University Graduate School
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Code of Academic Integrity
This Code of Academic Integrity was adopted by the Student Government Association on November 28, 2001 and
reflects the values articulated in the Student Code of Standards.
Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent
teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should
respect the rights of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and to demonstrate the quality of their learning.
Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for
the learning environment, their fellow students, and the educational mission of Florida International University.
Pledge
As a student of this university:
• I will be honest in my academic endeavors.
• I will not represent someone else’s work as my own.
• I will not cheat, nor will I aid in another’s cheating.
All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct,
they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Policies and Regulations
section of this Student Handbook.
Add or Change of Degree Program
A fully admitted, enrolled graduate student may apply to change graduate degree programs without paying an
additional application fee. In all other respects, a change of a graduate degree program is handled as a new
application and is evaluated as such by the department into which the student wishes to transfer. A “Change of
Graduate Degree Program” form and instructions are available in the “Student Forms” section of the University
Graduate School website at
under “Current Student Forms.”
Approval of a change of graduate program is granted by the Dean of the University Graduate School only under
unique and well-justified conditions. International students should contact International Student & Scholar Services
/ before changing degrees.
Attendance Policies
Individual faculty may establish attendance criteria in classes where they deem it necessary. Academic units
may establish their own attendance policies with the approval of the Provost. Students who wish to take a leave
of absence for one or more semesters, must follow the leave of absence procedures outlined below. Lapses in
enrollment for three or more consecutive semesters including summer require that the student apply for readmission
subject to the admission procedures, criteria, and policies in effect at the time the reapplication is made. Doctoral
students who have achieved candidacy and Master’s students with an approved thesis proposal on file at UGS are
required to be continually enrolled in dissertation (3) or thesis (1) credits. Students receiving graduate assistantships,
however, must be registered for 9 credits during the fall and spring semesters and 6 credits in the summer semester.
Leaves of Absence
Leaves of absence are requested using the Petition for Exception to Graduate Requirements. Leaves of absence must
be clearly justified and are approved on a case-by-case basis. The Petition for Exception must be initiated by the
student’s academic program. The form is available electronically. Please see your academic program regarding this
process.
Any student wishing to file a leave of absence must do so prior to the start of the semester in which they are seeking
a leave of absence. International students must seek the guidance of the International Scholars and Student Services
(ISSS) before submitting a request.
Degree Completion Time Limits
All requirements at the doctoral level, including the successful defense of a dissertation, must be completed within
nine years of the start of coursework in the doctoral program. For the M.F.A. degree, all requirements including
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