Important Policy Changes For Full-Time Enrollment Starting Fall 2021

Please note 2 important College of Engineering (COE) policy changes regarding full-time registration in Fall 2021:

(1). Minimum Credit Hour Requirement: Starting in Fall 2021, the College of Engineering will require students to register for at least 9 credit hours for full-time status each fall and spring term. The specific policy statement follows:

"Effective Fall 2021, all students in The Grainger College of Engineering graduate programs must register for at least 9 credit hours (including in XXX 599 courses), or whatever minimum number of hours required by their program or another University policy* if this is greater than 9, during each fall and spring semester of enrollment in order to be considered as full-time students in their program."

Consequently, all Illinois Physics grad students on TA and RA appointments should make sure they register for at least 9 credit hours each fall and spring semester, starting in Fall 2021. Physics grad students on fellowship should continue to register for 12 credit hours each fall and spring (6 credit hours in summer). 

Suggested recommendations for adding an additional credit hour without taking an extra class:

(1). If you have an advisor: You can simply add one additional credit hour of Phys 597 or Phys 599 with your advisor

(2). If you don't yet have an advisor and don't want to take more than 2 classes (which I wouldn't recommend): Please contact Lance Cooper to discuss options for picking up an additional credit hour, including the possibility of taking 1 credit hour of Phys 597 Individual Study with Lance Cooper as the Associate Head.

(2) Waiver Policy: Starting in Fall 2021, PhD students in their 6th year or later can secure a Stand-Alone Waiver if they have no waiver generating appointment and if they register for at least 9 credit hours. The specific policy statement follows:

"For PhD students who have completed their credit-hour degree requirements and are past their first five years of enrollment but have yet to deposit their dissertation (they need not have completed their preliminary or final examination), the policy provides a stand-alone tuition waiver when they enroll full-time provided that they are in Good Academic Standing and do not hold a tuition-waiver generating appointment."

If you satisfy the above requirements and would like to apply for a Stand-Alone Waiver in Fall 2021, please let Lance Cooper know by August 13 so the Grad Office can forward your name to the College of Engineering.

Please contact Lance Cooper if you have questions about these new policies.

Best,

Lance