UB - University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

Scholastic Requirements (General)

1. Grades:  A minimum average of B (3.0/4.0) must be maintained during all graduate work.  This requirement takes effect after 3 courses, and all work taken for graduate credit which could be applied to the degree is used in calculating the grade point average. Courses should not be taken using “S/U” grading unless approval is obtained ahead of time from the Director of Graduate Studies.
   
   Accordingly, courses taken in excess of that applied toward the degree credit requirements will be included in the computation of grade point average.  Students whose averages fall between 2.5 and 3.0 at the end of any grading period may be permitted, upon the recommendation of their advisors and approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, to make up the grade point deficiency within a specified period.
   
   A student will be considered for dismissal from the program when:
   • the grade of F is earned in any course;
   • more than two grades are earned from among, C, D, and U;
   • probation status has not been removed;
   • the grade point average falls below 2.5 at the end of any grading period;
   • the student is found guilty of academic dishonesty according to existing regulations.
   Incomplete grades (I) are not counted in the program average while they are on the student's record.  However, after no more than two additional semesters, all requirements for such courses must be completed and a letter grade assigned.  If this is not done, the ‘I’ grade will automatically be changed to a U (unsatisfactory), which cannot be used to satisfy graduation requirements.  The program average is not affected by grades received for thesis, dissertation and seminar. The grade L is normally to be used for Thesis, Project, Dissertation or Departmental Seminar courses.
   
   Graduate students are permitted to resign from a course without academic penalty if this is done prior to the last day for dropping a course without penalty.  The student must resign officially by use of a Change of Registration slip which is available in the Student Response Center office.  The student must consult with his advisor before returning the slip.  Students who are required to keep full-time status must also receive approval of the Director of Graduate Studies prior to dropping a course.
   
   It is important that the student resign officially from a course in the manner described, otherwise a grade of F will be recorded.
   
   
2. Time limits for full-time degree students
   
   The time limit for the M.S. degree is four years, measured from the first registration as a graduate degree student. For part-time students a time limit of six (6) years from the first registration in the graduate program may be permitted.  At the end of four (4) years, a graduate student petition form must be submitted to request an extension beyond the fourth year. The limit for the Ph.D. degree is five years from the date of the first Ph.D. registration, and seven years from the date of first graduate registration.  The time spent on an approved leave of absence is not included in these time limits.
   
   Time limit extensions may be granted for adequate reasons by petition to the Executive Committee of the Graduate School.  The petition must be forwarded with a recommendation from the Director of Graduate Studies.  The extension of time limit is normally granted for a maximum period of one year.
   
   
3. Other requirements
   
   Any general requirements of the Graduate School or SEAS (see http://www.eng.buffalo.edu/policies.php ) must also be satisfied.