Graduate Student Resources
Upcoming Events
Fall 2024
- Fall Break: October 14th-15th
- Final draft for thesis & dissertations-Fall 2024 Deadline: Friday, November 22nd
- Thanksgiving Holidays: November 27th-29th
- Graduate Commencement: December 13th
Spring 2025
- New Graduate Student Kickoff: January 9th from 6-7:30pm
- Grad Assistant Recruitment Day: March 6th & 7th
- Spring Break: March 17th - 21st
- Graduate Student Research Symposium: April 11th from 3-6pm
- Dissertation and Thesis deadline: April 18th
- Spring Commencement: May 9th at 5pm
Summer 2025
- Final draft of thesis & dissertations due to Graduate School: Friday, July 11th (No Graduate ceremony for summer)
EXPLORE THE RESOURCES BELOW
Welcome to VSU! The information and guidance offered below are intended to facilitate a smooth transition as you begin your graduate study at VSU. After viewing the materials provided below, if you have any other questions, please contact the Graduate School at 229-333-5694 or visit us on the third floor of Converse Hall on the main campus.
Fall 2024 New Graduate Student Kickoff:
Dates: August 15, 2024 from 6-7:30PM
Will meet by Teams
join us for an introduction to Graduate School, student panel forum, and an opportunity to ask your questions.
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Did you miss VSU's Graduate School Orientation? No worries!
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View the Fall 2024 New Graduate Student Kick-off
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View the Fall 2023 New Graduate Student Kick-Off
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View the Spring 2023 Graduate Student Kick-Off
Did you know you have access to a Study Room in the Library?
- Graduate Students Study room is located in the Odum Library Room 1629 just use the acccess code 1103 to enter.
Introductory campus resouce videos
- View this brief Odum Library Orientation Video for Graduate Students
- Check out the Library Guides for VSU Graduate Programs webpage
Graduate School eLearning Overview
Auxiliary Services
Parking
VSU IT Students Services
Grauate Student Wellness-Maintaining Relationships
Graduate Student Wellness-Time Management
Graduate Student wellness-Finding Balance
- To look up your VSU email address/username, please visit: Look up your email address/VSU username. Your VSU email/username allows you to access MyVSU, which links to the orientation, email, registration, and many other services.
- Look up your 870 (student ID number). This number is also noted in your acceptance letter. If you receive an error message, be sure to enable cookies for that site.
- Log into MyVSU for registration.
- How to use Visual Schedule Builder to create a schedule and register
- Registration Guide
- Information on Online Registration
- Drop/Add Information
- Advising Requirements
- Advising Requirements
- Make an appointment with your advisor before registration.
- Contact the Graduate School if you are unsure of your advisor.
- Communicate with your advisor for approval of course selections.
- Your advisor will go into VSU’s BannerWeb system and lift your registration flag.
- If you have any holds, your advisor will be able to see those when the flag is lifted. Information about holds should come through your VSU email address from the office that placed them (Graduate School, Student Health, Parking, etc.).
- Accessing Class Schedules
Class schedules are posted online. Click here for course offerings.
Registration Guides are updated each semester and are available through the Registrar's website. The Guides list important dates for each semester (registration, midterm, etc.) and information on registration, fee payment, and other processes that you will navigate during your time at VSU.
- Online Registration
- Communicate with your advisor for approval of course selections.
- Log in to MyVSU. Instructions are here: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/it/helpdesk/new/student.php.
- Select "Banner Registration" from the Portals menu.
- The menu options will guide you through the online registration process.
- A step-by-step guide to registration is located here.
- Registration Resources for Collaborative Online Programs:
- Drop/Add Information
- Drop or add courses to your schedule (with no financial penalty) during the registration period.
- The dates of these registration periods can be found in the online version of the schedule of classes.
- After registration is over, the appeal process begins. To initiate this process, access the Late Registraton Drop/Add form.
- When you withdraw from all classes, fees returned are pro-rated; see the Board of Regents and Federal Refund Policy for information about removal of tuition charges if withdrawing.
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ACADEMIC LOADS AT VSU:
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.
Good news! Graduate student writing tutors are available through the Academic Support Center (call 333-7570 for an appointment; or visit the Academic Support Center website.)
You also have access to a free online writing tutor through ThinkingStorm's Writing Center. This 24/7, online resource uses professional tutors to offer feedback on development, organization, clarity, grammar, and documentation style. Visit their site and follow the directions to submit a draft essay for review!
Campus Maps & Tours
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Campus Directory
While enrolled as a graduate student at VSU, you will likely need location, telephone, and contact information for a number of important offices. - The directory can be accessed for this information.
- Use VSU's Visitor's Information page to familiarize yourself with our campus.
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Housing
The Office of Housing and Residence Life, located in Hopper Hall, is open Monday – Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-3:00 (229) 333-5920. The Housing website provides a wide range of information including prices, application process and residence hall information. - Centennial Hall is the only residence hall on campus with apartment-like units (private bedroom, semi-private bath, and full kitchen. Limited space is available.The apartment facilities are on a 10 or 12-month contract beginning in August.
- VSU provides a helpful Apartment Finder list; however, it is important to note that this information is not intended to endorse or suggest any particular facility. You should investigate and visit your options before making an independent selection.
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Bookstore
For information on The University Bookstore or to order books (or V-State gear!) online, please visit: https://www.vsubookstore.bncollege.com/valdostastore/home. - It is located in the Student Union and is open from 8:30 – 5:30 Monday through Thursday and 8:30 – 3:00 on Friday (229-333-5666 or 333-5669).
- The bookstore has extended hours during rush periods each semester; visit their website for information on extended operating hours, schedules for refunds or exchanges, and online shopping.
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Local Information
For a calendar of local event and helpful newcomer information about our community, visit the Valdosta Chamber of Commerce website or contact them at 229-247-8100. - Visit the Lowndes County Tourism Authority website for local history, maps, and points of interest.
- You may also request a visitor’s guide online or by calling 229-245-0513.
- For city council or local government information, visit the City of Valdosta website.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities is a multifaceted career center designed to assist VSU Students and Alumni in meeting their career goals; through our partnerships with local, regional, and national employers to identify talent to enhance today's workforce. Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM and Fridays 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Walk-in Hours: We provide walk-in hours for students needing assistance with Resumes. For Career Counseling and other career related services, schedule and appointment to meet with the Career Counselors, Employer Relations Team, or Volunteer Services Coordinator. Tuesdays from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Wednesdays from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, and Thursdays 9:00 AM - 12 Noon
- Odum Library | Anywhere Access
- VSU One Card
- Health Center
- Access Office
- Writing Assistance
- Counseling Center
- Career Services
- Conflict Resolution
- Student Rec Center
- Activities and Athletic Events
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Odum Library
VSU’s state-of-the-art library, which houses two computer labs, study rooms, a media center, and more than 50 resource search stations, is located at 1500 North Patterson on the main campus (229-333-5869)
Visit their website for information on resources, services, hours, interlibrary loan procedures and more.
Library Services and Resources for Students
- The library staff can also help familiarize you with GALILEO, the Georgia set of academic search engines for articles from magazines, journals, encyclopedias and other authoritative information, and the GIL catalog for locating books and other items within Odum Library. You can also access GALILEO and GIL on-line and log in from off-campus through Anywhere Access.
- Odum's reference librarians offer one-to-one research help to VSU students, faculty, and staff. Use the consultation request form to schedule an appointment with a reference librarian. Phone and e-mail consultations are also options.
Computing Facilities
- Campus standard software includes MS Office Pro package, email products and virus protection software; visit the IT homepage to download free anti-virus software for your home computer.
- For assistance, contact the VSU Helpdesk at 245-4357, online, or stop by their office in ODUM LIBRARY next to the Circulation Desk (8:00-5:30 Monday –Thursday and 8:00-3:00 Friday).
- For more information on computing services, contact the Information Technology office, located in Pine Hall, at 333-5974 or visit their website.
- Visit our online resources for instructions and general information on your VSU student email account.
VSU One Card
- The VSU One Card is a multipurpose identification and online account card, which you can use to check out library books, make purchases at VSU dining facilities and bookstores, and gain access to residence halls and athletic events.
- Visit the VSU One Card website for more information about your VSU One Card.
- For new or replacement cards, call 229-259-2593 or stop by the office at 1204 North Patterson Street next to the Bursary (a picture ID is required to have your One Card made).
Health Center
- Farber Health Center provides health care to all VSU students who are taking more than 3 hours and who have paid their health fees.
- The beautiful new health center is now located on Georgia Avenue!
- VSU’s Health Center is staffed 24 hours a day by RNs; a physician or physician assistant is available 8:30-5:00 Monday-Friday.
- Appointments are recommended (229-333-5886).
- They offer a wide range of health care, including strep tests, pregnancy tests, over the counter medications and an in-house pharmacy. Visit their website for more information.
Student Recreation Center
- VSU has a new multi-million dollar fitness center on Sustella Avenue behind the PE Complex. Facilities include a climbing wall, indoor track, indoor pool, sundeck, multi-purpose courts, racquetball courts, a weight room (circuit, free weights and cardio areas), an aerobics room, locker rooms, and a fitness lab.
- Fitness center hours are tentatively set for 6:00am-11:30pm Monday – Thursday, 6:00am-9:00pm Friday, 10:00am – 9:00pm Saturday, and 2:00pm – 11:30pm Sunday. PLEASE CHECK WITH CENTER TO CONFIRM HOURS by calling 333-5898.
- Also, visit the Campus Recreation homepage or call 333-5898 for information on aerobics, aquatics, club sports, intramurals, and informal recreation opportunities.
Activities and Athletic Events
- Visit Blazer Zone, the online home for VSU athletics, providing a sporting calendar, information on both men’s and women’s sports and other athletic news.
- The VSU Athletic Department, 229-333-5890, is housed on the first floor of the PE Complex, located on the corner of Baytree and Sustella.
- Visit the Office of Student Life homepage for information on concerts, upcoming events, student organizations and the campus activities board.
- The Office of Student Life can also be reached at 333-5674 or 259-2513
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Access Office for Students With Disabilities
- The VSU Access Office (formerly Special Services Program) is responsible for coordination of services for student with disabilities.
- Services include, but are not limited to, special testing accommodations, textbooks in alternate formats, tutoring, access to adaptive technology, and referral to other services. All services are provided free of charge.
- For eligibility, students must provide current documentation of a disability that meets Georgia Board of Regents criteria.
- Visit the Access Office website or call 229-245-2498 (voice) for more information.
Writing Assistance
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A key to your success as graduate student is a willingness to "raise the bar" on your ability to write. We recommend that students take full advantage of the many resources at VSU for improving your writing. In particular, the VSU Academic Support Center has free tutoring for writing at any stage of the process. Come get advice about how to solve grammar problems, how to develop your ideas, how to proofread carefully, or to get feedback about how clearly you are conveying your ideas/research.
Tutorials are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis. You can make an appointment for yourself online ( here ) or by calling 229-333-7570. The ASC also offers on-line tutoring! Check out "Ask On-Line".Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 8 pm
Friday: 9 am to 3 pm
Sunday: 4 pm to 8 pm
Counseling Center
- To facilitate a positive learning and working environment for the University community, the Counseling Center provides services at no cost to students, faculty, and staff.
- Services include personal counseling, educational counseling, outreach activities, consultation and referral services, seminars and workshops, training, and testing services.
- For more information visit the Counseling Center website or call 229-333-5940. They are located on the second floor of Powell Hall East.
Conflict Resolution
- Conflict Resolution Process and Committee Information (formerly Alternative Dispute Resolution) Graduate students may utilize the CRC when mediation can be used to resolve conflict between a student and another student, or a faculty member and a student, or other parties. This is a service for Faculty, Staff and Students.
Career Services
- The Office of Career Services, located on the second floor of Powell Hall West, provides career development and awareness, experiential learning, and professional employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and alumni.
- Visit the Career Services website or call (229) 333-5942 or 333-5414 or 259-2013.
University Police
- The University Police located in the Oak Street Parking Deck, second floor, south side - 229-333-7816. In case of an emergency, call 259-5555.
- Financial Aid
- Tuition and Fee Payment
- Graduate Assistantships
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Financial Aid
- Financial aid applications may be submitted at any time after you have applied for admission.
- The Office of Financial Aid is located in the University Center, Entrance #5 (229-333-5935).
- VSU’s Office of Financial Aid website provides detailed information on everything from the application process to grants and loans (including Stafford and other state and federal programs). The website even has an online fee calculator.
- For on-campus employment opportunities, including the Student Assistant Program, contact the Student Employment Office in Langdale Hall (229-333-7574).
- For assistance in finding Federal Work Study, contact Tanja Rouse in Financial Aid at 229-333-5935.
Scholarships
- For information about scholarships and financial aid visit Financial Aid's web page.
Graduate Assistantships
- VSU provides a limited number of graduate assistantships across campus every year.
- Compensation generally includes a small stipend and tuition waiver.
- Interested applicants should contact the graduate school at gradschool@valdsota.edu, or call 229-333-5694 or 800-618-1878 ext 5 for more information.
- For more detailed information click here.
GRADUATE STUDENT DISMISSAL AND WARNING LETTER OPTIONS
What happens if a student receives a warning/deficiency point letter or is dismissed from their program after grades are posted and deficiency points are applied?
Appeals begin with instructors or advisors and must be started within 30 business days of grades being posted.
Students receiving “warning” or deficiency point letters may appeal grades through their departments. See Item #1 below.
Students receiving dismissal letters have the following options:
- Students may appeal grades by submitting a grade appeal form with supporting documents. The appeal form must be routed through a) instructor, b) department head, and c) college dean.
- Students may appeal the dismissal from the graduate program by submitting a dismissal appeal form. Supporting documentation must accompany the form. The routing path: a) program coordinator, b) department head, c) college dean, d) graduate school.
- Students not wishing to appeal grades or dismissals, or were unsuccessful in their appeal, willhave to “sit out” two semesters and then petition for readmission during the second semester they are not enrolled. Readmission is not guaranteed. We recommend that a student submit a letter of petition explaining their circumstances along with their re-application.
- A student may apply for either a medical withdrawal or hardship withdrawal. If approved, the student would be withdrawn from all of their classes for that semester, not just the ones with failing grades. These petitions are handled through the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students. If the deadline to apply for such withdrawals was the last day of class, then this option may not be available to you.
- Students may also consider applying to a different graduate programs, but programs may look at previous graduate work when rendering a decision.
Deficiency point/warning letters are emailed after grades are posted and transcripts are evaluated. Students registered for subsequent semesters and receiving dismissal letters will be dropped from their courses. If a student has a graduate assistantship, the assistantship will be canceled.
If you have additional questions, please contact Ms. Darli DeVane at djdevane@valdosta.edu or e-mail gradschool@valdosta.edu.
Transient Letter Request Form
Transient Letter Request Form: Use this form to request taking a course as a transient student at another institution.
- You must be a "degree-seeking" graduate student
- The request must be initiated by your advisor
- After completing the course you must request a transcript showing the grade and course be sent to the Graduate School at VSU
- Consult with advisor or graduate school about number of hours that can transfer
- Do not use Transient Permission forms issued by the Registrar's Office
GRADUATE STUDENT APPEALS FORMS
- Admissions Denial Appeal Form (PDF Format)
- Dismissal from Graduate School Appeal Form (PDF Format - Rvsd Sept 13)
- VSU Final Course Grade Appeal Form (Note: Students have 30 days from date grades are posted to begin appeals process. Grade Appeal forms may be picked up from the Registrar's Office. Forward completed forms to instructor first; if no resolution - department head second; and then college dean (not the graduate school).) PDF format
- Dismissal and Warning Letters - Options? (PDF)
Request for Extension of 7-Year Rule (Course Age Extension)
- A student's advisor must send a memo to the Dean of the Graduate School requesting an extension. Include a brief justification. The student's transcript will be reviewed - the Dean will the respond with a memo to the advisor and cc: the Registrar's Office if the request is approved or denied.
Emergency Stop Out for doctoral students who have been approved for candidacy are eligible to apply for up to one acedmic year.
- Emergency Stop Out Form (for EDD and DPA Students Only)
- Obtain Parking Permit
- Pay tuition and Fees
- Follow Graduate School Policies
- Review Academic Requirements
- The Department of Parking and Transportation, located at 1308 Sustella Street (in the Parking Deck), is open 8:00-5:30 Monday – Thursday and 8:00-3:00 Friday (229-293-7275).
- All students and visitors are required to have a parking permit at all times.
- You may register for a permit , online at the Parking and Transportation website.
- Parking citations will be issued for infractions of parking policies or for failure to secure a permit. Unpaid citations will result in a hold on student records, which restricts your ability to register for classes, order transcripts, or graduate.
- It is the student’s responsibility to determine the balance due on their account and render payment of the full balance by the fee payment deadlines. Students with an outstanding balance on their account after fee deadlines are subject to class cancellation and holds. If classes are canceled, the student will be notified by e-mail.
- Students with sufficient authorized financial aid or scholarships to pay for ALL charges will automatically have their schedules validated and receive an email notification. However, it is the student's responsibility to review their account at EACH fee payment deadline to ensure no additional payments are due (i.e., account changes due to class schedule adjustments, financial aid removal, etc.).
- Invoices may be viewed online in the VSU Student Online Account Center.
Types of Payment Accepted:
- WebCheck - checking or savings account online. NOTE: If you plan to pay your account balance online using a checking or savings account, plan ahead now! Account information must be entered online AND validated before you can use it for payment. Allow 7 or more days for Online account validation.
- Credit/Debit Card - Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. NOTE: There is a third party service fee of 2.95% when paying by credit/debit card. This fee is assessed and retained by our third party vendor for use of this service.
- Cash
- Check (payable to Valdosta State University with the student’s Banner ID number and telephone number on the check)
- Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks, Cashiers Checks and Money Orders payable to Valdosta State
- Not Accepted: Counter or Starter Checks, 3rd party Checks and Credit Card Checks
- Third Party Contracts
- Authorized Financial Aid View the Online Student Account Center to ensure your anticipated aid is showing as a credit toward your balance.
- Nelnet Payment Option In partnership with Nelnet Business Solutions, VSU offers this payment option. Learn specifics of the plan by visiting http://www.mycollegepaymentplan.com/vsu. If you have questions after reviewing the information, email your questions to us at studentaccounts@valdosta.edu.
- Online - WebCheck or Credit/Debit Card through VSU's Student Online Account Center (click here for instructions)
- In Person - Cash, Check, Cashier's Check or Money Order at the University Bursary (8 AM to 5 PM Monday-Thursday, 8 AM to 2:30 PM Friday)
- By Mail - Address to Cashier-Bursary, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31698 (Should be received by fee payment deadline; please include student ID# and current phone number on check or money order).
- The number of hours you are registered for and your residency status determines your tuition amount.
- Housing and meal plan charges, if applicable, must also be paid by the fee payment deadline.
- The Board of Regents approves tuition and fees each school year.
- Rates are usually effective each Fall, but are subject to change according to Board policy.
- You can use our fee schedules to help you determine what your tuition and fees will be each semester based on the number of registered hours.
- If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Griffin or call the University Bursary at (229) 333-5718, (229) 333-5719, (229) 333-5725 or 1-800-618-1878 (option 6).
Follow Graduate School Policies
- Courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements.
- No more than six semester hours of graduate course work may be accepted by transfer from another institution to VSU.
- Graduate students are considered "full time" if the are enrolled in nine (9) or more graduate courses each semester.
- In order to receive a course waiver or to substitute an alternative course for a required course, you must complete a Request for Course Substitution/Waiver Form. This form, which must be signed by your advisor, department head, and dean, is available in the Registrar's Office; it is not available online.
- You may be admitted to VSU as a "regular" student (have met all entrance requirements) "irregular" student (all application requirements not yet submitted; therefore, you may not take more than nine hours of credit until application is complete) or "probationary" student (failed to meet one or more of the requirements for admission; therefore, you must receive a GPA of 3.0 or higher after nine semester hours in order to be reclassified as a regular student).
- Graduate students are required to be in good academic standing during their tenure here.
- A GPA of no less than 2.5 must be maintained at all times, and a GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
- No grade below a C will be credited toward a degree.
- Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences:
- Students may be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points.
- Warning letters will be issued to students for each earned deficiency point until enough points are accumulated to warrant dismissal. Program specific retention, dismissals, and readmissions policies are further outlined.
- Students should work with their advisors and professors to avoid earning deficiency points (e.g., withdrawing from a class before receiving a failing grade). See withdrawal polices.
- For more information on academic or other Graduate School policies, call or stop by our office, located on the third floor of Converse Hall on main campus, and refer to the Graduate Catalog.
Academic Calendar
- Access the Registrar's Office academic calendar and other university calendars online.
Graduate Catalog
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Access a copy of the current Graduate Catalog online. Students can also view Archived catalogs
Graduate Student Handbook
- For detailed information on policies and procedures that will affect you as a graduate student, access the Graduate Student Handbook
Thesis and Dissertation Guide
- For comprehensive information on procedures and format for your thesis or dissertation, access the Thesis and Dissertation Information page. Students should submit dissertation and thesis committee forms to the Graduate School at least three semesters before graduating, before writing begins! Dissertation committee forms are located in doctoral program handbooks. Committee members must have graduate faculty status and be approved by the Graduate School.
EDD Doctoral Handbook
- For comprehensive information on the Doctoral Program at VSU, stop by the College of Education, 136 Education Center, and pick up a Doctoral Program Handbook or access it online.
DPA Handbook
- For detailed information on the advanced program of study designed to suit the information and skill needs of professionals currently in the PA field, see the DPA handbook online or contact the Political Science Department at 229-333-5771 or the MPA/DPA Office at 229-293-6058.
Request for Assistance/How can we Assist you Better?
- VSU's Graduate School staff wishes to see you succeed. We recognize this can be a challenging process and we pledge our support to you. If you encounter situations where you believe we could have served you better, we want you to let us know. Please send an email message to gradschool@valdosta.edu explaining the situation (what happened and when it happened) as well as recommendations on how we could have served you better. Please include your name, address, and telephone number so that we may respond to you.
- If you prefer, you can send a paper letter instead of an email message. Our address is as follows: The Graduate School; Valdosta State University; 1500 N Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31698.
Campus Offices Quick Guide
OFFICE | PHONE |
Academic Affairs | 229-333-5950 |
Admissions | 229-333-5791 |
Bookstore | 229-333-5666 or 5669 |
Campus Police | 229-333-7816 or 259-5555 |
Cashiers/Bursary | 229-333-5718 or 5719 |
Financial Aid | 229-333-5935 |
Graduate School | 229-333-5694 |
Housing | 229-333-5920 |
Student Health |
229-333-5886 |
Library | 229-333-5869 |
Parking and Transportation | 229-293-7275 |
Registrar | 229-333-5727 |
Access Office for Students with Disabilities | 229-245-2498 or 219-1348 (TTY) |
Student Accounts | 229-333-5725 |
Student Affairs | 229-333-5941 |
VSU Main Number | 229-333-5800 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Graduate School
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Converse Hall
Suite 3100
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA. 31698 -
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 - Phone: 229.333.5694
- Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 3 PM