What is considered "full-time" for a graduate student?
I attended Valdosta State as an undergraduate. Do I have to submit another medical form with my application to graduate school?
How many hours can I transfer to VSU from another institution?
How long do I have to complete my degree? Do my classes "expire?"
I should have transfer credit. When will that be processed?
How long are my transcripts and student records kept?


What is considered "full-time" for a graduate student?

A graduate student is considered full-time if they enroll in nine or more credit hours each semester. Half-time is five to eight credit hours per semester.

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I have attended Valdosta State University as an undergraduate student. Do I have to submit another medical form with my application to graduate school?

No. If you have attended Valdosta State University at any time in the past, you are exempt from resubmitting the medical form.

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How many hours can I transfer to VSU from another institution?

The advisor reviews official transcripts to determine course equivalence/similarity. If the advisor determines the course is an appropriate transfer course, S/he sends a course substitution form to the Graduate School for approval. The course substitution form specifies the course, hours, institution of origin, and how the course should be applied (e.g., general elective or a course substitution for an existing course in the curriculum). Courses considered for transfer credit must: (1) be no more than 7 years of age, or more specifically, may not be over 7 years of age when the student completes the degree at VSU; (2) be earned at an institution that is regionally accredited; (3) be graduate-level courses; and (4) not exceed specific program limitations on total number of hours. All transfer requests are subject to approval by the Associate Provost of Graduate Studies and Research, and deficiency point.  Policy applies to the grades transferred.

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How long do I have to complete my degree? Do my classes "expire?"

There is a seven-year time limit on graduate credit. If you do not complete your degree in seven years, you may have to retake some classes that you took at the beginning of your graduate studies. For doctoral students, courses may not be older than 7 years at the time of admission to candidacy at which point, you have 5 years to complete your dissertation or final project. If you are an Ed.D. student, please consult with your advisor on how Admission to Candidacy affects your timeline.

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I should have transfer credit. When will that be processed?

Transfer credit is evaluated by your advisor after you are admitted. We must have official transcripts for transfer credit to be processed. If you think you should have transfer credit, please contact your advisor and see if s/he  has received your transcript. If s/he has not, please ask him/her to contact the Graduate school for a copy. If your transcript was not submitted with your initial application (if you completed the credit as a transient student, for example), you will need to have an official copy of your transcript sent to the Graduate school. We will then forward it to your advisor, and await his/her recommendation for your credit. When recommended and processed, the transfer credit will show up on your unofficial transcript in BannerWeb.

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How long are my transcripts and student records kept?

Applications and supporting documents for those who were denied admission, who were accepted but did not enroll, or who did not complete the application process are retained by the Graduate School for three years. Transcripts, test scores, and other documents submitted without applications are retained for one year. The Graduate School retains applications and supporting documents for seven years for students who have enrolled.

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