GRADUATION
Where can I get the forms for graduation?
At the Academic Services Center desk in room 114 David Boyd, ask for a graduation packet. This packet contains all of the materials needed for graduation. Final exam request forms and Application for Degree forms are on the Forms website.
What are the deadlines for graduation this semester?
I’d like to be Degree Only, but I’m not sure what it means. How do I become Degree Only?
To be eligible for Degree Only registration, the student must have already defended their thesis or dissertation by the commencement date in a previous semester and completed all required course work. Degree Only registration means that you are registering for the Degree Only, and are not considered an enrolled student. You may visit the Graduate School Calendar to see Degree Only Deadline. For further questions, contact Arlette Henderson at 225-578-2316.
I would like to change the date of my exam. Do I need to submit a new form?
No, you do not need to submit a new exam request. The Graduate School has an Exam Date Change form which can be filled out in a few moments. Please also feel free to call and tell us over the phone at 225-578-3181.
I’d like to add an additional member or change a committee member. What should I do?
Have your committee chair and department chair send a memo to the Graduate Records office stating that you would like to add a person to the committee or change someone in the committee. Additionally, insure that they are a member of the Graduate Faculty or have submitted forms for approval.
What are the fees for graduation?
For Master’s Non-Thesis, the degree fee is $35. The fee for the Master’s Thesis is $55. The fee for doctoral students is $100. These fees should be paid at the Bursar's Office or through PAWS. Fees will appear on your regular fee bill.
THESIS AND DISSERTATION
I have an appointment with the editor. What should I bring and where should I go?
Bring one unbound copy of your document on plain paper in PDF format to the Academic Services Center front desk in room 114, David Boyd Hall. Also bring a cataloging abstract for the editor to review.
What is a PDF file?
It is Adobe’s Portable Document Format. The Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Submission site has instructions for converting a document to PDF format.
How do I make an appointment with the editor?
Contact the Academic Services Center office by phone at 225-578-3181 or in person in room 114 David Boyd Hall to set up an appointment.
Do I have to submit my document electronically?
Yes. Since Spring 2002, ALL students are required to submit their documents electronically.
How do I find the rules regarding research ethics and academic integrity?
All students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the University’s Code of Student Conduct. This document addresses the issues of academic honesty, plagiarism, human subjects testing, copyright issues, etc.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
What is the Graduate School’s readmission policy?
Previously enrolled graduate students who fail to enroll for three or more consecutive semesters (summer term included) must file an ‘Application for Readmission’ form with the Graduate School.
I am a graduate student; can I miss a semester of taking classes?
Please consult your records officer to determine this.
I just checked my fee bill on PAWS and I was charged a non-residency fee. How can I change this?
Information on residency for tuition purposes can be found here.
How can I find out more information about Graduate School New Student Orientation?
Graduate Student orientation is held each August on the Wednesday before classes start the following Monday. Watch the Graduate School website for announcements. You will also receive an email notification of orientation if your application has been completely processed and you are admitted by August 1.
How do I pay my registration fees?
Fees can be paid online by credit card through your PAWS account. Fees can also be paid at the Bursar’s Office in room 125 Thomas Boyd Hall.
OTHER
What is the time limit for a degree program?
The time limit for a Master’s degree program is five years. Credit for individual courses taken at LSU more than five years before the termination of a program may be revalidated by the student’s graduate committee through an examination. No more than fifty percent of the courses in a student’s program may be revalidated and counted toward the degree requirements. A Doctoral program must be completed within seven years.
When will my petition be processed?
Generally, it will take the Graduate School about 24 to 48 hours to process a petition. After that time, feel free to come to room 114 David Boyd or call 225-578-3181 to check on the status of your petition.
Who should write the petition?
Petitions should be written by either the Chair of the Department or the Departmental Graduate Advisor, UNLESS: you are a non-matriculating student or not in a department, in which case you, the student, can write the petition.
The Dean’s Representative on my committee is no longer at the University/will be unable to participate in my exam. How do I get a new one?
Please contact the Graduate Records Office at at 225-578-3181 regarding the Dean’s Representative.
How do I drop a course?
As long as you are not dropping your only class for the current semester, you can drop on PAWS until the drop deadline. However, note, if you are on a graduate assistantship, are a degree candidate for the current semester, or are an international student, you may not drop below full-time status. To drop your only class for the semester, you must officially resign from the university by filling out a Resignation/Cancellation of Registration form. This form is issued from the Graduate School, room 114 David Boyd Hall. The form must then be delivered to and signed by several other offices on campus, and finally left at the Bursar’s office.
Where do I get a copy of my LSU transcript?
Copies of your transcript may be ordered through your PAWS account.
I need to apply to graduate for the summer. How do I apply?
The procedure is the same as for regular semesters. The Application for Degree and Exam Request deadlines are on the Summer Academic Calendar along with the thesis /dissertation deadline.
How do I change my degree program?
If changing degrees within the same department, we will accept a memo from the Graduate Advisor. If changing to a degree in another department, the student must fill out a Change of Department form and submit it to the desired department for evaluation. The instructions are on the Change of Department form.
How can I get a letter of completion?
A student may request this in the Graduate Records Office. In order to be eligible, you must have completed all degree requirements and not be in any coursework. There is a three day processing time for these letters.
If I have defended already but want to be able to have my document approved in time, what can I do?
A thesis or dissertation that has already been defended should be submitted to the Graduate School in a final pdf version as quickly as possible after the defense. All documents should be submitted no later than the Friday before the final deadline to insure that the review can be completed and corrections made by the deadline.
Can doctoral students transfer course work from other universities?
No. Course work from another school can be listed on the Program of Study.