Graduate Good Standing Rules

Good Standing Rules

Program benchmarks must be completed in order and in a timely manner. Students in coursework (first- and second-years) are informed in writing of their progress and of any lapse in good standing. Students in their third year and above are expected to complete the field exam by the end of the fall semester and to complete the prospectus by the end of the spring semester. Dissertating students submit an annual report on their progress, which is reviewed by their advisor, the Grad Chair, and the Grad Dean. In rare cases, deadline extensions may be granted with the prior approval of the Grad Chair and the student’s advisor. 

While the Graduate School permits long incompletes, no English Department benchmark or teaching assignment may be undertaken with incompletes on record or while a previous benchmark is outstanding. 

Students should review eligibility requirements for funding and other opportunities, as they require good standing. 

All first-year students must resolve any incompletes by June 1in order to take the 50-Book Exam. All students taking Field Exams must resolve all incompletes by September 1 of their third year.

Please see the Incompletes page for additional policies regarding the taking of incompletes.