available online. The Intellectual Property Policy is found in the Faculty Handbook Section 4.23 and Appendix D. An invention disclosure should be completed when an invention is recognized by the inventor(s). Contact the Office of Technology Commercialization for details.

1.8 - Discrimination Policy

The Board of Regents created the Institutional Equity Office on January 24, 2012, to promote and foster the University's commitment to creating and maintaining a community where all persons who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment. The Institutional Equity Office reports to the President and Board of Regents and handles discrimination claims, affirmative action plans, claims involving the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Harassment Policy, and gender equity issues related to athletics.

For more information, or to file a report, visit https://www.ou.edu/eoo.

1.9 - Student Accommodations

Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an individual with a disability is defined as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.

At institutions of higher education, ADA dictates that students must self-disclose their disabilities in order to receive accommodations. For student accommodations on the OU Health Campus, students should contact Student Accommodation Services .

1.10 - Support of Students and Trainees by Companies

The Conflicts of Interest Policy is available in the Faculty Handbook Appendix E.

The progress and academic standing of students and trainees must never be compromised. Employees supervising students and trainees must inform them in writing of the source(s) of their funding support, disposition of intellectual property, management of proprietary information, and handling of publication rights prior to assigning the students or trainees to a Research or training project supported by a Company.

A student’s academic program cannot be supported by a Company in which the supervising Employee has Equity, serves on a Board, or serves as an Operating Officer or Scientific Officer, unless specifically approved in writing by the Dean of the Graduate College and the Senior Vice President and Provost. If approved, support (e.g., stipends, tuition, salary, scholarships) for students and trainees provided by Companies must comply with all of the following provisions:

1. The College department, program, or unit approves the recipient;
2. The funds are provided to the University;
3. The recipient is not subject to any implicit or explicit expectation of providing or foregoing something in return for the support; i.e., a “quid pro quo”; and
4. The Company does not withhold or unreasonably limit publication of the student’s research.

University trainees and students may not be employed by any Company to conduct Research that overlaps with their University training or academic program. In addition, Graduate College policy does not allow a faculty member with supervisory responsibility for an Employee to serve as mentor for the same individual as a student; therefore, any proposed employment of a trainee or student by a Company to work on Company Research that does not overlap with their training or academic program in which the mentor has Equity, serves on a Board, or serves as an Operating Officer or Scientific Officer of the Company must be approved in advance by the Dean of the Graduate College and the Senior Vice President and Provost.

1.11 - English Language Proficiency of Instructors

Oklahoma Statute 70 O.S.§ 3224 and § 3225 (2001) provide that all instructors, including all graduate teaching assistants, now employed or being considered for employment at institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education shall be proficient in speaking the English language so that they may adequately instruct students. The procedure to submit a complaint or grievance about an instructor's English language proficiency is described in the OU Health Campus Student Handbook, Section 3.21 (Teacher English Profiency).

English language proficiency requirements for Graduate Assistants with Teaching Responsibilities are described in the Graduate Assistant Policies.

2 - THE OUHC GRADUATE COLLEGE

The Graduate College is the center of advanced study, research, and creative activity at the university. Graduate instruction has been offered at the University of Oklahoma since 1899, seven years after the university opened its doors. The first master’s degree was conferred in 1900 to C. Ross Hume. The Graduate School was formally organized in 1909, and in 1929, the first doctoral degree was awarded to Dr. Mary Jane Brown.

2.1 - Graduate Degree Programs

The Graduate College offers both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in multiple disciplines. Requirements that apply to all of these degrees appear later in this bulletin. Information about individual degrees is available from the Graduate College or from the individual academic unit. The following departments or programs offer MS and/or PhD degrees:

2.1.1 - MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREES (MS) AND DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREES (PHD)

A list of MS and PhD degrees offered on the OU Health Campus can be found at https://graduate.ouhsc.edu/Programs.

2.1.2 - MD/PHD DEGREE

The MD/PhD program prepares future physician-scientists for careers in academic medicine and clinical/translational science. Students complete a program of study combining the MD degree with a PhD degree in biomedical sciences.

The MD/PhD program website describe the application process, admission requirements, and program design. Refer to the doctoral degree section of this bulletin for additional information about PhD requirements.

2.1.3 - GENERIC DUAL DEGREE Program

Students may pursue two pre-existing master's degree programs simultaneously. Refer to the master's degree section in this bulletin for additional information.

2.1.4 - ACCELERATED DUAL DEGREE Program

Students may combine the bachelor's degree with a master's or doctoral degree in an accelerated manner. Refer to the master's or doctoral degree section in this bulletin for additional information.

2.2 - Admission/Application

All applications are made through the OUHC application. The application and detailed instructions are available from Recruitment and Admissions.

Applicants are encouraged to submit all official transcript(s) and any applicable college supplemental materials within two weeks of submitting their application in order for application processing to occur in a timely manner. Applications are considered incomplete until all applicable documents are received and verified by the Office of Recruitment and Admissions.

Helpful Application Tips

1. Submit official sealed or electronic transcripts from each higher education institution attended. Transcripts, enrollment verifications and/or class schedules should be sent directly from the institution and include all previous grades and current enrollment. In cases where current enrollment is not listed, the applicant should submit a copy of their class schedule. If providing an enrollment verification or class schedule, the applicant will need to have an official transcript mailed to the Office of Admissions and Records as soon as final grades are posted.
2. Applicants with foreign credentials are required to have their official transcripts evaluated on a course-by-course basis through World Education Services (WES) http://www.wes.org/ or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) https://www.ece.org/ECE/Individuals .
3. Some programs require resume or curriculum vitae, career goal statements, and recommendation letters. Follow the instructions given in the application and the college/program websites to submit these items.
4. Arrange to have any required official test scores sent to the OUHC Office of Recruitment and Admissions through the testing agency using institution code 6902.
5. Login to the application site regularly to view the status of the application materials
6. Save your login credentials to view the official University letter after decisions are available.

2.3 - Types of Admission

If after reviewing the following minimum admissions qualifications for the Graduate College, you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact gradcollege@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences. To learn about a specific MS, PhD, or Certificate program, visit https://graduate.ouhsc.edu/Programs.

2.3.1 - FULL STANDING TO A DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE Program

The University of Oklahoma Health Campus uses the 4.00 scale to calculate grade point averages, with an "A" equal to 4.00. An applicant must have a baccalaureate or entry level first professional degree from an accredited university or college and a 3.00 grade point average (4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours of course work applied to the degree. The applicant must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended in order to be considered for admission in full standing to a degree program. If the applicant's transcript does not identify the last 60 hours, the entire transcript will be evaluated for admission. An applicant who has completed 12 hours or more of graded graduate level course work in an area related to the degree program of interest may be considered for admission. The applicant must have completed the course work at an accredited college or university with a 3.00 grade point average in all graduate work attempted and be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended. Additional academic work that is applicable to the degree program may be used in evaluating a student for admission into a graduate degree program.

An applicant presenting transcripts without a baccalaureate or entry level first professional degree posted may be admitted to a graduate degree program. An applicant admitted under these conditions must present an official transcript with the degree posted within the first semester of enrollment in the Graduate College. Failure to do so will result in a hold on future enrollment.

Except for those admitted a special student, the applicant must be recommended by a department or program unit. The final decision for admission to any graduate program, either as a degree or non-degree student, is determined by the Dean of the Graduate College.

2.3.2 - PROBATIONARY ADMISSION TO A DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE Program

An applicant who does not meet the minimum GPA for admission in full standing, may be considered for probationary admission to a degree program. International students admitted on probation status are not eligible for issuance of the I-20 document.

Therefore, international students requiring an I-20 cannot be admitted on probation.

Probationary admission to the degree program requires the recommendation of the department or program unit and approval of the Graduate Dean. When the student has completed the terms of the probationary admission, the student will be granted full standing in the degree program.

Admission of an applicant with a grade point average less than a 3.00 (2.75-2.99) may be made only in an unusual case. In such cases, admission will depend heavily on other indicators of the applicant's ability to do successful graduate level work. These indicators might include but are not limited to a strong performance on standardized tests, a high grade point average in the major, and/or subsequent experiences that clearly indicate strong academic ability.

A student admitted with a grade point average less than 3.00 must earn at least a 3.00 grade point average in the initial 9 hours of letter-graded graduate course work. The 9 hours must be courses required for the degree. It is expected these courses will be completed within one calendar year following initial enrollment.

2.3.3 - UNCLASSIFIED Students

The OUHC Graduate College does not accept unclassified students.

2.3.4 - SPECIAL Students

An applicant must meet the requirements for admission into the Graduate College. Please read directions carefully as the application fee is non-refundable.

The Graduate College allows Special Student acceptance only under restricted circumstances. Most individuals accepted need a specific course for professional advancement such as recertification. Acceptance as a Special Student is also considered for applicants in a formal post-baccalaureate training program. Applicants in a post-baccalaureate training program must have a completed baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 2.75. Other Special Student applicants must meet the regular requirements for admission to the Graduate College. Special Students are not eligible for probationary admission.

Enrollment must be approved by the course director(s), the director of the program responsible for the course(s), and the Graduate Dean. Special Student acceptance is not granted to students who wish to take courses to enhance an existing application to advanced degree programs. Enrollment is limited to 12 semester hours. Application and procedure to apply as a Special student is located on the Recruitment and Admissions website.

2.3.5 - POSTDOCTORAL Fellows

Postdoctoral fellows who have received a doctoral degree from an accredited institution may be admitted as a Special graduate student with a non-resident tuition waiver. Fellows who wish to be admitted to a degree program must follow the normal admission requirements for all graduate students. If a Postdoctoral fellow wishes to enroll as a degree-seeking student within the same department, they cannot teach graduate level courses in that department.

2.3.6 - CURRENTLY ENROLLED UNIVERSITY OF oKLAHOMA NORMAN Students

Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Oklahoma Norman campus who wish to apply for admission to an OUHC graduate program should contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions for application instructions. Once the application file is complete, their academic records will be referred to the Graduate College and to the prospective program for consideration. Enrollment as a student on the Norman Campus does not ensure admission to an OU Health Campus degree program. Once admitted, undergraduate students must notify the Graduate College if they have failed to complete any requirements for the undergraduate degree. If any requirements have not been completed, the admission will be canceled and the student must reapply for admission.

2.3.7 - INTERNATIONAL Students

International applicants must fully meet the academic requirements for admission to the university, college and department; satisfy the English proficiency requirement and verify adequate financial support. International applicants and students are not eligible for financial aid through the university. All international and permanent resident applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Meet the same admission criteria as required for American citizens.
2. Meet the English proficiency requirement for their program.
3. Submit certified copies of transcripts from the university baccalaureate level work and certified copies of degrees awarded. Any applicant with foreign credentials is required to have their transcripts or marksheets evaluated course-by-course through WES (World Education Services): http://www.wes.org/ or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
4. Present acceptable evidence of financial adequacy to pursue a course of study at OUHSC (for F-1 students). International students who serve as graduate teaching assistants must have additional certification of English proficiency or documented exemption.
5. International students admitted on probation status are not eligible for issuance of the I-20 document. Specific admission policies with minimum academic requirements are listed on the college websites and/or handbooks.

2.3.8 - RESERVED ADMISSION AND Readmission

Upon being admitted to the Graduate College, prospective students are expected to enroll in courses at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus in the semester they are admitted. Upon the request of the program or Dean, the Office of Recruitment and Admissions will hold admission for up to one year. Students are subject to the regulations in effect during their first term of enrollment so long as they maintain continuous enrollments.

Graduate students who interrupt their enrollment in University of Oklahoma Health Campus for more than one year must reapply for admission. If readmitted, they will be subject to the regulations in effect at the time of readmission.

2.3.9 - CHANGE OF DEGREE OR Major

Students in good academic standing may request to change degree options within a program or transfer to another graduate program at OU Health Campus by completing a Request for Change of College, Major or Degree Option form. The request must be approved by all programs involved, the college Dean, and the Graduate Dean. Students on probationary status must move to full-standing status and have an overall graduate grade point average of 3.0 or greater prior to initiating a request for change of status.

2.4 - Graduate Assistants

A graduate student enrolled in an MS or PhD degree program can be appointed as a Graduate Assistant (GA) by the Graduate College. The primary responsibility of a GA is participation in the research and teaching effort of the department or program. The work must contribute to the graduate/professional education of the student and to fulfillment of requirements for the graduate degree. Graduate Assistants are categorized as Graduate Assistants, (GA ’s), Graduate Research Assistants (GRA's) or Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA's) and are defined according to the student’s responsibilities.

GAs, GRAs, and GTAs may be eligible for a non-resident tuition waiver in accordance with Oklahoma State Regents policy. A student must be appointed a GA, GRA, or GTA by the first day of class in order to receive a non-resident tuition waiver for that semester.

To be appointed a GA, GRA or GTA, the student must meet the following requirements:

1. Student must be enrolled full-time. Full-time enrollment for a GA is defined as 6 credit hours for fall and spring semesters and 3 credit hours for the summer term.
2. Appointed to work 10 - 20 hours per week (0.25 to 0.50 FTE).
3. Work appointed for must be related to the program of study.
4. Student must receive a minimum stipend of $500 per calendar month, at an FTE concordant with the current minimum wage. The Graduate College determines the maximum amount that can be earned annually. Students may not receive a stipend that exceeds the annually established maximum without prior approval of the Dean of their college.

The Graduate College encourages all graduate programs and faculty supervising GAs to establish clear expectations for working hours, time off, and communication about work schedules. Best practices include applying these expectations consistently within the program/lab and communicating expectations in writing, such as in the program’s student handbook, a lab handbook, or a mentor-mentee compact.

Graduate programs with year-round GAs are expected to have policies that allow reasonable sick leave and vacation time, typically 3 weeks. When GAs need time off in excess of the program's leave policy, they may request a leave of absence. Refer to Section 2.9.9 for more information.

2.4.1 - REMOTE Work

In keeping with laws, University policies, and accreditation requirements, GAs are expected to live in Oklahoma and to conduct the majority of their work in the same physical environment with their mentor/supervisor. A student who lives out of state must contact the Graduate College Business Manager before starting a Graduate Assistantship. Current GAs must contact the Graduate College Business Manager before moving out of state. Failure to follow these policies may result in termination of the Graduate Assistantship.

2.4.2 - GRADUATE RESEARCH Assistant

The primary responsibility is participation in the research effort of the department and graduate program. The work must contribute to fulfilling requirements for completing the degree.

2.4.3 - GRADUATE TEACHING Assistant

The primary responsibility is the teaching effort of the department and its contribution to student development. Graduate Assistants with Teaching Responsibilities must meet the English Proficiency Requirements described in the Graduate Assistant Policies.

2.4.4 - GA APPOINTMENT OUTSIDE STUDENT'S DEGREE-GRANTING Department

If the GA, GRA, or GTA appointment is with a faculty member who does not hold an appointment in the student’s degree-granting department, the hiring department should initiate the GA Authorization Form found online. If the chair supports the appointment, completed documents should be forwarded to the Graduate College Dean who will approve the appointment if the work experience is directly related to the program of study and degree requirements.

The GA, GRA, or GTA appointment will be in the hiring department. The appointment must meet all requirements, policies and procedures defined by the degree-granting department for GA, GRA, and GTA appointments in the department.

The following documentation is included on the authorization form:

1. A detailed description of duties and how they are related to the program of study.
2. Description of the purpose and scope of the project on which the student would work.
3. Identification of the department and college where the project is located.
4. Identification of the faculty member who supervises the work and definition of the faculty member’s association with the primary department and/or education.
5. List of skills that will be developed or learned that are directly related to the graduate program objectives.
6. Statement by student addressing how this experience will enhance the student’s career objectives, including specific and measurable outcomes (i.e., professional presentations, publications, etc.).
7. Statement by the supervising faculty member confirming the scope of the work, its relevance to the program of study, the stipend amount and % time appointed.

2.4.5 - GRADUATE STUDENTS AS Staff

A Graduate Assistantship is the preferred mechanism for hiring graduate students, as this role prioritizes the responsibility of the graduate program/department for the student’s education and professional development. To prevent a conflict of interest between the role of student and the role of staff, graduate students shall not work as staff in their own graduate program/department unless a special exception is granted by the Graduate College Dean. Also refer to section 2.9.4, Faculty and Staff Graduate Enrollment.

2.5 - Enrollment Policies

2.5.1 - full-time and maximum enrollment

Full-time enrollment for graduate students is nine semester hours during the fall and spring semesters and four semester hours during the summer sessions. Students may not carry more than 16 hours per semester for graduate credit or more than nine semester hours per summer session without permission of the Graduate Dean.

Students enrolled in at least five credit hours in a fall or spring semester or two hours in a summer session will be considered half-time, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.

2.5.2 - enrollment during general, comprehensive, or final examinations or defense

Students must enroll in at least two graduate credit hours during the semester in which they take the general or comprehensive examination, or when defending their thesis or dissertation. Thesis/dissertation students must maintain continuous enrollment in 5980 or 6980 until the final copies are deposited with the library.

2.5.3 - enrollment of undergraduate students in graduate courses

Undergraduate juniors or seniors at the University of Oklahoma who have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater may enroll in graduate level courses. Approval is required from the student's undergraduate advisor, the course instructor, the department offering the course, and the Graduate Dean. Approval of the instructor will signify that the junior or senior will be graded in competition with the graduate students in the class. The application must be completed and returned to the Graduate College Office with the signed approvals noted above before or during the first two weeks of classes of the semester during which the course will be taken.

Undergraduates desiring graduate credit for a course must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 and complete and return to the OU Norman Graduate College the Application for Graduate Credit for Courses taken during the Junior and Senior Year.

When the student has completed the bachelor's degree, the Graduate College will request the student's undergraduate college to verify that the course was not required for the bachelor's degree and that the student earned either A, B, or S in the course. Credit for courses so listed may not be applied toward the bachelor's degree.

Each graduate degree program has a prescribed set of courses required for the degree and not all graduate level courses can be applied to fulfill those requirements. Before enrolling in graduate level courses, the student who plans to work toward a graduate degree should consult with the department or program to plan an appropriate program of study.

2.5.4 - faculty and staff graduate enrollment

To prevent a conflict of interest between the role of student and the role of faculty or staff, the following policy applies to all OUHSC faculty and staff enrolled in Graduate College course work and programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus.

A faculty member may enroll in Graduate College course work as a Special Student. If the course work is in a department in which the faculty member has an appointment, the faculty member must enroll for audit. A faculty member may not enroll for credit and cannot be admitted into a degree program in a department in which he or she holds a faculty appointment or in an academic area of his or her faculty expertise unless the following conditions are met:

1. The faculty member’s graduate program must be for a degree higher than the one currently held.
2. The departmental Chair or Program Director in which the faculty member holds an appointment must submit a plan to manage any potential conflict of interest. The plan must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate College and the College in which the faculty member holds an appointment.
3. A full time faculty member cannot be paid as a graduate student or receive a student grant.
4. The faculty member must relinquish voting privileges in the department or program in which he or she holds a Graduate Faculty appointment and recuse themselves from any meeting discussing items related to their Graduate College program while a student.

Staff may enroll in graduate course work as Special Students.

If a staff member is admitted to a degree program within the academic unit in which he or she is employed, the following conditions must apply:

1. A staff member may not enroll for credit in a course that is taught by a faculty member who has supervisory authority over the staff member's employment. An exception can be made for a required course taught only by the faculty supervisor if approved by the Graduate College Dean.
2. The staff member’s work and responsibility as an employee must be different from his or her work and responsibility as a student.
3. If the staff member is employed for research effort, the research activity for which the staff member receives payment as an employee cannot be used to meet thesis or dissertation requirements.
4. The criteria for the evaluation of the staff member as an employee must be identified and differentiated from the criteria for the evaluation of the staff member as a student.
5. A full time staff member cannot be paid as a graduate student or receive a student grant.
6. It is the responsibility of the thesis/dissertation chair and committee members to be certain that these conditions are met and to monitor for any potential conflict of interest and bring it to the attention of the Graduate Dean.
7. The faculty member with supervisory responsibility for the staff member as an employee cannot chair the staff member’s graduate committee unless the following conditions are met:
   1. Prior approval must be requested by the supervising faculty member and approved by the department Chair or Program Director and the Graduate Dean.
   2. The request must include how duties as a staff member and a student are substantially different and how staff and student activities will be evaluated differently.
   3. If the request is approved, the thesis/dissertation committee members will be charged with monitoring for any potential conflicts of interest and bringing them to the attention of the Graduate Dean.

2.5.5 - health campus students enrolling in norman campus courses

To enroll in Norman campus courses, Health Campus students must receive permission from their OU Health Campus (OUHC) college. The OUHC Office of Recruitment and Admissions will process all enrollments, adding and/or dropping courses. Tuition and fees for OU Norman courses are paid to the OU Norman Bursar’s Office in Buchanan Hall, 1000 Asp Avenue. Norman campus courses will be listed on the HSC student's transcript. For further information, contact the OUHC Office of Recruitment and Admissions, 271-2359.

2.5.6 - norman campus students enrolling in graduate college courses

In that all courses at the OU Health Campus (OUHC) require special permission, Norman campus students are advised to secure that permission from the OUHC instructor before beginning the enrollment process.

Once permission has been obtained, Norman campus students should contact the Norman Office of Academic Records and Enrollment Services, Buchanan Hall, 1000 Asp Avenue, Norman. OUHC courses will be listed on the Norman campus student's transcript. Tuition and fees for OUHC courses are paid to the OUHC Bursar’s Office, Service Center Building, 1100 N Lindsey, Oklahoma City. For further information, contact the OU Norman Office of Academic Records and Enrollment Services, at (405) 325-4147.

2.5.7 - auditor

Audit enrollment is for non-credit and used by students who want to take a class for information, not to count toward a degree. Students enrolling as an auditor must meet guidelines as outlined below. Enrollment as an auditor is permitted in all courses, subject to the approval of the instructor(s) and the Dean of the college in which the course(s) is offered. Enrollment as an auditor must be completed by the last day of enrollment in any term.

Enrollment as an auditor is indicated with an "AU" or "W" grade on the student's permanent academic record and no credit/clock hour values designated. Fee charges and refund policies for audit enrollments are the same as for credit enrollments. Students enrolled "exclusively" as auditors may withdraw only during the fee refund period and the enrollment will be canceled. No entry will be made on a permanent academic record.

In accepting a student as an auditor, it becomes the responsibility of the instructor to make clear to the student the instructor's requirements for the audit enrollment. For example, if the student is to attend regularly, to participate in specific class exercises, perform experiments, take tests, etc., this must be relayed to the student at the time permission is given to enroll as an auditor. Satisfactory completion of the audit enrollment is identified as an "AU" grade. An instructor, at his/her discretion, may assign a "W" grade to an auditor who, in the instructor's opinion, did not perform according to the specific requirements as identified at the time of enrollment.

Students enrolled exclusively as an auditor may change their enrollment to "credit," providing the student gains admission to the university during the first two weeks of classes of a semester or the first week of classes of a summer session with the approval of the instructor(s) and appropriate college Dean.

A change of enrollment from "credit" to "audit" may be made no later than the end of the sixth week of classes of a semester or the end of the third week of classes of a summer session, providing the student is passing and receives the approval of the instructor and the appropriate Dean. A change of enrollment to audit supersedes the original enrollment for credit, and no withdrawal from the credit enrollment is posted to the student's permanent record. For more information, contact Admissions and Records, LIB 121 or (405) 271-2359.

2.5.8 - class attendance

Only officially enrolled students (either for credit or audit) may attend class. Each student is responsible for the content of courses in which he or she is enrolled. Specific policies concerning attendance requirements, announced, and unannounced examinations are the responsibility of the individual instructor. If absences seriously affect a student's class work, the instructor is required to report this fact to the appropriate Dean, who will transmit the information to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions. Classes are not to be dismissed or rescheduled for extracurricular functions.

2.5.9 - request for leave of absence

Students may request a leave of absence from their graduate studies for up to but not to exceed 12 consecutive months (three consecutive academic terms). Leave of absence has no effect on time limits for expected graduation. The student should complete the ‘Student Leave Request’ form found on the Recruitment and Admissions website. The request must be approved by the student’s graduate advisor, department chair, and Graduate Dean. Students on probationary status, if granted a leave of absence, will resume their probationary status upon return from their leave. Students receiving financial aid may be required to return a portion of the aid. They must check with their financial aid officer.

2.5.10 - withdrawing and dropping courses

Students should contact their department to initiate the drop or withdrawal procedure. Withdrawing from the OU Health Campus refers to withdrawing from all enrolled courses for a given term. Dropping refers to the dropping of one or more courses while remaining enrolled in at least one course for a given term. Consult the class schedule for grading regulations and deadlines relative to withdrawals and drops. Withdrawing or dropping courses may require students receiving financial aid to return a portion of the aid received. Students must check with their financial aid officer. Appropriate forms found at Admissions and Records.

Drop:

During the first two weeks of class (first week of a summer session), no record of a grade on a dropped course will be recorded. From the third through sixth week of class (second and third week of summer), an automatic grade of W will be assigned to each course the student is dropping. From the seventh through 10th week (fourth and fifth week of summer), a grade of W (passing but indicating student withdrew from the course) or F (not passing) is submitted by the course director according to Graduate College grading policy guidelines. Grades of A, B, C, and S are passing or satisfactory grades and grades of D, F or U are failing grades in the Graduate College. From the 11th week through the last day of classes (sixth week through the last day of class in the summer), a petition to the Graduate College Dean requesting permission to drop a course is required. The petition should outline the specific reason(s) for dropping the course(s). If the Dean approves the drop, the course instructor renders a grade of W or F (following the above Graduate College grading policy guidelines) that reflects the student’s letter grade at the time of the drop request.

Withdraw:

The transcript of students withdrawing prior to the beginning of the semester will not reflect enrollment in the courses. From the third through sixth week of class (second and third week of summer), an automatic grade of W will be assigned to each course the student is withdrawing from. From the seventh week through the last day of class (fourth week through last day of class in summer), a grade of W (passing but indicating student withdrew from the course) or F (not passing) is rendered by the course director according to Graduate College grading policy guidelines that reflects the student’s letter grade at the time of the drop request. Grades of A, B, C, and S are passing or satisfactory grades and grades of D, F or U are failing grades in the Graduate College.

An administrative withdrawal (AW) may be assigned to indicate that a student has been "involuntarily" withdrawn by the institution during the designated semester for disciplinary or financial reasons or inadequate attendance. Such institutional penalties must follow formal institutional procedures. Administrative withdrawals are GPA neutral.

2.6 - Grades

2.6.1 - course credit in the graduate college

Course work taken at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus which is to be applied toward fulfilling requirements for a graduate degree must be approved for graduate credit and recommended by the Advisory Committee.

2.6.2 - grades of a, b, c, d, and f

The grades A, B, C, D, and F are used in computing grade point averages. In the Graduate College the grades of A, B, C, and S are the only passing or satisfactory grades, and the grades of D, F and U are failing. Students who receive a D, F or U grade in a required course must register for the required course the next time it is offered. In such re-enrollment, both grades will be shown on the student's academic record and both will be included in the grade point average calculation. Any student presenting credit from another institution for a course previously failed at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus shall not receive credit for such courses except through validation by the department in which the course was originally failed and approval by the Graduate Dean. It is the prerogative of each college and/or department to establish grade requirements above the Graduate College minimum.

2.6.3 - grades of s and u

The grade of S (satisfactory) is a neutral passing grade. The grade of U (unsatisfactory) is used to indicate that no credit will be given for the course. These grades may be used for seminar courses provided they are taught on a non-competitive basis and all students in the class are graded on this basis. The S grade is the only passing grade accepted for special problem courses, individual research, and directed reading courses. Instructors and mentors are expected to notify the student of an impending U grade and plan remedial action well before the end of the semester. The S grade may not be used for lecture courses except with the expressed approval of the Graduate Dean.

2.6.4 - grades of i

The grade of I (incomplete) is a neutral grade. It is not an alternative to an earned letter grade, but is intended as a temporary grade to be used for a student who, for reasons satisfactory to the instructor, is unable to complete certain identifiable requirements of a course and who cannot be assigned any other grade. Typical instances might be absence from a final examination due to illness or inability to submit a term project due to extenuating circumstances. "Incomplete" is not an acceptable explanation of the I grade.

The instructor will indicate to the student what must be done to complete the course, will set a time limit appropriate to the circumstances and will define the grade to be assigned.

If by the end of one year no change in grade has been submitted, the grade of I will become permanent on the student's record. After a grade of I has become permanent, the student may re-enroll in the course. Credit for courses in which a student has received an I at the University of Oklahoma cannot be completed at or transferred from another institution. If the student graduates with a grade of I on the record, it becomes permanent.

2.6.5 - grades of x, s, and u for enrollment in thesis and dissertation research

The grade of X is a neutral conditional grade and indicates that satisfactory progress is being made on thesis and dissertation research courses 5980 and 6980. It is a complete grade when the final entry is either Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U), indicating either acceptance or rejection of the thesis or dissertation. An intermediate grade of U indicating unsatisfactory progress in thesis or dissertation research may be given if circumstances warrant. The grade of X is included in hours attempted and hours earned.

2.6.6 - grade of w

Students withdrawing from all courses in the first two weeks of class (the first week of a summer session) receive a W in each course of enrollment. For complete withdrawals occurring after the second week of class (first week of summer session), the instructor will assign a grade of W or F for each course.

Students withdrawing from one or more courses but not all courses in the first two weeks of class (first week of summer) no grade is recorded; from the third week through the sixth week of class (second and third week of summer) a W will be assigned to each dropped course. From the seventh through 10th week (fourth and fifth week of summer) the instructor of each course dropped will assign a W or F. Beginning with the 11th week of class (sixth week of the summer session) through the last day of classes courses may be dropped only by direct petition to the Dean of the college under which the course is taught. Students who drop a course with permission of the Dean will receive a final grade of W or F at the discretion of the instructor of the course dropped.

2.6.7 - REPEAT Coursework

Students cannot repeat course work in which they have received a passing grade (A,B,C, or S). Exceptions can be made for student's receiving a C grade if the program requires a grade of A or B in a specific course. A request from the program must be approved by the Graduate Dean. Both the original grade and the repeat grade will be included in the calculation of the graduate GPA.

2.6.8 - transfer credit

The acceptance of transfer credit from another institution for a graduate degree program at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus is determined in accordance with the criteria as outlined in the Master's, Doctoral and Certificate Programs section of this bulletin.

2.6.9 - grade point system

Each hour of A, B, C, D, and F carries a grade point value as follows: A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1 and F-0. Grades of S, I, X, U, and W carry no grade point value and are not included in the computation of a student's semester or cumulative grade point average.

2.6.10 - correcting grades reported in error

The instructor initiates the change by filing a Faculty Request for Grade Change form with the Office of Recruitment and Admissions through the college under which the course was taught.

2.7 - Standards of Performance and Evaluation

2.7.1 - graduate college standards

The Graduate College is responsible for review of the performance of graduate students in accordance with the guidelines described in this bulletin. The Graduate College monitors the students' academic progress and at the end of each semester or summer session notifies students about their status if they fail to meet the standards of performance required by the Graduate College.

All graduate students, regardless of admission status, are required to maintain a grade point average of 3.00 or greater in all graduate course work completed. If a student's academic record includes enrollment in more than one graduate degree and/or certificate program, the student must maintain a grade point average of 3.00 or greater in each program. The total number of credit hours of C grade which can be applied toward a graduate degree and/or certificate cannot exceed 25 % of the total letter graded course work required for the degree and/or certificate

2.7.2. - academic probation

Students who fail to maintain an overall graduate grade point average of 3.00 will be placed on academic probation. The overall graduate grade point average (GPA) is the grade point average of all graduate-level courses that appear on the OU Health Campus transcript under the graduate career. Students may also be placed on probation if they fail to maintain satisfactory progress as determined by their annual evaluation or in receiving the grade of U in 5980 or 6980. Instructors and mentors are expected to notify the student of any impending U grade and plan remedial action well before the end of the semester.

Students placed on academic probation for low GPA will be evaluated at the end of each subsequent semester. The probationary status will remain until the student raises their overall graduate GPA to 3.00 or higher. The probationary requirements must be completed within 9 credit hours of graded graduate course work in their graduate career or one calendar year from being placed on probation, whichever comes first. This is the probationary period, during which students must demonstrate satisfactory progress in improving their overall graduate GPA. Students placed on probation for a grade of U in 5980 or 6980 or for failure to maintain satisfactory progress will be evaluated at the end of the following semester. The grades of D, F, or U may be grounds for dismissal prior to completing the probationary period.

At the end of the probationary period, students who achieve an overall graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher and/or regain satisfactory progress will be returned to full or unclassified status and will be allowed to continue their enrollment. Those who fail to achieve an overall graduate GPA of at least 3.00 for all courses awarding grade points may be denied further enrollment after this probationary period. If students merit an extension of the probationary period, the extension will be considered a second probationary period, and the time limit will be specified by the Graduate Dean but may not exceed two consecutive academic terms.

A third probation period is not permitted. If a third probation period is warranted, the student will be denied further enrollment and will be dismissed from the Graduate College.

2.7.3 - program standards

Programs, departments or other academic units may have additional and more stringent criteria for evaluating their students' performance and progress and they may demand a higher level of performance than that required by the Graduate College. Under certain circumstances, a department or program unit may recommend dismissal of a student from a graduate program even though a 3.00 grade point average has been maintained. Grounds for dismissal include but are not limited to (1) failure to make timely progress toward the degree or (2) failure to perform in course work, qualifying examination, or research at an acceptable level in the respective department or program unit. These guidelines are stipulated in the departmental documents.

2.7.4 - program annual review of student progress

Programs shall conduct an annual review and evaluation of their students' progress in meeting degree requirements. Each department shall establish a graduate student review procedure to coordinate and forward all reviews to the students and Graduate Dean. The review must be conducted by graduate faculty authorized to chair committees at the level of the students to be evaluated. Any exceptions to this requirement must receive prior written approval of the Graduate Dean. Annual reviews are to be conducted prior to the fall semester.

1. Criteria. The review may include, but is not limited to, considerations such as progress toward meeting conditions of admission; completion within the prescribed period of time of those courses in which the student has received the grade of I; completion of core course requirements; completion of research tool requirements; progress toward completing research requirements; timely filing of the prospectus; the general quality of research; and completion of the thesis or dissertation. The review also may encompass the student's broader scholarly capabilities and professional development.
2. Procedure. The Program will make this review annually and notify each student in writing of the student's progress and performance toward satisfying degree requirements. If there are deficient areas, the department must specify clearly what each student must do to receive a satisfactory evaluation and specify a time for a second review. A copy of this letter must be sent to the Graduate Dean. The Graduate Dean will review the student's total record and, if appropriate, the student will be placed on probation.
3. Second Review. The Graduate Dean and the Program will conduct a second review for all students placed on probation. In this second review, the Program will determine if (a) the student is making satisfactory progress; (b) the student's level of performance is unsatisfactory and the student is ineligible for further enrollment; or (c) the Program believes the student's progress is still unsatisfactory but wishes to petition the Graduate Dean to continue the student on probation for an additional semester or summer session. The student and the Graduate Dean will be notified in writing of the results of this second review. The Graduate Dean may either remove the student from probation, deny the student further enrollment, or continue the student on probation for an additional semester. When application of the above rules requires the student to go on probation a third time, the student will be denied further enrollment.

2.7.5 - residence requirements

Except for graduate programs approved as "online" programs, graduate students are expected to be present on campus for in-person participation in coursework, research, professional development, community-building, and departmental events. The primary purpose of residence requirements is to encourage the educational and professional development of individuals seeking advanced degrees. The opportunity for the student to associate with the faculty and other students in the University community, to utilize the facilities on the campus, and to take advantage of a wide variety of cultural opportunities justifies a relatively extended campus stay. In addition, the University must be in a position to oversee the development of the candidate, especially during the formal preparation for the General Examination.

The student must be in residence at the University of Oklahoma and engaged in course work or research activities prescribed by the Program for at least two regular semesters per calendar year. Exceptions are made for degrees with State Regents' approval for delivery by distance education.

2.8 - Graduate Academic Appeals

The Graduate College hears all appeals involving qualifying examinations, comprehensive examinations, general examinations, 5980 (thesis) or (6980) dissertation courses and/or disagreements that may jeopardize the continued enrollment of the student in the Graduate College or graduate program, and other matters of controversy not specifically covered in the Student Handbook. Such appeals must be filed in writing and given to the Graduate Dean according to the timeline in the OU Health Campus Faculty Handbook, Academic Appeals Policy and Procedures. Graduate students with grievances should immediately contact the Graduate College to obtain more details about the appeals procedure.

2.9 - Responsible Conduct of Research

All Graduate College students must receive training in Responsible Conduct of Research. The level of training in Responsible Conduct of Research is dependent upon the degree program. Training for doctoral students must occur prior to enrolling in doctoral dissertation research. RCR training for thesis masters students must occur prior to enrolling in master’s thesis research. For non-thesis master’s students, training must occur prior to approval to take the comprehensive examination.

Programs must submit a proposal to the Graduate College Responsible Conduct of Research Committee as to how their students will meet this requirement, and any changes must be approved by the Graduate College RCR Committee.

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research is required every 4 years and at least once in every career stage (graduate student and postdoc) as per NIH guidelines and the OU Health Campus (OUHC) Graduate College policy. An advanced refresher course is offered every fall semester and graduate students entering their 5th year of graduate studies must enroll in this course. Graduate students who have already confirmed their defense date in the fall semester with the Graduate College, may be exempt from enrolling in the RCR II course (BMSC 6011). Those who might potentially graduate in the fall, but have not confirmed their defense date yet, will be required to enroll in the course. After submitting their defense request to the Graduate College, students may choose whether they wish to drop the course or remain enrolled. If the course is dropped after the second week of the semester, the course will remain on the transcript with a grade of “W”, according to the Add/Drop deadlines in the OUHC Academic Calendar. Students must complete all the required class sessions to receive a grade of “S” in the course.

2.10 - Graduate College Awards for Academic Excellence

One Outstanding Master’s Thesis and one Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award are offered annually to reward excellence in research. Each Program has the opportunity to nominate one thesis and/or dissertation to compete for these prestigious awards. The Research and Graduate Student Affairs Committee of the Graduate Council selects these awards. Winners are presented a certificate and cash award at the OU Health Campus (OUHC) Awards Ceremony.

The Graduate College and the Graduate Student Association annually sponsor the Graduate Research, Education, and Technology (GREAT) Symposium where graduate students and postdoctoral fellows present oral and poster presentations describing current original research projects. Travel grants and trophies are awarded for winning presentations.

The Graduate College awards the O. Ray Kling Award for Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership each year at the OUHC Awards Ceremony. This award is named in honor of Dr. O. Ray Kling, Dean of the Graduate College from 1990-2002. It is given annually to the graduate student who best embodies Dr. Kling’s commitment to the hallmarks of graduate education at University of Oklahoma Health Campus. A committee named by the Dean of the Graduate College annually evaluates graduate students for this award based upon leadership among peers, service to students in the Graduate College, academic accomplishments, intellectual honesty and curiosity, and achievements in research.

For information about Graduating with Honors, refer to the OUHC Student Handbook.

2.11 Graduation Ceremony

The official commencement for all graduating OU students is held on the Norman campus. For details, visit https://admissions.ouhsc.edu/current-students/graduation.

2.12 - Optional Practical Training for International Students (OPT)

International graduate students in a qualifying degree program may request to receive optional practical training (OPT) after their graduate education. Graduate students are highly discouraged from starting their optional practical training (OPT) prior to completing their degree requirement. OPT status prohibits any type of student employment; therefore, a graduate student with OPT status may not hold a Graduate Assistant position and will no longer be eligible to receive a stipend or be eligible for a non-resident tuition waiver, and must pay tuition at the non-resident rate. In addition, once a graduate student has OPT status the graduate mentor is no longer required to pay the student’s tuition, fees, or health insurance.

Any student requesting OPT must meet with a member of the Graduate College to discuss their projected graduation timeline anad OPT start date. They must also contact the OU Office of Immigration Services.

OPT does allow a student to hold a professional position; however, the student must receive written approval from the degree granting department and comply with all Graduate College academic policies outlined in the Graduate College Bulletin.

2.13 - Graduate Student Travel Policy

A graduate student is both a student and researcher. The role the student assumes while traveling determines if it is a taxable student expense or a business expense. Specific guidelines for determination if travel is taxable by the government are found on the Graduate College webpage at Student Travel Policy.

2.14 - Undergraduate Research Opportunities with HC Mentors

2.14.1 - students from ou norman (two options):

1. College Credit: OU Norman undergraduate students may enroll in coursework that allows independent research with an OU Health Campus (OUHC) faculty member through intercampus enrollment. Credit hours earned are dependent upon hours spent on the OUHC campus with the mentor. OUHC courses will be listed on the Norman Campus student’s transcript. The student and or faculty member from Norman communicates directly with an OUHC mentor. Intercampus enrollment is processed by the OU Norman Enrollment Office. Courses available are:
   • ​BMSC 4990 Undergraduate Research; BMSC 3980 Undergraduate Honors Research (Honors Students Only).​
2. No College Credit: Undergraduate students from OU Norman may participate in experiential research with an OUHSC mentor. The student and or faculty member from Norman communicates directly with an OUHC mentor but does not enroll for course. No tuition is charged by OUHC and no college credit is earned. Student agrees to follow OUHC and laboratory policies and procedures.

2.14.2 - STUDENTS FROM EXTERNAL INSTITUTIONS (two options):

1. College Credit: Undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited U.S. college must be accepted as an OU Health Campus (OUHC) Graduate College Special Student and may receive college credit with approval from the student’s home institution. The student is responsible for OUHC application fees, tuition, and fees and must agree to follow OUHC and laboratory policies and procedures.
2. No College Credit: Undergraduate students from an accredited U.S. college or university may participate in volunteer research with an OUHC researcher. No tuition is charged and no college credit is earned. Student agrees to follow OUHC and laboratory policies and procedures.

2.15 - Summer Undergraduate Programs

The OU Health Campus (OUHC) Graduate College hosts several summer undergraduate research programs (SURPs) aimed at preparing and encouraging undergraduate students to pursue careers in biomedical research or health related sciences. These programs are designed to offer outstanding undergraduate students intensive, hands-on research opportunities in the laboratories of select OUHC biomedical faculty mentors. These programs introduce students to the rigorous academic preparation required for biomedical research careers. A stipend is provided.

Detailed information on each program and application deadlines are found on the Graduate College website at Summer Undergraduate Research.

3 - MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS

3.1 - Master of Science Degree (MS)

The Master of Science (MS) degree is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of substantial post-baccalaureate study in a chosen field.

The master's degree requires the equivalent of no less than two semesters of satisfactory graduate work and such additional work as may be prescribed for the degree by the major department. The requirement for a thesis is determined by the department offering the degree. The thesis program consists of at least 30 credit hours, with no more than six semester hours for Research for Master's Thesis (course 5980) included in the 30 hours. The non-thesis program consists of at least 32 hours and a comprehensive examination. Students should consult specific departmental requirements found elsewhere in this bulletin. Credit hours previously presented and counted for one master's degree may not be applied toward satisfying the requirements of a second master's degree, with the exception of approved dual-degree programs.

When permitted by program policy, students who do not hold the master's degree in the doctoral field, have passed the General Examination for the doctoral degree, and do not plan to continue the doctoral program, may be awarded the appropriate master's degree provided they make formal application for the master's degree upon passing the General Examination, meet all program requirements, and secure the recommendation of the major department and approval of the Graduate Dean.

3.2 - Master's Dual Degrees Program

The generic dual degree program will permit students to select from already existing master's degree programs to officially pursue, when appropriate, two master's degrees simultaneously. This program allows students to tailor electives and areas of emphasis to meet their educational goals through the Health Campus and the Norman campus. Students must be admitted to both programs before 12 credit hours of program work are completed in either program. All requirements for the degrees, including research tools, foreign languages, comprehensive examination, thesis, and deficiencies, must be met for both programs. Up to 20% of the total graduate credits required for both degrees may be double counted. The student must graduate with both degrees the same semester.

3.3 - Accelerated Dual Degree Program

The accelerated dual degree program establishes a framework of rules by which academic units may offer students the option of earning combined bachelor's and graduate degrees in an accelerated manner. The program allows students with 30 hours of advanced standing credit to earn both the bachelor's and the master's degrees within three to four years of matriculation.

Interested applicants should contact the academic programs of interest to design a degree plan.

3.4 - Special Master's Degree Program

Because departmental majors do not always provide for the needs of students desiring unusual training or combinations of courses, consideration will be given to proposals for special programs of study leading to the master's degree. The guidelines given below must be followed in implementing this degree program:

1. The student must be admitted in full standing to a graduate program authorized by the State Regents to award a master's degree.
2. The student must submit to the Graduate Dean a written request for approval of a special program prior to the completion of the first 12 graduate hours of enrollment. The request must include: (a) a two-page rationale for the program; (b) a proposed degree designation; (c) proposed courses; and (d) a proposed thesis topic, if the thesis option is chosen. This request must be signed by three graduate faculty members who agree to serve as the student's Advisory Committee. The request will be referred to the Graduate Council.
3. If the proposal is approved by the Graduate Council, the statement submitted under (2) above will constitute the student's program of study. Request for changes must be submitted to the Graduate Dean.
4. The student's Advisory Committee will designate one of its members to be the major professor who will supervise the student in the program and chair the committee. The major field usually will be the program of the major professor and must be an area in which the University is authorized to award the master's degree.
5. The degree designation and the transcript will reflect the student's major field.
6. The Advisory Committee will be responsible for administering the comprehensive examination or approving the thesis, if the thesis option is chosen.

3.5 - General Master's Degree Requirements

3.5.1 - transfer credit for master's degrees

The acceptance of transfer credit from another institution for a master's degree at the OU Health Campus is determined in accordance with the following criteria:

1. A maximum of 25% of the minimum number of credit hours required for the master's degree may be transferred from other institutions. Eight transfer hours may be accepted in a 30-hour program.
2. An exception to the 25% limit on transfer credit is made for courses taken from an accredited institution through electronic media approved in advance by the department and Graduate College. Residence credit is granted for graduate level coursework taken via electronic media when taught by a member of the University of Oklahoma graduate faculty. A student working toward a graduate degree may be permitted to apply credit earned from other accredited institutions via electronic media in an amount not to exceed 50% of his/her total degree program. In no instance can the total number of credit hours transferred including electronic media, exceed 50% of the degree program.
3. The coursework transferred must represent valid graduate credit earned in graduate level courses from an accredited college or university. Credit earned by advanced standing will not apply toward a graduate degree.
4. The credit must carry a grade of A, B, or S.
5. The credit must be applicable to the degree program.
6. The transfer credit must not be more than six years old at the time of admission to the degree program. In special cases, credit more than six years old may be transferred if recommended and validated by the program and approved by the Graduate Dean. The departmental procedures to validate the student's current knowledge and competency must have the approval of the Graduate Dean.
7. Credit from a professional degree program such as the MD, DDS or DVM may be applied toward a graduate degree as transfer credit, provided that such courses carry a grade of A, B, or S and have been approved for graduate credit by the academic institution of origin.
8. Graduate coursework completed at OU Norman and OU Tulsa is considered residence credit. Upon approval of the department and the Graduate Dean, these hours may be used without limitation as credit toward a master's degree.
9. Credit hours previously presented and counted for one master's degree or certificate may not be applied toward satisfying the requirements of a second master's degree or certificate with the exception of approved dual degree programs.
10. All transfer coursework must be approved by the department and the Graduate Dean.
11. Transfer credit is considered neutral in computing the University of Oklahoma grade point average for the purpose of determining academic status, probation, and graduation.

3.5.2 - time limits for completing master's degrees

A student registered in a master's degree program typically will complete work within six calendar years after the student's first graduate enrollment at University of Oklahoma Health Campus. Programs with shorter time limits have so indicated in the section of this bulletin that refers specifically to their program.

When additional time is necessary and appropriate, the student and advisor will petition the student's program for an extension. The extension may be denied, in which case the student will be dismissed, or it may be granted with qualification. The program must inform the student, advisor, and Graduate Dean of its decision in writing. If the extension exceeds one year, approval by the Graduate Dean is required. Extensions needing approval by the Graduate Dean will require that the department or program unit certify that the student's knowledge will be current and appropriate to the degree at the time the degree is awarded.

Graduate credit taken at the University of Oklahoma or at another accredited university that is to be applied toward a master's degree may not be more than six years old at the time of admission or readmission to the Graduate College. No more than one-quarter of the credit hours (transfer credit and residence credit) applied toward a master's degree can be more than six years old at the time of graduation. To compensate for an expired course, the student should complete a more advanced course on the same topic as the expiring course. The new course must be worth equal or greater hours to the expiring course. If the expiring course carries a letter grade, the new course should also carry a letter grade.

A student's registration in a master's degree program is terminated upon receiving the degree. To continue studies in the Graduate College, re-application in another graduate degree program or as a special student must be made and approved.

3.5.3 - outline of graduate work

Students are required to file an Outline of Graduate Work within the first year of graduate study. This form serves as the student's guideline for courses needed to complete degree requirements. Once filed, any changes in the Outline of Graduate Work must be explained and documented in writing and consistent with the Admissions to Candidacy form.

3.5.4 - admissions to candidacy

Students who are doing satisfactory graduate work may normally be admitted to candidacy for a degree as soon as they have enrolled in sufficient hours for the degree. The MS Request for Candidacy form available from the Graduate College should be filed with the Graduate College at the beginning of the semester in which the student expects to graduate. (Consult the academic calendar for the specific deadline.) Also, at the time the Admission to Candidacy is filed with the Graduate College students should obtain instructions governing the completion of coursework, graduation and thesis preparation, if applicable.

3.5.5 - selection of the thesis committee and topic

A master's thesis is the product of the candidate's research endeavor. It should be original in the field and must be original for the student. A student writing a thesis should choose a topic and a thesis committee consistent with procedures established by the sponsoring program. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that approval, if appropriate, has been granted from all regulatory offices, i.e., Institutional Review Board for use of human subjects, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for use of animals, etc.

The committee must consist of a major professor and at least two other OU Health Campus (OUHC) or OU Norman graduate faculty members as approved by the Graduate Dean.

If a Proposed Committee Member is a student in an OUHC graduate program, the following conditions must be met:

• Proposed Committee Member must disclose to the Graduate College that they are a current student.
• Proposed Committee Member must have a terminal degree relevant to the thesis.
• Proposed Committee Member must be sufficiently qualified to serve on the committee without considering coursework, research experience, etc. for the degree that is in progress.
• It is strongly preferred that the Proposed Committee Member have a faculty appointment at OUHC, but others may be considered with sufficient justification.
• The thesis student’s graduate program must provide a justification for why the Proposed Committee Member should serve on the committee.
• If enrolled in a PhD program, the Proposed Committee Member must be admitted to candidacy before serving on the thesis committee.
• Special approval from the Graduate Dean is required.
• If the Graduate Dean approves the Proposed Committee Member, a COI plan must be submitted to the Graduate College. The COI plan must address who else is on the proposed thesis committee, as well as the committee of the Proposed Committee Member who is a student.

3.5.6 - continuous enrollment requirements for 5980

Initial enrollment in 5980, Research for Master's Thesis, must be for at least two hours. Subsequently, each graduate student must maintain continuous enrollment during each semester in at least two hours of 5980 until the requirements for the degree are completed or candidacy for the degree is terminated. Enrollment in 5980 during the summer session is required if work is being done on the thesis.

The continuous enrollment requirement will be waived for a student who is not working on the thesis but enrolled in full-time coursework. However, if thesis work is being done, a student must enroll in 5980 regardless of the number of other hours of enrollment. Exceptions to the continuous enrollment requirement will be considered on an individual basis by petition to the Graduate Dean.

The faculty advisor will determine the number of 5980 credit hours for each enrollment on the basis of the amount of faculty and University services and resources required by the individual student, but each enrollment will be for two or more hours. A student working full time on the thesis and using University facilities should be enrolled as a full-time student during regular semesters and the summer session. See the Enrollment section in this bulletin for information on full-time enrollment requirements. Such enrollments must be completed during the regular registration period.

An enrollment of less than full time requires the signature of the student's major department chairperson as well as the faculty advisor.

A graduate student who does not comply or has not complied with the enrollment provisions above must enroll during the semester in which graduation is expected in the exact number of hours of 5980 that would have been completed under continuous enrollment. In addition, a late enrollment fee must be paid for each of those semesters. The Graduate College and the Office of Recruitment and Admissions shall determine the number of hours of 5980 in which the student must enroll during the final semester of the degree program.

3.5.7 - thesis reading copy

The master’s candidate is responsible for preparing a complete draft of the thesis in compliance with the Graduate College Guidelines for Preparation of the Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation, as well as guidelines within their graduate program. The Reading Copy must be in an acceptable format and must include all figures, tables, numbered pages, and a complete bibliography.

With the approval of the major professor, the student distributes the Reading Copy to each committee member. The student must submit the Report of Reading Copy Submission to inform the Graduate College that the Reading Copy was sent to the committee. The committee reviews the Reading Copy in detail and requests revisions. The student is responsible for making major revisions and seeking the committee’s approval for major revisions before submitting the thesis to the Graduate College. When the following criteria are satisfied, the primary mentor and committee members sign the defense request to demonstrate their initial approval of the thesis reading copy:

1. The thesis is complete.
2. The thesis demonstrates the candidate’s ability to conduct original research and contribute to the discipline, at a level appropriate to the MS.
3. No further research is required.
4. Major revisions have been addressed; only minor revisions are required.

The student must provide enough time for committee members to review the Reading Copy in detail, request major revisions, and review major revisions if needed, before the thesis reading copy is submitted to the Graduate College. The student must submit the defense request and approved reading copy to the Graduate College at least 10 business days before the defense.

3.5.8 - defense of the thesis

The thesis defense is the final examination for an MS with thesis. The defense may be oral, written, or a combination of oral and written. It may be restricted to the defense of the thesis and/or cover the coursework required for the degree.

Defense Request

At least 10 business days before the defense, the candidate must submit the following to the Graduate College:

1. Completed Defense Request Form. The master's candidate will receive this form via e-mail after they file the Report of Reading Copy Submission.
2. Approved Reading Copy. The Approved Reading Copy is a complete draft of the thesis with all major revisions complete. Additional minor revisions may be required after the defense.

Authority for the Defense

The defense must be authorized by the Graduate College. The Graduate College will review the submission and send the Authority for the Defense via e-mail to the student, mentor, and Graduate Program Director in advance of the defense.

In-Person Defense

For programs that require an oral defense of the thesis, the defense must be scheduled for a time when the student and the mentor/committee chair can be physically present at the same location for the defense. It is recommended that all committee members participate in person. The defense should be scheduled far enough in advance to accommodate regular scheduling challenges. However, if a committee member must participate remotely, an exception must be requested from the Graduate College no later than the time the defense request is submitted. If remote participation becomes necessary due to an extenuating circumstance, the Graduate College must be notified promptly. The integrity and significance of the oral examination process must not be compromised by the absence of a sound committee.

Results of the Defense

All members of the committee must sign the Authority for the Defense form and signify whether the examination was satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Either traditional or electronic signatures will be accepted on the Authority for the Defense form. If traditional signatures are used, the original hard copy must be submitted to the Graduate College.

The results of the thesis defense must be reported to the Graduate College within 72 hours. A unanimous report from the thesis committee is expected; however, dissenting votes may be cast. If one member dissents, a minority report must be filed with the Graduate Dean. If the committee consists of three members, of whom two dissent, the performance is graded as unsatisfactory. If the committee consists of more than three members and two dissent, a minority report must be filed and the Graduate Dean will investigate. The Dean's decision will be final. If more than two members cast an unsatisfactory vote, the defense is to be graded unsatisfactory.

Only one attempt is granted in defending the thesis. If the defense is graded unsatisfactory, this decision is final and the defense cannot be repeated. Courses taken prior to failing the thesis defense can count for no more than 25% of the credit hours required for a master's degree at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences. These courses must be applied to an academic program other than the one in which the student failed the defense. The student must gain admission to a different program and have the permission from that department and the Dean of the Graduate College to include any courses used for the previous graduate program.

3.5.9 - the final thesis

The master's candidate is responsible for addressing the revisions requested by the mentor, committee, and Graduate College; securing the mentor's and committee's approval the final thesis; and submitting the final thesis and signatures of approval to the Graduate College through the ProQuest ETD Administrator.

Final Revisions

It is essential that all master's candidates make themselves responsible for the complete and accurate collation of their materials before turning them in to the Graduate College. The final thesis will be published as it is submitted, with no further proofreading.

In particular, if utilizing copyrighted material in the thesis, students must obtain permission from the copyright holder for such reproduction and provide proper citation. Without proper permission and citation, the author of the thesis is liable to prosecution once the thesis has been published. Additional details are available in the Graduate College Guidelines for Preparation of the Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation and the defense request.

Outcome of the Final Thesis

The thesis committee, including the chair/mentor, is responsible for reviewing the final thesis and determining whether it meets the standards for a master's thesis. All committee members must either sign the signature page indicating their approval of the thesis, or submit a written dissent to the Graduate College. The written dissent must be submitted to the Graduate College along with the final signed signature page. Signature may be electronic or in ink. If signatures are in ink, the original hard copy must be submitted to the Graduate College. If there are dissenting votes, dissents will be evaluated as described for the Thesis Defense.

Deadlines

The final copy of the thesis must be delivered to the Graduate College within 60 calendar days of the oral defense. To graduate in a particular semester, the student must meet the graduate deadlines for that semester, which may require submitting the final copy in less than 60 calendar days. Graduation deadlines are listed on the Graduate College website. For details about maximum time in the program and age of coursework, refer to Section 3.6 below.

If a thesis candidate does not submit the final copy within 60 days, the results of the defense will be set aside, whereupon the student must offer the Graduate College a new reading copy of the dissertation that carries preliminary approval of the major professor. When the committee has accepted this new reading copy, the student may schedule the defense of the thesis, according to the policies and procedures defined above.

Publication of the Final Thesis

Upon receiving the final copy and signatures, the Graduate College will ask the student’s major advisor to confirm that the correct final copy was submitted. The confirmed final copy is uploaded to the OU Health Campus University Library and published electronically through ProQuest. The final thesis will be published as it is submitted, with no further proofreading.

3.5.10 - comprehensive examination for non-thesis master's students

A comprehensive examination is required of all non-thesis degree candidates seeking a Master of Science degree. At the option of the department, the examination may be written, oral, or a combination of written and oral. Authority to take the Comprehensive Examination must be requested from the Graduate College. The chairperson of the committee must send a memorandum requesting Authority to administer the Comprehensive Examination at least 10 working days prior to the scheduled examination. The Request for the Master’s Comprehensive Examination form must list the examination committee consisting of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty and the requested time and location of the examination.

The examination may be individualized to the student's coursework/program of study or may be a standardized examination for all students in the program. The examination should be scheduled during the semester of the student's final enrollment in coursework. The Authority for the Comprehensive Examination form will be issued if the student has filed an Admission to Candidacy form, is in good academic standing and enrolled in at least two graduate credit hours during the semester the examination is to be taken. All degree requirements are expected to be completed the semester the Comprehensive Examination is administered. Degree completion more than one semester following the Comprehensive Examination may require a second Examination.

Within 72 hours after the examination is complete, the authority form must be returned to the Graduate College with the results and signatures of all committee members. If the comprehensive examination is failed, a report must be submitted to the Graduate College indicating whether the student may repeat the examination. This report must also outline the student's deficiencies. A student who fails a second time will no longer be eligible for a master's degree in the academic program in which the examination was failed.

Courses taken prior to failing the comprehensive examination for a second time can count for no more than 25% of the credit hours required for a master's degree at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences.

3.6 - Graduation Deadlines

The date of Graduation for each term shall be the last day of final examination in the fall, the date of commencement in the spring, and the last day of classes in the summer. To entitle a student to graduate as of that date, all work required for the degree (this includes the depositing the thesis/dissertation in the library and payment of tuition and fees) must be completed prior to the first day of classes of the next semester or summer session. If the student has not completed all the requirements, the student will become a graduate the following semester. It is the student's responsibility to make sure all degree requirements have been met.

The following deadlines apply:

1. Current Semester Graduate: All documents (including dissertation final copy) must be to the Graduate College office by 5 PM on the last working day prior to the beginning of the upcoming semester.
2. Upcoming Semester Graduate Without Enrollment: All documents (including dissertation final copy) must be to the Graduate College office by 5 PM on the last working day to enroll for the upcoming semester.
3. Upcoming Semester With Required Enrollment: Monday after the final day to add a class, the student must become a graduate of the upcoming semester and must enroll in 2 hours of 5980.

4 - DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

4.1 - Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD)

The Graduate College awards the doctoral degree for excellence in research and scholarship, not merely because the student completes a program of courses or spends a given time in its pursuit. The doctorate signifies the attainment of independently acquired and comprehensive knowledge and attests to the general professional competence of the recipient. The Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma Health Campus normally grants a doctoral degree only to individuals who do not already hold a PhD or similar graduate degree.

A student should expect to spend a minimum of four full academic years beyond the bachelor's degree. During this period the student shall take adequate course work, successfully complete the general examination, and successfully defend the results of original research presented in a dissertation.

After admission to the Graduate College, students become prospective candidates at the discretion of their Advisory Conference Committee. Full candidacy is granted only upon successful completion of the General Examination.

Students who finish a master's degree cannot continue graduate study unless they are admitted into a doctoral program by the recommendation of a program and approval of the Graduate Dean.

4.2 - Accelerated Dual Degree Program

The accelerated dual degree program establishes a framework of rules by which academic units may offer students the option of earning a combined bachelor's and graduate degree in an accelerated program. The program allows students with 30 hours of advanced standing credit to earn both the bachelor's and the master's degrees within three to four years of matriculation and the bachelor's and PhD degrees in as short a period as five years from matriculation. Interested applicants should contact the academic programs of interest to design a degree plan.

4.3 - Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS) is a first-year, interdisciplinary program serving seven degree programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus (OUHC). Students will graduate with a PhD from one of the participating programs to prepare them for careers in biomedical sciences. For details, visit the GPiBS program webpage.

4.4 - MD/PhD Degree Program

Applicants wishing to combine studies for the MD and PhD degrees must be accepted into the MD degree program and into a doctoral degree program. This is a combined degree program between the College of Medicine and Graduate College. Students accepted into the program complete the first two years of medical school, enter a graduate program completing a Doctor of Philosophy degree, then complete medical school.

4.5 - Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program

A nontraditional program may be selected by students who do not choose to specialize in one of the prescribed program areas. The authority for designing and awarding an interdisciplinary doctoral degree is vested with the Graduate Council. This does not imply the relaxation of standards and levels of performance. It frees the candidate from the need to satisfy specific degree requirements of a department or unit which may not be particularly relevant to the program of study desired by the candidate. This determination is made by an Advisory Committee and the Graduate Council.

Because regular departmental programs usually require some course work in related areas, these programs must be defined so that they differ from conventional departmental programs. To this end, an interdisciplinary program is defined as one in which the candidate takes less than the normal number of courses required for a doctoral student in the disciplinary program but may require more didactic coursework than for the traditional doctoral degree. The procedures for candidacy and for earning a doctoral degree in an Interdisciplinary program are:

1. The candidate must apply and be admitted to a graduate program authorized by the State Regents to grant the doctoral degree. Admission to the graduate program does not necessarily imply subsequent acceptance into an Interdisciplinary program.
2. To be admitted into the Interdisciplinary program, the candidate must submit a petition to the Graduate Dean consisting of: a statement justifying the need for investigation in the proposed area; a list of courses to be included in the program of study; how this program significantly differs from existing programs; a research proposal; and a statement about the program from the proposed members of the Advisory Committee.
3. The Graduate Dean, or a person designated by the Dean, is an ex-officio member of the Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee. The Graduate Council must approve the rationale, courses, and members of the Advisory Committee. The Graduate Council may require the student and the student’s mentor attend a Graduate Council meeting and defend the program of study. Any changes in an approved program must be authorized by the Graduate Dean.
4. The majority of the graduate courses leading to the Interdisciplinary degree must be taken in departments or units authorized to offer the doctoral degree. Credit received for research for the doctoral dissertation may not be used to meet the preceding requirements.
5. For the Interdisciplinary program, the degree granted will bear the name of the program in which most of the candidate's courses are taken, for example, Physiology/ Interdisciplinary.
6. Subsequent procedures follow the rules of the Graduate College, except that the Advisory Committee is not constrained to follow the specific degree requirements of a particular department or unit.

4.6 - General Doctoral Degree Requirements

4.6.1 - transfer credit for doctoral programs

All transfer coursework must be approved by the student's Graduate Program and by the Graduate Dean.

Graduate College Criteria for Transfer Credit Towards a PhD

The acceptance of transfer credit from another institution for a doctoral degree at OUHSC is determined in accordance with the following criteria:

1. Transfer credit must constitute less than 50% of the credit hours applied toward a doctoral degree. Exceptions can be made for additional non-OU coursework taken by electronic media, if the course is taken following enrollment in an OU Health Campus (OUHC) doctoral program and approved by the student's Graduate Program.
2. The coursework transferred must represent valid graduate credit earned in graduate level courses from an accredited college or university.
3. The credit must carry a grade of A, B, or S.
4. The credit must be applicable to the degree program.
5. Courses that are not part of a completed, relevant master’s degree must not be more than six years old at the time of admission to the degree program. In special cases, credit more than six years old may be transferred if recommended and validated by the department and approved by the Graduate Dean. The departmental procedures to validate the student's current knowledge and competency must have the approval of the Graduate Dean.
6. If the student has completed a master's degree, the entire program may be accepted as transfer credit, if the coursework meets the standards outlined in the Bulletin and the Graduate Program determines that the coursework is current and relevant. No more than six hours of thesis research credit from a completed master's degree may be applied toward a doctoral degree. Credit from a completed master's degree must account for less than 50% of the credit hours for the doctoral degree.
7. Credit from a professional degree program such as the MD, DDS, or DVM degree may be applied toward a graduate degree as transfer credit, provided that such courses carry a grade of A, B, or S and have been approved for graduate credit by the academic institution of origin.
8. Graduate coursework completed while a student is in a doctoral degree program at the University of Oklahoma Norman or OU Tulsa Campuses will be considered as residence credit, and upon approval of the department and the Graduate Dean, may be used without limitation as credit toward a doctoral degree.
9. Credit hours previously counted for one doctoral degree may not be applied toward a second doctoral degree.
10. Credit by correspondence or by advanced standing examination will not apply toward a graduate degree.
11. Graduate coursework taken in Tulsa from the University of Oklahoma is not considered transfer credit. OSU Tulsa consists of five cooperating universities that provide undergraduate and graduate level courses as well as some degree programs. Credit taken from the other cooperating universities through OSU Tulsa is considered transfer work and must comply with the transfer policies.

Graduate Program Evaluation of Proposed Transfer Credit

The PhD Advisory Committee is responsible for evaluating the proposed transfer coursework to determine equivalency with the required PhD curriculum.

1. If completed coursework is deemed equivalent to a required course in the PhD curriculum, the transfer credit may be accepted in lieu of the required PhD course. The course would not need to be retaken in the PhD curriculum.
2. If completed coursework is deemed similar, but not equivalent to a required course or not current, the student must take the required OU Health Campus (OUHC) course, a related OUHC course, or an independent study to demonstrate competency. The credit hours required for the PhD can include either the completed, current “similar” coursework or the course to be taken at OUHC, but not both.
3. Additional completed coursework that is relevant to the doctoral curriculum can be counted as elective credit.
4. The Advisory Committee should submit a recommendation to the Graduate College regarding the proposed transfer courses and determination of equivalency.

4.6.2 - grade point average computation

Transfer credit is considered neutral in computing the University of Oklahoma grade point average for the purpose of determining academic status, probation, and graduation.

4.6.3 - time limits for completing doctoral degree

A doctoral student who enters the OU Health Campus (OUHC) Graduate College with a bachelor's degree is expected to pass the General Examination within five calendar years of the student's first graduate enrollment in the program, and a student who enters with a master's degree is expected to pass the General Examination within four calendar years of the student's first graduate enrollment in the program.

A doctoral candidate is normally expected to complete all the degree requirements within five years after admission to candidacy. Individual programs with shorter time limits should indicate so in their program handbook. The graduate program may provide an extension of up to one calendar year, and the Graduate College must be informed of the extension. Extensions greater than one year need the approval of the Graduate Dean and will require that the department or program unit involved certify that the student's knowledge will be current and appropriate to the degree at the time the degree is awarded. The procedure to be used for this determination must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

Individual graduate courses, not applied toward a previous graduate degree, taken at the University of Oklahoma or at another accredited university that is to be applied toward a doctoral degree must not be more than six years old at the time of admission or readmission to the Graduate College. Regarding resident credit and transfer credit not applied toward a previous graduate degree, no more than 23 credit hours applied to the PhD can be more than nine years old at the time of graduation for students entering with a master's degree or ten years old for students entering with a bachelor's degree. To compensate for an expired course, the student should complete a more advanced course on the same topic as the expiring course. The new course must be worth equal or greater hours to the expiring course. If the expiring course carries a letter grade, the new course should also carry a letter grade.

4.6.4 - responsibilities of the graduate program or academic unit

Each department or academic unit offering the doctoral degree is responsible for its graduate program. The Program determines how it shall function and how it shall exercise the powers delegated to it. These determinations shall include how many hours of course work constitute a minimum for the degree, what proportion of the work toward the degree is to be devoted to research, and the role of the dissertation. Further, each department or unit shall make its own rules regarding the time its students may spend, or work they may do, other than toward the degree itself, in classroom, laboratory, research assistance, or instruction.

Research proficiency is based in part on the development of attitudes and skills, which vary considerably from one field to another. The faculty for each program is responsible for requiring that their doctoral candidates demonstrate proficiency in those skills deemed necessary for successful research performance. For example, a faculty may require its students to demonstrate particular technical competencies.

Each program offering the doctoral degree will decide the time and means of certifying prospective candidacy and will formally notify the Graduate College when a student has completed all the requirements to be nominated as a prospective candidate. The Graduate Dean will admit the student to candidacy.

4.7 - The Advisory Committee

Each Graduate Program unit will establish a Graduate Education Advisory Committee in such a way that the related areas within the program are represented. A minimum of three Graduate Faculty members should comprise the Advisory Committee with the majority authorized to chair a doctoral committee. The membership of the committee must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

The responsibilities of this committee will be to:

1. Advise, encourage, and act as an advocate for students from the first day a student is in the program. This should include regularly scheduled meetings with the student through the completion of the general examination and until the dissertation advisor is selected;
2. Design an appropriate curriculum for each student;
3. Work with the student to complete and file with the Graduate College a plan of study (Report of the Doctoral Advisory Conference). This report should be filed no later than the end of the student's first year in the program. The Committee should be sure that the student understands that the program may need to be modified or additional work may be necessary, depending on the choice of the dissertation advisor and dissertation topic;
4. Coordinate the administration of the General Examination at the appropriate time;
5. Perform an annual evaluation of each student's progress toward the degree and communicate the results of the evaluation to the student and the Graduate Dean; and
6. Help the students select an appropriate dissertation advisor.

4.8 - The General Examination

Students should apply for the General Examination when the course work and any tools of research as described in the Report of the Doctoral Advisory Conference are almost complete. The examination is intended to test the student's mastery of a number of related fields as well as the student's ability to synthesize, integrate, generalize, and expand upon all knowledge gained prior to the examination. Students should expect that material included in this examination will go beyond the subject matter covered in any individual course.

Each graduate program will develop clearly defined guidelines for the General Examination including:

1. When the examination will be administered within the student's outlined program;
2. The structure and format for the examination (must include a written component and an oral component);
3. The procedure for evaluating the examination; and
4. The procedure available for students to receive consultation and evaluation of their performance on the examination.

These guidelines must be approved by the Graduate College and any changes to the guidelines for the General Examination must be submitted to and approved by the Graduate Dean.

The student submits to the Graduate College the Application for the General Examination at least 10 working days prior to the start of the examination.

The application must contain the names and signatures of the student’s General Examination Committee. The General Examination Committee must be composed of five Graduate Faculty members with the majority authorized to chair a doctoral committee. The application must be approved by the student’s graduate program as documented by the signature of the graduate liaison or program director.

Upon submission to the Graduate College the application must be approved by the Graduate Dean. The student may not begin the General Examination until their graduate program receives notification that the Graduate Dean has approved their Application for the General Examination. Any General Examination taken without approval of the Graduate College must be repeated.

Advances in electronic media have made it possible for the oral component of the General Exam to be held without the presence of every member at the same location. The Graduate College must be notified of remote participation before the oral component. The student, the committee chair, and the majority of General Examination Committee must be physically present at the same location for the oral component of the General Examination. Other committee members may participate remotely via audio or video conference. Nevertheless, the integrity and significance of the oral examination process must not be compromised by the absence of a sound committee.

Within 72 hours following completion of the General Examination, the chair of the General Examination Committee must submit to the Graduate College a written report signed by all members of the examination committee indicating whether the student passed or failed the examination. Copies of electronic signatures for committee members who have been approved to participate remotely will be accepted.

A unanimous report from the General Examination Committee is expected; however, on occasion committee members may dissent. If one committee member dissents the dissent is recorded. If two committee members dissent the dissent is recorded, a minority report must be filed, and the Graduate Dean will investigate and make the final decision on the General Examination. If more than two committee members dissent, the General Examination is judged to be a failure.

Upon notification that the student has successfully passed their General Examination and a request has been made to the Graduate Dean for admission to candidacy, the student is eligible to enroll in dissertation research hours (6980). The student must be eligible for candidacy by the final date to enroll in order to enroll in dissertation research hours (6980) for that semester.

If a student fails either the written or oral portion of the General Examination the examination is considered a failure. Students have the option of taking a second General Examination if they fail the first attempt. The Chair of the General Examination Committee must provide the student with a critique of the failed exam; describe any further coursework, reading, etc. that the student is required to do prior to taking the second examination; and the proposed time for completion of the second General Examination. This must be provided as a written document to the student and a copy provided to the Graduate College Dean within 7 working days of the failed General Examination.

To take a second General Examination the student must submit a new Application for the General Examination to the Graduate College following the above procedures. The second General Examination must be scheduled no later than one academic year after failure of the first exam. Failure of the General Examination for a second time will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

4.8.1 - terminal master's degree

Effective for students entering doctoral programs from fall 2009, a doctoral student may request to change their major to a terminal master’s degree. Matriculated doctoral students changing to a terminal master’s degree must complete the requirements for a thesis or non-thesis master’s degree to be awarded a master’s degree as described in the Masters Programs portion of the Graduate College Bulletin. Students changing to a terminal master’s degree may not enter the same doctoral program at a later date.

Policy after Successful Completion of the General Exam:

When permitted by departmental policy, effective for students entering doctoral programs from fall 2009, students who do not hold the master's degree in the doctoral discipline may apply for the master's degree if they have passed the General Examination for the doctoral degree, have met the departmental requirements for the non-thesis master’s degree, and have the recommendation of the major department. Upon approval by the Graduate Dean, the student will be awarded the terminal master's degree.

Policy After Failure of the General Exam:

Effective for students entering doctoral programs from fall 2009, students who have failed the general examination and do not hold the master's degree in the doctoral discipline may request to change their major to the master’s degree program. Students in graduate programs that offer a thesis master’s degree must complete the requirements for a thesis master’s degree to be awarded a master’s degree. For students in graduate programs that offer a non-thesis master’s degree the program may allow the student to apply to take the master's comprehensive examination if they have otherwise met all of the departmental requirements for the master's degree, and have the recommendation of the major department. Courses taken prior to failing the general examination may count for no more than 50% of the credit hours required for a master's degree in a different discipline at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus. Furthermore, the courses must have been taken within six years of the student's admission to the master's degree being sought. The student must be admitted to the master's degree program and have permission from that department and the Graduate Dean to include the courses.

4.9 - Non-terminal Master's Degree

Students in graduate programs that offer a thesis master’s degree must complete the requirements for a thesis master’s degree to be awarded a master’s degree while progressing to a doctoral degree; materials presented in the master’s thesis may not be included in the student’s doctoral dissertation. The request to obtain a master’s degree must be made no later than the next semester after passing the General Examination. The student must file an Admission to Candidacy form for the master's degree and pay the appropriate graduation fees. Transfer credit can only be applied once to a succeeding degree.

4.10 - The Doctoral Committee

The student's Doctoral Committee will be established by the Advisory Committee in coordination with the student and the dissertation advisor and with approval by the Graduate Dean. This committee will consist of at least five members with the majority from the program and with at least one member from outside the program. An OUHSC graduate student may not serve on a doctoral committee. OU Norman graduate faculty at appropriate level may serve as the outside member without seeking an OU Health Campus (OUHC) graduate faculty appointment. The committee must be constituted so that no more than two members do not have authority to chair doctoral committees. If the Graduate Faculty appointment level of a doctoral committee member changes, the Graduate College will honor the appointment level at the time the committee was approved.

This committee must be appointed no later than the time that the General Examination is successfully completed. Any changes in the membership of the Doctoral Committee must be done in consultation with the student and approved by the remaining members of the Committee and the Graduate Dean. The Graduate Dean may exercise the prerogative of appointing an additional voting representative of the Graduate College. If the representative is appointed later than one semester prior to the time of the Dissertation Defense, he or she will serve as a non-voting member of the Committee.

The functions of this committee will be to:

1. Guide the student in the selection of an appropriate dissertation topic and in the research design and methodology for the dissertation;
2. Approve the student's research plan or prospectus;
3. Advise and assist the student with specialty information necessary to design and complete the dissertation research project;
4. Perform an annual evaluation of the student's progress toward the degree and communicate the results of the evaluation to the student and the Graduate Dean;
5. Read and correct the drafts of the dissertation to ensure that appropriate standards are met; and,
6. Administer the dissertation defense.

This Request for Approval of Doctoral Committee form is available on the Graduate College website.

4.11 - The Doctoral Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is the final and most important component of the series of academic experiences, which culminates in the awarding of the doctoral degree. Three major functions are fulfilled by the dissertation experience: (1) it is a work of original research/scholarship that makes a contribution to existing knowledge; (2) it demonstrates the candidate's mastery of research methods and tools of the special field; and (3) it demonstrates the student's ability to address a significant intellectual problem and to arrive at a successful conclusion.

Aided by the dissertation advisor, the student should promptly select a dissertation topic. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that approval, if appropriate, has been granted from all regulatory offices (IBC, IRB, IACUC, etc). After the General Examination, most of the student's time will be devoted to research and writing the dissertation. The student must enroll in enough hours of Research for Doctor's Dissertation (course 6980) to satisfy the requirement of the program and to meet the minimum credit hours required for the PhD.

Thesis/Dissertation guidelines are found on the Graduate College website.

4.11.1 - requirements for enrolling in dissertation research

Only students who have completed the Responsible Conduct of Research training for doctoral students, passed the General Examination, and been admitted to candidacy by the final date to enroll for the upcoming semester may enroll in 6980. The initial enrollment in 6980 (Research for Doctoral Dissertation) must be for at least two hours. Subsequently, each doctoral student must maintain continuous enrollment in at least two hours of 6980 during each term until the requirements for the degree are completed.

4.11.2 - dissertation reading copy

The doctoral candidate is responsible for preparing a complete draft of the dissertation in compliance with the Graduate College Guidelines for Preparation of the Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation, as well as guidelines within their graduate program. The Reading Copy should be in an acceptable dissertation format and must include all figures and tables, numbered pages, and a complete bibliography.

With the approval of the primary mentor, the student distributes the Reading Copy to each committee member. The student must submit the Report of Reading Copy Submission to inform the Graduate College that the Reading Copy was sent to the committee. The committee reviews the Reading Copy in detail and requests revisions. The doctoral candidate is responsible for making major revisions and seeking the committee’s approval for major revisions before submitting the dissertation to the Graduate College. When the following criteria are satisfied, the primary mentor and committee members sign the defense request to demonstrate their initial approval of the dissertation reading copy:

1. No further research is required for the degree
2. The dissertation is complete, and the student has made all necessary major changes
3. The dissertation makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge
4. The dissertation demonstrates the candidate’s mastery of research methods and tools of the field, and the ability to address a significant intellectual problem

The student must provide enough time for committee members to review the dissertation draft in detail, request major revisions, and review major revisions if needed, before the dissertation reading copy is submitted to the Graduate College. The student must submit the defense request and approved reading copy to the Graduate College at least 10 business days before the defense.

4.11.3 - final oral examination dissertation defense

The final oral examination is a defense of the dissertation and is open to the public. The student must be enrolled for at least two hours of dissertation research (6980) in the semester of the defense. Any changes in the doctoral committee must be approved by the Graduate Dean. The Graduate Dean may exercise a prerogative and appoint an observer for the Graduate College who would not be a voting member.

Defense Request

At least 10 business days before the defense, the candidate must submit the following to the Graduate College:

1. Completed Defense Request Form. The doctoral candidate will receive this form via e-mail after they file the Report of Reading Copy Submission.
2. Approved Reading Copy. The Approved Reading Copy is a complete draft of the dissertation with all major revisions complete. Additional minor revisions may be required after the defense.
3. Defense Announcement. A template for the Dissertation Defense Announcement is available on the Graduate College Website.

Authority for the Defense

The defense must be authorized by the Graduate College. The Graduate College will review the submission and send the Authority for the Defense via e-mail to the student, mentor, and Graduate Program Director in advance of the defense. The Graduate College will distribute the doctoral defense announcement via e-mail and a website accessible to members of the University.

In-Person Defense

The defense must be scheduled for a time when the student, the mentor/committee chair, and the majority of the dissertation committee can be physically present at the same location for the defense. A PhD defense also requires an in-person public audience.

It is recommended that all committee members participate in person. The defense should be scheduled far enough in advance to accommodate regular scheduling challenges. However, if a committee member must participate remotely, an exception must be requested from the Graduate College no later than the time the defense request is submitted. If remote participation becomes necessary due to an extenuating circumstance, the Graduate College must be notified promptly. The integrity and significance of the oral examination process must not be compromised by the absence of a sound committee.

Results of the Defense

All members of the committee must sign the Authority for the Defense form and signify whether the examination was satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Either traditional or electronic signatures will be accepted on the Authority for the Defense form. If traditional signatures are used, the original hard copy must be submitted to the Graduate College.

The results of the dissertation defense must be reported to the Graduate College within 72 hours. A unanimous report from the doctoral committee is expected; however, on occasion some dissenting reports are received. If one member dissents, the dissent is recognized as a minority report. If two members of the doctoral committee dissent, a minority report must be filed and the Graduate Dean will investigate and make the final decision. If more than two members vote unsatisfactory, the defense is judged to be a failure.

Only one attempt is granted in defending the dissertation. If the defense is determined to be unsatisfactory (failure), the decision is final and the defense cannot be repeated. Furthermore, the student will be dropped from the rolls of the Graduate College and candidacy for the doctoral degree will terminate.

Nothing herein shall prohibit such a student from reapplying for admission to the Graduate College and pursuing a doctoral degree in another major field so long as the student satisfies all necessary degree requirements under the rules and regulations of the admitting department, Graduate College and University of Oklahoma Health Campus.

4.11.4 - the final dissertation

The doctoral candidate is responsible for addressing the revisions requested by the mentor, committee, and Graduate College; securing the mentor's and committee's approval the final dissertation; and submitting the final dissertation and signatures of approval to the Graduate College through the ProQuest ETD Administrator.

Final Revisions

It is essential that all doctoral candidates make themselves responsible for the complete and accurate collation of their materials before turning them in to the Graduate College. The final dissertation will be published as it is submitted, with no further proofreading.

In particular, if utilizing copyrighted material in the dissertation, students must obtain permission from the copyright holder for such reproduction and provide proper citation. Without proper permission and citation, the author of the dissertation is liable to prosecution once the dissertation has been published. Additional details are available in the Graduate College Guidelines for Preparation of the Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation and the defense request.

Outcome of the Final Dissertation

The dissertation committee, including the chair/mentor, is responsible for reviewing the final dissertation and determining whether it meets the standards for a doctoral dissertation. All committee members must either sign the signature page indicating their approval of the dissertation, or submit a written dissent to the Graduate College. The written dissent must be submitted to the Graduate College along with the final signed signature page. Signature may be electronic or in ink. If signatures are in ink, the original hard copy must be submitted to the Graduate College. If there are dissenting votes, dissents will be evaluated as described for the Dissertation Defense.