LGS Student Handbook (2023-2024)

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The LGS Handbook is the official reference for graduate students and others regarding the

administrative and procedural policies, rules, and regulations of the Laney Graduate School ("LGS"). It

contains rules governing degree programs, academic progress, and financial matters. The Handbook also

includes the LGS conduct and honor codes and the LGS grievance process. Finally, the Handbook

contains a list of Emory University ("Emory" or the "University") policies relevant to graduate education.

The policies and procedures of LGS programs must be consistent with the LGS Handbook. Programs may

include policies and procedures in addition to those in this manual. Therefore, students are expected to

be familiar with the policies of the LGS and their degree programs.

The authoritative version of the LGS Handbook is updated annually and published online on the LGS

website. In case of a discrepancy, the version dated and published on the LGS website is authoritative.

LGS and Emory University reserve the right to amend this Handbook and other policies and procedures

at any time. Any changes to the Handbook apply to prospective students and students currently enrolled

and become immediately effective at the time of the publication. If policy changes affect a student’s

academic progress, students who entered a program under a previous handbook should confirm with

their Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) that they are held to the Handbook in place when they started

at Emory.

The provisions of this Handbook remain in force and effect even when class is not in session (e.g.,

between terms, over holiday breaks).

This Handbook is revised annually. Suggestions are welcome. Please send your suggestions to the

following:

Jeffrey K. Staton Jennifer M. Cason

Senior Associate Dean Assistant Dean, Student Affairs

jeffrey.staton@emory.edu & Deputy Title IX Coordinator

jennifer.cason@emory.edu

 
 
 
 
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LGS Student Handbook 2023-2024 
Table of Contents 
ARTICLE I: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS ............................................................................................... 5 
Section 1: Degree Programs .............................................................................................................................. 5 
Section 1.1: Minimum and Additional Program Requirements  5 
Section 1.2: Enrollment Status  5 
Section 1.3: Transfer Credit or Programs  6 
Section 1.4: English Language Support  6 
Section 2: Doctor of Philosophy ........................................................................................................................ 7 
Section 2.1: Degree Requirements  7 
Section 2.2: Admission to Candidacy  8 
Section 2.3: Dissertation Committee  9 
Section 2.4: Membership  9 
Section 2.5: Dissertation Completion Time  11 
Section 2.6: TATTO Program  11 
Section 2.7: Jones Program in Ethics  13 
Section 3: Master’s Degrees ........................................................................................................................... 14 
Section 3.1: Standard Master’s Degree Requirements  14 
Section 3.2: Alternative Requirements for the Terminal Master’s  14 
Section 3.3: Doctoral Students Discontinuing their Ph.D. and Approved for a Terminal Master’s  15 
Section 3.4: Master's based on Candidacy and Interim Master's degrees  15 
Section 3.5: Maximum Time to Complete the Master’s Degree  15 
Section 4: Graduate Certificates ...................................................................................................................... 15 
Section 4.1: Declaration  15 
Section 4.2: Credits  16 
Section 4.3: Completion  16 
Section 5: Dual and Joint Degrees ................................................................................................................... 16 
Section 5.1: Dual Degrees  16 
Section 5.2: Joint degrees  16 
Section 5.3: 4+1 Dual Degrees  16 
Section 5.4: Four-Year Bachelor's/Master's Programs  16 
Section 6: Registration Status and Academic Performance ............................................................................... 17 
Section 6.1: Readmission  17 
Readmission for Non-degree seeking students.  17 
Section 6.2: Academic Expectations and Grades  18 
Section 6.3: Academic Performance and Status  19 
Section 6.4:  Satisfactory Progress  20 
Section 6.4: Permanent Academic Record (Transcripts)  21 
Section 6.5: Grade Appeals  21 
Section 6.6: Sealing Student Records  21 
Section 7: Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence................................................................................................ 21 
Section 7.1: Voluntary Withdrawals  21 

 
 
 
 
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Section 7.2: Involuntary Withdrawals  22 
Section 7.3: Leaves of Absence  22 
Section 9: Parental Arrangements ................................................................................................................... 23 
Section 9.1: Policy  23 
Section 9.2: Eligibility  23 
Section 9.3: Stipend Support  23 
Section 9.4: Arrangement Principles  23 
Section 9.5: Arrangement Procedures  24 
Section 10: Degree Completion ....................................................................................................................... 24 
Section 10.1: Registration and Awarding of Degrees  24 
Section 10.2: Application for Degree  24 
Section 10.3: Degree Clearance Form (Completion of Requirements Report)  24 
Section 10.4: Dissertation or Thesis Submission  25 
Section 10.5: Graduate Education Exit Survey and Survey of Earned Doctorates  25 
Section 10.6: ProQuest/UMI Publishing Agreement  25 
Section 10.7: Master’s Degree based on Candidacy  25 
Section 10.8: Financial Obligations to the University  25 
Section 10.9: Commencement Ceremony  25 
Section 10.10: Diploma Notation and Name  25 
Section 11: Registration.................................................................................................................................. 26 
Section 11.1: Continuous Registration  26 
Section 11.3: Payment of Accounts  26 
Section 11.4: Course Load and Adjustments  27 
Section 11.5: Grading Options  27 
Section 11.6: Withdrawal  27 
Section 11.7: Undergraduate Courses  27 
Section 11.8: Student Loan Deferment  27 
Section 11.9: Dual Registration  28 
Section 11.10: Cross Registration – Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE)  28 
Section 11.11: Registrar  28 
Section 12: Amendments................................................................................................................................ 28 
ARTICLE II: FINANCIAL INFORMATION .................................................................................. 28 
Section 1:  Graduate Cost of Attendance ......................................................................................................... 29 
Section 1.1: Transcript Fee  29 
Section 1.2: Mandatory Health Insurance  29 
Section 1.3: Financial Responsibility to the University  29 
Section 1.4: Courtesy Scholarships  29 
Section 2: Merit Awards and Financial Aid ...................................................................................................... 30 
Section 2.1: Loans and Office of Financial Aid  30 
Section 2.2: LGS Awards  30 
Section 2.3: Electronic Stipend Deposit  30 
Section 2.4: Termination or Suspension of Stipend Support  30 
Section 2.5: Conditions and Eligibility for LGS Funding  31 
Section 2.5.1: Approval of Outside Employment  31 
Section 2.5.2: Outside Employment and Stipend Support  31 
Section 2.6: Tax Liability  31 

 
 
 
 
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Section 3: LGS Emergency Loan Fund .............................................................................................................. 31 
Section 3.1: Eligibility  32 
Section 3.2: Procedure  32 
Section 4: Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress ............................................................................ 32 
Section 4.1: Monitoring Eligibility:  Disqualification, Probation  33 
ARTICLE III: HONOR, CONDUCT, AND GRIEVANCE ................................................................. 34 
Part 1: LGS Honor Code .................................................................................................................................. 34 
Section 1: Academic Misconduct  34 
Section 2: The Use of Sources in Writing Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations  35 
Section 3: Procedures for Reporting Cases  35 
Section 4: Investigation Procedures  36 
Section 5: Honor Code Full Committee Hearing  36 
Section 6: Honor Code Hearing Procedures  37 
Section 7: Student's Rights  38 
Section 7: Sanctions  38 
Section 8: Confidentiality  39 
Section 9: Appeal Procedure  39 
Part II: LGS Conduct Code ............................................................................................................................... 40 
Section 1: Conduct on Campus and Standards of Behavior  40 
Section 2: Interim Action  42 
Section 3: Procedures for Reporting Cases  43 
Section 4: Investigation Procedures  43 
Section 5: Conduct Code Committee  43 
Section 6: Conduct Code Hearing Procedures  43 
Section 7: Student's Rights  45 
Section 8: Sanctions  45 
Section 9: Confidentiality  45 
Section 10: Appeal Procedure  46 
Part III: Involuntary Withdrawal Policy and Procedure ..................................................................................... 46 
Section 1: Conditions  47 
Section 2: Procedure  47 
Section 3: Evaluation  48 
Section 4: Informal Hearing  48 
Section 5: Appeal to the Dean  49 
Section 6: Emergency Suspension  49 
Section 7: Conditions for Readmission  49 
Part IV: LGS Grievance Procedure ................................................................................................................... 49 
Section 1: Filing a Grievance  50 
Section 2: Committee on Grievance Procedure  50 
Section 3: Appeals  50 
Part V: Commonly Used University Policies ..................................................................................................... 51 
Emory Email Communication Policy  51 
 
   

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Article I: Academic Affairs

Section 1: Degree Programs

The mission of the LGS is to promote discovery and enduring knowledge by preparing

innovative, thoughtful leaders in research, scholarship, teaching, and practice in service to the

global good. In graduate education, student performance is more important than just fulfilling

formal requirements. The graduate school experience may include lectures, seminars, laboratory

courses, directed study, teaching opportunities, and research. A student’s program of study must

be planned in consultation with an appointed adviser, DGS, or advisory committee. Students can

apply to a specific degree program or as a special-standing student. Special-standing students are

students who may not be working towards an Emory degree. For additional information on non-

degree-seeking student status, visit our Non-Degree Students website. To learn more about

Emory degree programs, visit our Degree Programs page to discover the range of degree

programs offered at the LGS.to discover the range of degree programs offered at the LGS.

The LGS expects students to complete a graduate program in sequence and as expeditiously as

possible. Generally, students are permitted to fulfill degree requirements under the policies of the

LGS and degree program handbook at the time of their first admission to the LGS. However,

students may petition the program and LGS if extension or individual situations require a review of

requirements.

Section 1.1: Minimum and Additional Program Requirements

The LGS sets minimum degree requirements. However, individual programs may have additional or

more stringent requirements. Students should consult program handbooks, PDs, and directors of

graduate studies to obtain further information on specific program requirements.

Section 1.2: Enrollment Status

Students in the LGS are enrolled in one of two forms:

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in courses intending to earn a Doctorate, master’s degree, or

certificate.

Non-Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in one or more courses for personal or professional academic

benefits but not to earn a degree.

Students must maintain enrollment by continuously registering for courses each term. If a student

does not register for one or more terms or withdraws from all courses after registering, they will

become inactive and must apply for readmission. Article I, Section 6 of this Handbook provides

additional information on registration status.

Unless instructed otherwise by their program, all continuing degree-seeking students in the LGS can

before pre-registration dates to assist with the registration process. Pre-registration dates are listed

on the University Registrar and LGS websites. Before registering, students should consult their advisor

and check with program staff for program-specific requirements.

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Section 1.3: Transfer Credit or Programs

The LGS requires that most, if not all, credits counted toward LGS degrees be earned at Emory.

Under certain circumstances, programs may appeal for up to 9 hours of transfer credit from an

accredited institution to be counted in place of Emory course study if earned within seven years. No

courses accepted for transfer credit can be applied toward another conferred degree. The DGS or PD

must submit a written request to [email protected], confirm that transferred credits are not

counted toward another degree, and indicate which Emory courses are deemed equivalent to the

courses for which transfer credit is proposed. Any amount over 9 hours must have strong support

and justification from the program and be approved by the Dean.

Students admitted with general or specific deficiencies or whose prior degrees were conferred

eight or more years before admission may be required to complete additional requirements. The

DGS or PD will discuss any other requirements with the student.

Change of LGS Degree Program

A student who wishes to transfer from one LGS program to another must request the DGS or

the PD of both programs using the Request for Program Transfer form available on the LGS

website. The request may be approved after the graduate program and the LGS Dean review.

Students wishing to transfer from one program to another do not have to submit new

applications or fees.

The new program DGS will recommend to LGS the number of hours credited to transfer from the

prior program based on new degree objectives and requirements. Programs may prescribe

additional course requirements for transferring students. The maximum credit that can be

transferred from the student's former program is 18 hours.

International students must consult with the International Student and Scholar Services office

about any necessary adjustment to the student’s I-20.

If the student is a veteran, they must notify the Office of the Registrar at registr@emory.edu.

Section 1.4: English Language Support

The LGS English Language Support Program (ELSP) recognizes that students enter LGS with

multifaceted language backgrounds and offers language instruction and consultation to help

multilingual graduate students progress in graduate school.

Newly admitted LGS students who indicated on their Emory Admission application that English is not

their first language must take oral and written Emory-specific language proficiency assessments or

request an exemption from the ELSP.

The assessment of incoming graduate students, both master’s and doctoral level, occurs in August,

before the beginning of the Fall Term. ELSP coursework is required during the first year of study for

students with intermediate-level language proficiency or less. Based on their assessment results, all

other students enroll in ELSP to further advance their English communication skills. ELSP coursework is

for credit, graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis, and appears on students’ official transcripts.

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Section 2: Doctor of Philosophy

The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree provides education for a research or

scholarly inquiry career. Accordingly, the degree is not conferred upon a candidate fulfilling specific

requirements. Instead, the highest academic degree is awarded to students who can produce

original scholarship and promise as an authority in a chosen field.

Specific requirements for the degree include but are not limited to a program of study covering a

body of coherently related fields, investigation of a research problem in the major field of study, and

completion of other general requirements such as the LGS TA Training and Teaching Opportunity

(TATTO) and Jones Program in Ethics (JPE) programs.

Section 2.1: Degree Requirements

Minimum Degree Requirements

In addition to satisfying general requirements for admission to the LGS, the student seeking the Ph.D.

degree must fulfill specific requirements before and during candidacy. Individual programs and

divisions may specify additional and more stringent requirements. All degree requirements, including

dissertation submission to the LGS, must be completed within nine years of admission.

TA Training and Teaching Opportunity Program

In 1991, the LGS inaugurated the TA Training and Teaching Opportunity (TATTO) program to

prepare students to be competent and confident instructors in various settings, including college

and university classrooms. All students pursuing the Emory Ph.D. must complete the TATTO

program. In addition, any student who accepts a paid TA appointment must take TATTO 600.

Request for exemptions should be submitted to the Dean of Professional Development and

Career Planning.

Although many universities have programs for preparing TAs, two characteristics distinguish the

Emory program: (1) TATTO is a degree requirement across the LGS, and (2) TATTO is a scaffolded

experience involving several stages.

For more specific information, see Section 2.6 TATTO.

Jones Program in Ethics

The Jones Program in Ethics (JPE) provides broad and deep engagement with the ethical issues of

research, scholarship, and professional life for all Ph.D. students in the LGS. This engagement will

occur within broad, interdisciplinary forums and the student’s graduate program. A student’s

engagement with ethics should cover areas relevant to the student’s course of study and

appropriately staged throughout a student’s career.

Completion of the JPE program is required for doctoral students. For more specific information, see

Section 2.7 JPE.

Doctoral Examinations

Doctoral examinations determine the student’s qualifications for advanced study and mastery of the

field of specialization. The examinations must verify adequate intellectual knowledge in the student’s

given area and any required supporting fields. The examinations are usually prepared and

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administered by the program or division of specialization, and the individual program or division

determines the schedule for the general doctoral examinations. If the primary field of study lies within

more than one program, the examination may be prepared and administered by a committee

appointed by the LGS Dean. Credit for study completed elsewhere does not exempt the student from

any part of the doctoral examinations.

As a fundamental requirement for the Ph.D. degree, a student must demonstrate mastery of methods

and tools of research, the potential for productive scholarship, and promise as an authority in a

particular subject. This demonstration is embodied in a dissertation setting forth the results of the

student’s original investigations. The dissertation must contribute to existing knowledge or be a fresh

and significant critical interpretation of existing knowledge. It is actual proof of the candidate’s

scholarly abilities.

The dissertation, approved by the candidate’s adviser and dissertation committee, must be

submitted to the LGS Dean within nine years of admission. Deadlines for submission are indicated

in the LGS Academic Calendar. The graduate faculties of the programs are responsible for the

student's proper dissertation preparation. The LGS Dean reviews every dissertation. A dissertation

is only complete once the Dean has approved it.

Final Oral Examination

Most programs require a final oral examination or defense of the dissertation. Students should consult

program regulations and advisers about program-specific requirements.

Section 2.2: Admission to Candidacy

Candidacy status indicates that a doctoral student has developed sufficient mastery of a

discipline to produce an original research contribution in their field. Students should apply for

candidacy after completing the program's preliminary degree requirements. Candidacy is a

marker of program quality and reflects nationally and internationally on program success.

Failure to apply for candidacy at the appropriate time can cause probation, delay fellowship

continuation, and in some cases, graduation. (Note: Students cannot apply for candidacy and

graduate in the same term.)

Requirements for Candidacy

To be eligible for candidacy, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete all program requirements for candidacy: coursework and other training required

by the degree program, including program required JPE training.

2. Complete qualifying examinations required by the degree program.

3. Obtain approval of a dissertation prospectus, if required by the degree program.

4. Complete TATTO 600, TATTO 605, and JPE 600

5. Resolve any Incomplete (I) or In Progress (IP) grades.

6. Have a minimum cumulative 2.70 GPA.

7. Have earned at least 54 credit hours at the 500 level or above.

TATTO 610 and JPE 610 may be completed after entering candidacy. Additionally, programs

may reserve the dissertation prospectus and committee requirement to be met after candidacy

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(see Dissertation Committee section).

Students must reach candidacy by September 15 of their fourth year. Students must meet this

deadline or be placed on academic probation for the Spring term. If a student is already on probation

due to previous term outcomes, another probation notation is added to the student's unofficial

transcript for that term. The probation notation of P#CA (where # represents the consecutive terms of

being on probation and CA represents Candidacy Application) will remain on the unofficial transcript.

The candidacy probation notation will carry over each term until candidacy is reached or a DGS

submits a milestone extension requestion form. Probation notations cannot be removed. Students on

probation will not be eligible for Professional Development Support Funds (PDS funds) and may forfeit

financial support.

Procedure

Students enter candidacy by applying for Admission to Candidacy. Instructions for how to apply for

candidacy are available on the LGS website. The application requires programs to affirm that all

program requirements have been met (1-3 above), and LGS confirms that the remaining requirements

have been met (4-7).

Students are considered “in candidacy” when the Dean has approved the application to enter

candidacy.

Section 2.3: Dissertation Committee

Form and Timing

LGS must approve all dissertation committees. Students must submit a program-approved dissertation

committee form to LGS by March 15 of their fourth year. Students should consult their program to

determine if it requires the dissertation committee form to be submitted before or after successfully

defending their prospectus. Students must meet the March 15 deadline or be placed on academic

probation the following term (Summer). If a student is already on probation due to previous term

outcomes, another probation notation is added to the student's unofficial transcript for that term. The

probation notation of P#DC (where # represents the consecutive terms of being on probation and DC

represents the Dissertation Committee) will remain on the unofficial transcript. The DC probation

notation will carry over each term until the dissertation committee form is submitted or a DGS

submits a milestone extension requestion form. Probation notations cannot be removed. Students on

probation will not be eligible for PDS funds and may forfeit financial support.

Section 2.4: Membership

The LGS requires at least three committee members to belong to the LGS faculty. Emory faculty who

are not LGS faculty may serve on a committee but do not count toward the three LGS faculty

requirements.

LGS recognizes the value of involving scholars with expertise relevant to the interest of Ph.D.

candidates who are not Emory faculty. Scholars at universities or other institutions may serve on the

committee with the Dean's permission. If a committee member outside Emory is identified, the

following steps should occur:

1. The DGS or division director will write a memo requesting approval from the LGS Dean. The

memo should describe how this individual will contribute to the student’s committee.

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2. After the Dean approves the member, the student should submit the written request as

part of the dissertation committee approval form.

Changes to the Committee

If the dissertation committee's membership needs to change, students should submit a change of

dissertation committee form as soon as possible.

When a student submits a completed dissertation, the committee membership must match the

members listed on the most recent dissertation committee form submitted and approved by the

LGS.

Requesting an Extension for Chair/Advisor of the Dissertation Committee

An extension should only be requested for an LGS faculty member who has served as

Chair/Advisor for one year following a change to their affiliation or location as LGS Graduate

Faculty and wishes to continue to serve as Chair/Advisor for a limited extended period.

Emory Faculty Relocates or Retires

When any Emory dissertation committee member moves from Emory to another academic or

research institution or a faculty member retires, the student should consult with their advisor and

DGS or PD for guidance on how to proceed with the composition of their committee. This action

ensures the student has the support and guidance to complete the dissertation project.

Continued Member of the Dissertation Committee

• A faculty member who moves from Emory to another academic or research institution may

continue to serve as one of the three required LGS faculty members on a dissertation

committee if the committee was already formed before the faculty member leaves Emory.

The faculty member may serve in this capacity for up to three years after departure. Under

extraordinary circumstances, the DGS or PD may petition the Dean to extend this time limit

on behalf of the student.

• Retired Professors affiliated with an Emory doctoral program may continue to serve on

dissertation committees as LGS faculty for five years after they retire. After five years, they

may continue to serve as a member but will not remain as one of the three required LGS

faculty.

Continued Member as Co-Chair/Co-Advisor of the Dissertation Committee

• A faculty member who currently serves as co-chair/co-advisor of a dissertation committee

and moves from Emory to another academic or research institution may continue to serve

as co-chair/co-advisor of the committee. They will be considered one of the three LGS

faculty members for up to three years after departure, assuming the other co-chair/co-

advisor is an LGS faculty member. If the other co-chair/co-advisor is not an LGS faculty

member, the committee must be reconstituted to include one current LGS faculty

member as co-chair/co-advisor. Under extraordinary circumstances, the DGS or PD may

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petition the Dean to extend this time limit on behalf of the student. Retired Professors

affiliated with an Emory doctoral program may continue to serve as co-chairs/co-advisors

on dissertation committees as LGS faculty for five years after they retire. After five years,

they may continue to serve as co-chair/co-advisor but will not remain as one of the three

required LGS faculty.

Continued Member as Chair/Advisor of the Dissertation Committee

• A faculty member who currently serves as chair/advisor of the dissertation committee and

moves from Emory to another academic or research institution may continue to serve as

chair/advisor of the committee as one of the three LGS faculty members if the student

completes the dissertation within one year of the chairperson’s/advisor’s departure. If the

student does not complete their dissertation within one year, the faculty member may

continue to serve as co-chair/co-advisor with a current member of the LGS faculty for up to

three years after departure.

• Retired Professors currently serving as chair/advisor of the dissertation committee may

continue to serve as chair/advisor of the committee as one of the three LGS faculty

members if the student completes the dissertation within one year of the

chairperson’s/advisor’s retirement. If the student’s dissertation is not completed within one

year, the faculty member may continue to serve as co-chair/co-advisor with a current

member of the LGS faculty for up to five years after they retire.

A program DGS may request an extension for a member of the Emory Faculty who moved from Emory

or became a retired faculty member. The DGS/PD must submit a written request for an extension to

the LGS Sr. Associate Dean. The request should include a list of all committee members, each

member's roles (current or proposed), and the length of time as members. If functions are changing,

the DGS should describe the faculty member’s expertise in the dissertation topic, the reason for the

extension, and the end date for an extension. See the LGS Dissertation Committee webpage for more

details to request an extension.

Section 2.5: Dissertation Completion Time

LGS expects students to complete their dissertations and apply for graduation within six years. If

students do not complete their dissertation by the end of their sixth year, programs may grant a one-

year degree extension without LGS approval. Degree extensions beyond the 7

year require LGS

approval. A milestone extension request form and a program approved detailed timeline for completion

must be submitted to LGS for all degree extensions beyond six years. Approved degree extensions do

not include guaranteed LGS funding.

Section 2.6: TATTO Program

Four stages of the Teaching Assistance (TA) Training and Teaching Opportunity (TATTO) program

provide students with a solid foundation and the opportunity to gain teaching experience in steps of

increasing responsibility. With a few exceptions, a student may teach up to five terms in any

combination of TA (TA) and Associate positions during the first five years at Emory. TATTO 600 and 605

must also be completed before applying for candidacy.

1. TATTO 600: The first stage of the TATTO program, TATTO 600, is a one-credit hour course

offered in the Fall Pre-term. The course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. TATTO 600 is a

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prerequisite for any Emory teaching assistance ship, including TATTO 605, TATTO 610, or any

paid TA position at Emory. TATTO 600 should be taken immediately before a student’s first

teaching experience. Faculty for TATTO 600 are drawn from diverse fields of study and are

committed to excellence in teaching and research. The syllabus covers topics of importance

to all students, including inclusive pedagogy, lesson planning and assessment, online

pedagogical tools, classroom and lab instruction, accessibility, and other responsibilities.

2. Program-Based Course in Teaching: In the second stage, students complete a program-based

course on teaching strategies from the perspective of the student’s discipline. Optimally,

students enroll in this course while registering for TATTO 605, the teaching assistantship.

3. TATTO 605: The third stage of the TATTO program, TATTO 605, is a non-financially

compensated, closely mentored teaching assistantship. The program and faculty mentor

determine the specific responsibilities of this assistantship. In addition, the faculty member

should provide continuous guidance and evaluation of the TA during the term of the

teaching assistantship.

4. TATTO 610: The fourth stage of the TATTO program, TATTO 610, is the Teaching

Associateship, an advanced teaching opportunity. The LGS favors a co-teaching model for

this stage, in which the student and a faculty member collaborate in all aspects of a course,

from syllabus design to final grading. In many programs, Teaching Associates are primarily

responsible for teaching a course of their design. In all cases, teaching associates receive

attentive mentoring and evaluation. Students register for TATTO 610 during the term of the

Teaching Associateship position.

Students who demonstrate exceptional teaching ability may qualify to apply for the Dean’s

Teaching Fellowship. To be eligible for consideration, a student must have completed all LGS and

program requirements (except the dissertation) and been admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. Dean's

Teaching Fellows have complete responsibility for the course they teach. LGS offers a number of

these merit-based fellowships to students, usually in their sixth year, on a competitive basis.

TATTO Credit

The Registrar notes TATTO credit on transcripts, documenting fulfillment of the degree

requirement. TATTO 600 must be completed unless an equivalent number of hours of formal

instruction in teaching assistance has been met. In such cases, the student’s DGS should submit a

written request for exemption to the Assistant Dean of Professional Development and Career

Planning, outlining the student's teaching experience. If the prior experience closely matches a

given TATTO requirement in intellectual scope and duration, that requirement may be waived.

Teaching Assistance and Associates (TA)

The stages of the TATTO program are intended to ensure that Ph.D. students are adequately

prepared for various instructional roles and that a student’s opportunities to learn in the

classroom grow with experience. In addition, TATTO prepares our students to apply this

knowledge in various professional settings inside and outside the academy.

The titles TA and teaching associate designate a student’s progress through the TATTO program. TA

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experience varies from program to program. The defining characteristic of this opportunity across all

programs is a mentored initial teaching experience. A TA may be responsible for 10 to 12 hours per

week of discussion, laboratory supervision, etc. The Teaching Associate experience advances the

student to a teaching opportunity with more significant learning experiences, sometimes in a co-

teaching arrangement with a faculty member. In some programs, the student and faculty

collaborate on all aspects of a course, from syllabus design to final grading. In other programs, a

teaching associate could learn from teaching an entire class with ongoing mentoring.

In compliance with recommendations of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, students

may only be the instructor of record for a course after they have completed at least 18 hours of

graduate credit in their teaching field.

A student may only be a TA or teaching associate for up to five terms during their first five years at

Emory with the approval of the Assistant Dean of Professional Development and Career Planning.

Students wishing to teach more than five terms as either a TA or teaching associate should submit a

letter of request to the Dean explaining their rationale for desiring these additional educational

opportunities.

Section 2.7: Jones Program in Ethics

The Jones Program in Ethics (JPE) provides broad and deep engagement with the ethical issues of

research, scholarship, and professional life for all Ph.D. students in the LGS. This engagement will

occur within broad, interdisciplinary forums and the student’s graduate program. A student’s

engagement with ethics should cover areas relevant to the student’s course of study and be

appropriately staged throughout a student’s career.

Program Elements

There are three elements of the JPE. Completion of all aspects (1) and (2) is required for

candidacy, and (3) is required for graduation.

1. JPE 600: Students take a 6-hour course in scholarly integrity, supported by the LGS.

The course is graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. This course has no associated credit

hours, but completion is a graduation requirement. Incoming students beginning their

first year of graduate studies must register for JPE 600. Students should discuss the

appropriate course registration time with their Program Administrators. Participation

in this course is recorded on the student’s transcript.

2. Program-based training: Students will complete at least 6 hours of training in

program-based ethics material. The disposition of this time is at the program’s

discretion. This training may occur within existing courses, such as methodology or

professionalization. It may also take the form of faculty-led workshops or journal

clubs. This part of the program intends to promote student discussions with their

program faculty and to integrate explicit attention to ethics into the regular course of

graduate education. The student’s program monitors student participation in this

element of JPE. The student’s program indicates on the candidacy form that students

have fulfilled at least 6 hours of program-based material.

3. JPE 610: Students will also participate in at least 4 JPE 610 sessions designated by the

LGS as eligible for ethics training credit. JPE 610 sessions occur regularly throughout

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the academic year and are listed on the JPE website. All sessions align with at least

one of JPE’s areas of scholarly integrity, align with the JPE program outcomes, and are

delivered by faculty, staff, or partners with expertise in the subject matter.

Participation is recorded on the student’s transcript as sections of JPE 610.

JPE Credit

The Registrar notes participation in JPE 600 (1 section) and JPE 610 (4 sections) on each student's

transcript, which signifies fulfillment of the degree requirement.

Section 3: Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree is conferred upon a candidate who completes all requirements in an approved

program. Only a few programs accept applicants solely for master's study. Students admitted to

terminal master's degree programs at Emory may not pursue a doctoral program without submitting a

complete application to the Ph.D. program. Additionally, unlike full-time doctoral students in LGS, the

financial support available for master's students is limited. Master's students can enroll in the Emory

University Student Health Insurance Plan (EUSHIP) but will be responsible for the health insurance

premium and all student fees.

LGS offers two types of master's degrees: (1) A terminal master’s degree and (2) An interim master’s

degree.

1. Students who discontinue their graduate study for any given reason may be eligible for a

terminal master’s degree.

2. Students who seek an interim master's degree earn this degree on their way to earning a

Ph.D.

Students should discuss both options with their program’s DGS.

Section 3.1: Standard Master’s Degree Requirements

The LGS sets the standard requirement for the master's degree. Standard requirements include

satisfactory completion of at least 30 credit hours. Standard requirements also include

• at least 15 credit hours in courses or seminars; This does not include Directed Study 597

or Research 599.

• At least 11 credit hours must be at the 500 or 700 levels.

• A B- or better grade must be earned in at least 11 credit hours of courses.

• Courses at the 100 or 200 level do not apply towards a master’s degree.

Section 3.2: Alternative Requirements for the Terminal Master’s

LGS program requirements for the terminal master's degree vary. Some programs require considerably

more course activity than the standard requirements listed above. Programs may require an

examination or written thesis at the end of the program. Programs may have additional requirements

related to foreign language proficiency or other research skills deemed relevant to a student’s course of

study. Students should consult programs for specific details.

If a program requires a written thesis, a student must submit an acceptable thesis demonstrating an

ability to use the methods of advanced investigation or research. The nature of the thesis, as well as its

form, varies among the different fields. The thesis is submitted to LGS after the student’s advisory

committee approves the thesis. The student’s advisory committee requires two members of the LGS

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graduate faculty. The LGS Dean reviews every thesis. The deadline for submitting a thesis to the Dean is

listed in the academic calendar. Students must be registered in the term in which they receive the

degree. Before the Dean accepts the thesis, the program must certify that the student has completed all

requirements for the degree.

Section 3.3: Doctoral Students Discontinuing their Ph.D. and Approved for a Terminal Master’s

Doctoral students who discontinue their graduate study for any given reason may be eligible for a

terminal master’s degree at Emory. A student must request approval for a change to a terminal

master’s degree status, the term in which the student seeks to receive the terminal master's. This

request for approval must be submitted before the degree application deadline for the relevant term.

If completion of the terminal master’s degree extends beyond the term approved for the master's

degree, the student may receive a tuition scholarship but will not receive a stipend or student health

insurance. Students will be responsible for the EUSHIP premium and remain responsible for all student

fees.

Section 3.4: Master's based on Candidacy and Interim Master's degrees

Some, but not all, programs allow students to earn a master's degree based on doctoral candidacy. A

student granted program approval to file for a master's based on candidacy must meet all LGS and

program requirements for the master's degree (except for the thesis) and submit a Completion Form to

LGS. LGS will not award a master’s degree based on candidacy retroactively after a student has

completed the Ph.D.; therefore, students must apply for the master's degree immediately upon reaching

eligibility.

Section 3.5: Maximum Time to Complete the Master’s Degree

A student must complete all requirements for a terminal master’s degree within five years of admission.

If students do not complete their degree by the end of their fifth year, programs may grant a one-year

degree extension without LGS approval. Degree extensions beyond the 6

year require LGS approval. A

milestone extension request form and a program approved detailed timeline for completion must be

submitted to LGS for all degree extensions beyond five years.

A student beyond the five-year limit who fails to obtain an extension from their program or exhausts the

extension granted without completing the requirements for the degree will no longer be considered an

active degree-seeking student.

Section 4: Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificate programs provide graduate students with interdisciplinary expertise.

Certificates will enhance student education and research and expand students’ professional

competencies. Students interested in a Graduate Certificate should consult the Certificate PD

about eligibility criteria and requirements. More information on the active certificate program can

be found on the LGS website.

Section 4.1: Declaration

Once accepted to the desired certificate program, students should complete and submit to LGS a

Certificate Declaration Form, found on the LGS website.

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Section 4.2: Credits

Students may enroll in more than one certificate program, but up to three credits may be counted

toward two certificates. If a student is enrolled in a degree program because certificates are intended

to enhance interdisciplinary education, up to three credits from a student’s home program may be

counted toward any certification. Transfer credits may not be applied toward certificate requirements.

Section 4.3: Completion

Completing a certificate program requires at least 12 credits of course study at the 500 to 700 level.

Certificates must have some requirements, in addition to the minimum credit hours, that make the

course of study systematic and cohesive; This may take the form of required core courses, exams,

projects, or practicum.

Upon finishing the certificate program requirements, the student must obtain and submit a completed

Certificate Clearance Form documenting the completion of the requirements.

If the student is earning a degree and a certificate, the student should complete an Application for a

Degree in addition to the Application for a Degree submitted for the dissertation; This will allow the

certificate to be noted on the transcript. Students will not be awarded a paper certificate. Certificates

are only notated on student transcripts. Students obtaining a certificate in Translational Research not

enrolled in an Emory Ph.D. program are an exception. Students should contact their program for

additional information.

Section 5: Dual and Joint Degrees

Section 5.1: Dual Degrees

Dual degrees are typically pursued and completed in stages and are awarded sequentially. The LGS

requires that all dual degree programs be allowed a maximum of 20% of credit hours to be double-

counted or exchanged toward the dual degree. For example, if a master’s degree consists of 30 credit

hours, a maximum of 6 credit hours may be double counted with the other degree.

Section 5.2: Joint degrees

Joint degrees are typically pursued in a mixed curriculum and awarded together.

Section 5.3: 4+1 Dual Degrees

Available to baccalaureate students enrolled in Emory College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS), the LGS

offers several 4+1 dual degree programs, which bridge the undergraduate senior year with a fifth

(“+1”) year of graduate study in the LGS, resulting in the awarding of the master's degree by the LGS.

Visit our Bachelor/Master's Programs page to view offerings.

Section 5.4: Four-Year Bachelor's/Master's Programs

Exceptional Emory College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS) students with superior undergraduate records

may be eligible for a combined degree program where bachelor’s and master’s degrees are awarded

conjointly at the end of four years. ECAS departments reserve the option of offering such a program and

selecting students for participation. Interested undergraduates should consult their departments as

early as possible for details. A Four-Year Bachelor’s/Master’s Application for Admission must be

submitted during the spring semester of the junior year (before commencement), along with the

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departmental recommendation letter for the program. The LGS will only recognize students as dual-

degree students if these steps are completed before the deadline.

Visit our Bachelor/Master's Programs page to view offerings.

Section 6: Registration Status and Academic Performance

There are two registrations statuses:

Active: A student currently enrolled in any course or program for which the student is registered.

Inactive: A student not currently enrolled in any course or program. A student who does not maintain

continuous enrollment each term will be discontinued and become inactive. Students on an approved

leave of absence will also be listed as inactive. To return to active status, a student must apply for

readmission.

Section 6.1: Readmission

Students who fail to maintain continuous registration become inactive and are ineligible for funding

and health insurance. Inactive students must apply for readmission.

Students not enrolled for one or more terms must apply for readmission; This is required for

students on an approved leave of absence and those who allowed their enrollment to lapse without

obtaining an approved leave and become discontinued. Students who fail to maintain continuous

enrollment must submit an online form and apply for readmission at least 30 days before the term

they wish to re-register.

The first step in applying for readmission is contacting the program's DGS. Next, the student must

submit a readmission form on the LGS website. Finally, the student’s program will be asked to

approve the readmission application. Readmission is approved at the discretion of the program or

division, which may also prescribe additional course requirements.

Consideration for readmission includes a student’s academic standing and review of their pre-

approved plan for return that outlines timely academic progress at the end of the last term registered,

including any incomplete grades converted to an F or U during the student’s absence. Students who

have exceeded the nine-year enrollment limit on the time to degree cannot be readmitted.

Students with enrollment holds must contact Emory's Office of Student Accounts and Billing or other

appropriate office and apply for readmission once the hold has been removed.

Students who decide not to continue their graduate study in a doctoral program and switch to a

terminal master’s degree may be readmitted into the doctoral program from which they intend to earn

their terminal master's degree.

Readmission for Non-degree seeking students.

Students not enrolled for one or more terms must apply for readmission by completing the online

process for non-degree readmission at least 30 days before enrollment.

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Section 6.2: Academic Expectations and Grades

Academic expectations are standards and goals set to achieve success in an academic program. It is

essential and expected that students understand performance expectations to maintain satisfactory

progress as defined by their academic program and LGS. There are several ways in which performance

expectations can be defined and communicated, including but not limited to a course syllabus, program

handbook, faculty expectations, academic and research integrity standards, meeting academic

milestones, etc. Understanding performance expectations is essential. Communication between

students and faculty is expected and critical to receive a satisfactory grade in a course.

Grading System

The symbols A, A-, B+, B, B-, C, F, W, WF, S, U, WU, IP, I, IF/IU, and AUD are used in the LGS to indicate

the following:

Grade

Meaning

Quality Points

Superior

4.0

A-

3.7

B+

3.3

Satisfactory

3.0

B-

2.7

Marginal

2.0

Failing

0.0

Satisfactory*

Unsatisfactory*

Withdrawal without penalty*

Withdrawal while failing

0.0

Withdrawal while performing unsatisfactorily*

In progress*

Incomplete*

IF/IU

Incomplete failing / Incomplete unsatisfactory

AUD

Audit*

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* These grades are not included in calculating a student’s grade point average; additionally, students

must be enrolled in the courses they audit.

Grading Basis

In some programs, a student can take courses outside their program of study on either a

satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) or a letter-grade basis. Students should consult their DGS, PD, or

advisors to determine whether the S/U or letter grade option is allowed within the program or division

and what restrictions may apply. The grades of F, IF U, W, WF, WU, IP, I, or IU are not counted toward

degree or credit hour requirements.

Two tentative status notations may be given:

1. An I notation (incomplete) is appropriate when a student fails to complete all requirements

for a course by the end of the term due to an illness or some other unforeseen circumstance.

2. An IP notation (in progress) may only be used for courses that run two consecutive terms. An

IP may not be assigned to 599R or 799R courses. LGS must approve sequential courses that

require or use IP grades. IP grades are inappropriate for courses designed to be one term in

length.

A student must resolve all incomplete (I) or in-progress (IP) courses before candidacy and graduation.

Failure to Complete a Course

When course assignments or research expectations are not completed in a term, the instructor may

assign a grade of I (incomplete). The instructor and student should discuss and document the time

needed to fulfill requirements and align with the program’s policy. Questions should be directed to

the program DGS or LGS. If assignments are not completed within one calendar year (12 months), the

LGS will change the grade from I to IF or IU (depending on the grading basis). A grade of IF or IU is

deemed unsatisfactory, resulting in probation.

A grade of IF or IU is considered final. Therefore, it can only be changed through a request submitted

by the instructor to the LGS, citing compelling reasons for the grade change. The Emory Registrar

approves final requests.

Section 6.3: Academic Performance and Status

The LGS sets minimum academic standards for satisfactory academic performance. Programs may

establish more stringent standards. The LGS defines unsatisfactory as any one of the following:

• A cumulative GPA of less than 2.7

• A GPA in any term of less than 2.7

• Receipt of a grade of F, U, IF, or IU in any course

• Receipt of two or more incompletes in a term, or

• Having a total of two unresolved incomplete grades on their academic record

• Receipt of an incomplete in a 9-credit hour course.

A student with unsatisfactory academic performance is on probation for one term. Some programs

may have more stringent academic performance expectations during the probationary term.

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Students should discuss program terms and conditions of probation and reinstatement to

satisfactory standing with their DGS or PD.

For probationary periods caused by the failure to make satisfactory academic progress as defined

above by LGS, students will automatically return to good standing in the subsequent term.

However, a student who fails to meet LGS or program standards for satisfactory performance in the

following term will be placed on probation for a second term. The probation notation will remain

on the unofficial transcript for one term unless there is cause for another probation for a different

reason. Probation notations cannot be removed. Probation codes are as follows (where #

represents the consecutive number of terms on probation)

P#GR: Grades

P#GP: GPA

P#CA: Candidacy Application Milestone

P#DC: Dissertation Committee Milestone

P#OT: Other Reason

The student and director must develop a plan to return to good standing and consult the LGS Office

of Student Affairs.

Section 6.4: Satisfactory Progress

LGS considers a student making progress toward the degree if they are in good standing and meet

one of the following conditions:

• Enroll each term of the academic year for a minimum of 9 graded credit hours with a

cumulative GPA of at least 2.7.

• In candidacy and submitted a dissertation or thesis (terminal programs).

• Registered in 799R (dissertation research) of 599R (thesis research) and meet the

registration requirements. Note: Only students in candidacy may enroll in 799R.

• Granted an approved extension period and meets the above registration requirements.

• The student is on an LGS-approved leave of absence. Note: Loan and federal agencies might

not recognize a leave of absence as grounds for deferment.

Program Dismissal

LGS will permanently dismiss a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and merits

three consecutive probationary terms unless the program provides written justification for the

student’s continuation. LGS will also consider recommendations for dismissing a student who merits

two consecutive probations or fails to meet other academic standards consistent with their

program's policy. In the event of dismissal, international students must notify International Student

and Scholar Services.

Students recommended for academic dismissal by their academic program will receive a letter from

their program informing them of the reasons for the recommendation for dismissal. Students will

have five business days from the date of the program dismissal letter to inform their DGS and the LGS

Student Affairs Dean of their intent to appeal the recommendation for dismissal. Students must begin

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and follow their program handbook appeal process within five business days of notifying their DGS

and LGS Student Affairs Dean of their intent to appeal actions leading to the recommendation of the

dismissal. Students are also strongly encouraged to meet with the LGS Student Affairs Dean to review

the process and have their questions answered.

In most cases, programs will respond to the appeal in writing within 30 days of receipt of the

complaint. However, exceptions to this timeframe may be allowed with reasonable and regular

communication to inform the student of the complaint's status. Programs must inform the LGS

Student Affairs Dean in writing of the outcome of the appeal before the end of the term in which the

case is being reviewed. If the matter cannot be resolved within the program, or the student disagrees

with the resolution, the student may submit a complaint to the LGS Committee on Grievances.

Grievance Procedures are outlined in Part IV of this Handbook. A student's decision to file a grievance

will not delay the dismissal action.

Section 6.4: Permanent Academic Record (Transcripts)

The transcript is a permanent and official student academic performance record. The Office of the

University Registrar maintains the transcript. Copies of transcripts can be requested via OPUS, by

email, or in person and can be in electronic or printed format. Visit the Office of the University

Registrar for more information.

Section 6.5: Grade Appeals

Students who believe an assigned grade is incorrect should first discuss the assigned grade with the

instructor. Students who still disagree with the instructor should address their concerns to the graduate

studies or PD, who will seek to resolve the matter with the instructor and the student. Consistent with

principles of academic freedom, responsibility for evaluating a student's course performance rests with

the instructor. Using this procedure to resolve a grade dispute will not prejudice a student’s rights under

the LGS or University student grievance procedures.

Section 6.6: Sealing Student Records

The conferral of an Emory University degree is the most important milestone in a student's academic

career. Therefore, graduating students must fulfill all the academic requirements for the degree

requirements before the date of conferral set by the University Registrar’s Office. After students

graduate, their records are sealed, and no further changes are allowed. The correction of clerical

mistakes is possible by petitioning the University Registrar. View the full Emory policy on the University

Registrar’s website.

Section 7: Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence

Section 7.1: Voluntary Withdrawals

A voluntary withdrawal occurs when a student chooses to leave Emory during a term and requests to be

withdrawn from all classes after the Add/Drop/Swap deadline has passed. A student who decides to

withdraw from their program of study should consult with the DGS or PD. International students must

discuss their withdrawal plans with International Student and Scholar Services to determine how the

withdrawal will impact their visa status. If the student is a veteran, they must contact the Office of the

Registrar at registr@emory.edu to confirm that their enrollment change does not affect their certificate

of eligibility.

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Section 7.2: Involuntary Withdrawals

A student may be withdrawn involuntarily from Emory if the University determines that the student

represents a direct threat to the health and safety of themself or others by:

1. Engaging or threatening to engage in behavior that poses a high probability of substantial

harm to themself or others; or

2. Engaging or threatening to engage in behavior that would cause significant property

damage would directly and substantially impede the lawful activities of others or

interfere with the educational process and the orderly operation of the University.

Withdrawals in such cases shall normally incur no academic penalty for the term the student is

enrolled, and a tuition refund, if any, shall be based on the schedule established for voluntary

withdrawal. Because the involuntary withdrawal policy applies to cases where there is a concern

about the safety of the student or others, the Dean or their designee may require a student

involuntarily withdrawn under this policy to be re-evaluated before they are readmitted.

Section 7.3: Leaves of Absence

A student may be granted two one-year leave (no more than six terms) of absence upon

recommendation of the student’s program and approval of the Dean. Leaves of absence (LOA) are

available to students only within five years of admission. The student must demonstrate that during this

period, they must interrupt progress toward the degree. The student should be aware that the

University will not certify to loan officers or government agencies that a student on an LOA is enrolled in

or actively pursuing a course of study. International students must discuss their LOA plans with

International Student and Scholar Services to determine how the LOA will impact their visa status. If the

student is a veteran, they must contact the Office of the Registrar at [email protected].

In most cases, a student must be in good standing and have no incomplete assignments to be eligible

for an LOA. In addition, time spent on an LOA does not count toward the nine-year limit for the

doctoral degree or the five-year limit for the terminal master’s degree. Students beyond these limits

are not eligible for leave but may apply for an extension of the time allowed to complete degree

requirements per the rules governing such extension.

An LOA is not used to resolve academic difficulties or finish incomplete assignments. Instead, this policy

is intended to allow students to leave academic life for a specified period. During which they do not

progress toward the degree. Examples of an LOA include:

• a unique professional or educational circumstance,

• short-term disabilities, or

• competing responsibilities that preclude meaningful progress toward the degree.

Circumstances pertaining to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare should first be considered through

our Parental Arrangement policy but may also be addressed through the LOA policy. Students should

develop a written plan and timeline for their leave and return and consult their DGS, Faculty Mentor,

and the LGS Student Affairs office before submitting a request for an LOA.

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A student returning to the LGS after an LOA should request readmission at least 30 days before the

beginning of the term they wish to return.

Section 9: Parental Arrangements

Parental Arrangements are for students with parental responsibility due to childbirth, care of a

newborn, or a newly adopted child. This policy guarantees LGS students a minimum level of

arrangements and academic modification while welcoming a new child into their family. Graduate

students should develop and discuss plans with their advisors and DGS or PD and consult LGS Student

Affairs Dean.

Section 9.1: Policy

LGS students designated as the caregiver, having parental responsibility, may be allowed parental

arrangements and academic modification(s) of graduate responsibilities for up to eight weeks after the

birth or adoption of a child. Students may use up to four weeks before the anticipated birth or adoption

date. Modifications, including length of time for master's students, are on a case-by-case basis and

worked out between the student, academic program advisor, and the DGS depending on the students'

stage of degree progress, i.e., coursework, teaching, research, and nature of the research environment.

Students are not employees and thus are not subject to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

provisions.

Section 9.2: Eligibility

Any matriculated LGS student in good academic standing.

Section 9.3: Stipend Support

Eligible students receiving stipend support should continue to receive it throughout the arrangements.

NIH allows grant funds to be used for this purpose, provided it follows our institutional policy. Many

other federal agencies have their policies regarding parental arrangements. If the sponsor does not

allow stipend support during this timeframe, LGS Finance will work with the faculty and the program to

ensure funding is available at Emory.

During these eight weeks, students are expected to maintain registration, remain in contact with their

advisor, and engage in minimal academic activity (e.g., reading), as agreed upon by the student and their

advisor, assuming the student's and child’s good health. After eight weeks, students resume their

responsibilities, and if students need additional arrangements, they should speak with their DGS and the

LGS Student Affairs Dean.

Section 9.4: Arrangement Principles

Enrollment status: Parental Arrangements are not a Leave of Absence. Students with parental

arrangements will remain full-time students. Thus, their eligibility for graduate student benefits remains

intact (e.g., student stipend and health insurance benefits). However, students may prefer to apply for a

Leave of Absence if they need additional time.

Suspension of academic requirements: Students with parental arrangements may be relieved of full-

time academic and related educational activities, such as teaching and research assistant academic

requirements, official academic examinations such as qualifying or preliminary examinations, lab and

research deadlines, and course activity.

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• Scheduled courses or examinations should be rescheduled to avoid conflicts during the parental

arrangement period; rescheduling should provide reasonable time to complete these academic

requirements. If the amount of coursework to be rescheduled is excessive, the student may

need to drop a course and retake it another term.

• The student's program will develop a plan to replace required academic activities, such as

teaching and research. LGS expects that the program will exercise flexibility in this process.

Contact the LGS Dean of Student Affairs for clarification if necessary.

Section 9.5: Arrangement Procedures

Students seeking arrangements should email their program (through their DGS/PD, advisor, and LGS) at

least three months before the arrangements are anticipated (unless unforeseen circumstances arise) for

programs to have adequate time to plan any activity that other students might carry out. Students are

expected to consider the needs of their programs and collaborators in determining when to inform their

programs of needed arrangements. In some instances, additional time is warranted to meet program

requirements. Before submitting the request to LGS, students must discuss arrangements with their

advisors and DGS /PD. Carefully review the form and instructions for the Parental Arrangement Request.

Section 10: Degree Completion

A student approaching the end of a degree program must meet all program, LGS, and University

requirements and deadlines. Failure to do so may result in receiving the degree the following term. All

deadlines are published on the LGS Academic Calendar. Details are on the Degree Completion page on

the LGS website.

Section 10.1: Registration and Awarding of Degrees

Students must be registered full-time in the term they receive their degrees. If students have yet to

defend, they should: enroll in course 599R if not in candidacy or 799R if they are in candidacy. If the

student has defended, they should enroll in the appropriate course to satisfy the requirement. Master’s

students should enroll in course 599R.

Section 10.2: Application for Degree

Students must submit a formal Application for a Degree to be awarded a degree in a particular term:

spring, summer, or fall. The form is available on the LGS website on the LGS Degree Completion page.

The application can also be completed online in OPUS if the student’s record indicates that the current

term is their anticipated graduation term.

Degree applications are valid only for the term in which they are filed. Therefore, a student who

applies for the degree and does not complete all requirements must apply again and register full-time

for the term in which the student will receive the degree.

Section 10.3: Degree Clearance Form (Completion of Requirements Report)

The Degree Clearance Form certifies that the student has completed all requirements. Students

receiving a master’s degree must attach a copy of their transcript to the form. Note: Students must

upload their theses or dissertations to the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Repository before

submitting the required documents to LGS. Dates for receipt of forms can be found on the LGS Academic

Calendar.

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Candidates must resolve all incomplete grades and P and IP grades before submitting the Clearance

Form.

Section 10.4: Dissertation or Thesis Submission

All dissertations and theses are submitted electronically through the ETD Repository. The electronic

copy submitted to the ETD Repository becomes the official and archival record copy.

The LGS reviews the dissertation, and the Dean must approve it before a student can be cleared

to graduate.

Detailed instructions are available on the LGS website.

Section 10.5: Graduate Education Exit Survey and Survey of Earned Doctorates

LGS requires that Ph.D. candidates complete two online surveys: the LGS Graduate Education Exit Survey

and the Survey of Earned Doctorates. Upon completion of each survey, students receive a certificate of

completion. Certificates should be saved and submitted when submitting a degree completion form and

other required documents. Master’s students are only required to complete and submit the Graduate

Education Exit Survey for master's students.

Section 10.6: ProQuest/UMI Publishing Agreement

All Ph.D. candidates must complete and submit the ProQuest/UMI Publishing Agreement. Copyrighting

is optional. Master's degree candidates do not need to publish their theses with ProQuest/UMI but may

do so. Master's degree candidates who want to copyright their theses can do so through ProQuest/UMI.

Section 10.7: Master’s Degree based on Candidacy

Some doctoral programs award master's degrees to students who have reached doctoral candidacy.

Students receiving a master’s based on candidacy must submit Candidacy, Application for Degree, and

Degree Clearance forms to LGS by the published deadlines. (See the LGS Academic Calendar)

Section 10.8: Financial Obligations to the University

All financial obligations to the University must be cleared before a student graduates. These obligations

include tuition, student health charges, parking fines, and library fines, if any. Failure to settle

outstanding charges will place holds on diplomas, transcripts, and other student records. Eligibility for

stipend expires when a student graduates.

Section 10.9: Commencement Ceremony

University commencement is held annually at the end of the spring term.

Students who graduate in the summer and fall should indicate whether they expect to return for

commencement in the spring and update their OPUS record to ensure it contains a permanent

email address to confirm their attendance plans.

Students with a FERPA information suppression hold on their personal information should know that

their names will not be printed in the commencement program. Names will be published only if the

FERPA hold is removed, and the hold can be removed only by the University Registrar’s office.

Section 10.10: Diploma Notation and Name

Students should note that while transcripts will show majors and degrees received, diplomas will only

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show the degree received. Only the degree obtained is displayed on a diploma, not the major field. For

example, a student receiving a Ph.D. in English will receive a diploma stating that they have been

awarded the Doctor of Philosophy, not the Doctor of Philosophy in English. The same applies to master's

diplomas.

Before graduation, students should update their permanent mailing and email addresses in OPUS.

The diploma from Emory University will be printed with the student’s official name as it

appears in OPUS. For more information, see Emory’s name policy at

http://policies.emory.edu/10.1.

Section 11: Registration

Unless instructed otherwise by the program, all continuing degree-seeking students in the LGS can

email before pre-registration dates. Also, students should pay attention to program instructions

regarding registration and must settle their accounts with Emory's Student Financial Services.

Section 11.1: Continuous Registration

Students must maintain continuous registration throughout their course of study in the LGS. If a student

does not register for one term or more or withdraws after registering, the student will become inactive

and must apply for readmission.

Continuing Students Registration Procedures

There are two steps to registration: signing up for courses and paying or arranging for payment of

outstanding accounts. Students should check with program staff before pre-registration for

program-specific requirements.

Signing up for Courses

After complying with program procedures, students may pre-register in OPUS. Pre-registration dates are

published on the Office of the Registrar's website and the LGS Academic Calendar. Students are

responsible for obtaining the required program approval for their schedules and verifying that their

registration is correct.

Special-standing students may not use OPUS to pre-register. Special-standing students must obtain the

required signatures from course instructors and programs. Some programs require special-standing

students to obtain permission from the DGS or PD. Special-standing students submit instructor

approvals to the LGS. The LGS will enter the schedule in OPUS on the first day of registration.

Section 11.3: Payment of Accounts

After a student’s schedule is entered into OPUS, Student Financial Services generates an electronic

invoice posted in OPUS. The registrar will notify the student of this posting by emailing the student's

Emory email address. The Office of Student Financial Services does not mail paper statements. Students

must register and pay their bills. Accounts will reflect charges, anticipated aid, and an account summary.

Bills are payable upon receipt. Students should follow instructions from The Office of Student Financial

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Services on their website.

Registration may be canceled for students with outstanding balances on their accounts.

Students who fail to enroll in courses and do not pay their bills by the end of add/drop will result in their

registration and LGS financial award (tuition scholarship, stipend, and health insurance subsidy) being

cancelled.

Section 11.4: Course Load and Adjustments

The average course load for a student in full-time status is nine credit hours during fall, spring, and

summer terms. Some programs require students to register for 12 hours per term. The maximum

number of credits allowed in any term is 16. Any additional credits should be reviewed and approved by

the DGS or PD and the LGS.

Course Adjustments

Students’ schedules can be adjusted during the University add/drop period. Any adjustments, including

changing grading options, should be made with the approval of the student's faculty adviser and the

DGS or PD. Students may make changes through OPUS but must obtain program approval first. Only the

LGS can adjust a schedule after the add/drop period through the date of record. After the Registrar’s

date of record, no adjustments will be made. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the course

schedule adjustments are properly made before the date of record.

Section 11.5: Grading Options

Students take graduate-level courses for letter grades (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C, or F). Upon program approval,

students may take a limited number of courses as S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory). Degree-seeking

students also may audit graduate courses with the permission of their program and the course

instructor. The Registrar's calendar lists the last date on which changes in grading basis may be made in

any term.

Section 11.6: Withdrawal

A student wishing to drop a course or completely withdraw after the add/drop date must complete the

Withdrawal Signature Form. The instructor for each course must assign a grade of W, WF, or WU.

Courses with a grade of W will not count toward candidacy. Withdrawing from courses and dropping

below full-time status may result in recalculating student financial aid for the term. The exact

consequences will depend on several factors, including the type and amount of financial aid the student

has received and the official withdrawal date.

Section 11.7: Undergraduate Courses

Programs sometimes suggest or require that students take undergraduate-level language courses to

fulfill foreign language requirements. Permission by programs and instructors must be granted before

enrolling in undergraduate courses.

Section 11.8: Student Loan Deferment

Registration status may affect the status of student loan deferments. Only students registered for nine

or more credit hours are recognized as pursuing a full-time degree status. The LGS will certify full-time

enrollment for those students. Students are advised to consult with their lending agencies for specific

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enrollment requirements.

Section 11.9: Dual Registration

Students may only enroll in one school of the University at a time. An LGS student who wishes to take a

course in a degree program offered by another school at Emory must obtain permission from their

advisor, the course instructor, and the DGS/PD. The student registers through the LGS, and course credit

will apply only toward the student’s LGS degree program. Courses taken may count only toward a single

degree.

Students in recognized joint or dual degree programs, such as the JD/Ph.D., will be accommodated in

ways that vary from program to program.

Section 11.10: Cross Registration – Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE)

Emory participates in the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education cross-registration

agreement. Students may take courses on a space-available basis at member institutions if the course is

not offered concurrently at the home institution. Participating institutions are listed on the ARCHE

website. Before cross-registering, students must obtain permission from their advisers and their

programs. In addition, many participating schools require certain immunizations, and students may be

required to produce copies of immunization records before cross-registering. Students interested in

cross-registration should email [email protected] or call 404-727-6042.

Section 11.11: Registrar

The Office of the Registrar at Emory University is responsible for supporting the academic progress of all

students by ensuring the accuracy of all student records, with a particular emphasis on processes related

to maintaining efficient and accurate systems for student registration and enrollment, faculty grading,

and transcript production, and for upholding the school's academic policies and procedures. For more

information, visit the Registrar’s website.

Section 12: Amendments

The Emory University by-laws provide that the faculty is responsible for instructional programs under

the direction of the President (Instruction, 25). The LGS Dean is responsible for the general direction of

the graduate school and exercises leadership in developing educational policies and programs

(Instruction 26). In practice, these responsibilities are closely intertwined. Reflecting this connection,

LGS operates via a shared governance model. Amendments to the LGS Handbook require approval of

the LGS Executive Council when they materially alter policies related to (1) the approval of new

programs and courses; and (2) maintaining, revising, and implementing appropriate discipline standards

of quality for admission, instruction, and student research in the LGS. Handbook amendments that

merely clarify existing policy do not require Executive Council Approval.

Article II: Financial Information

Graduate students might engage with four primary contacts regarding financial information while

pursuing their degree.

1. Emory University Office of Financial Aid Advisors to ensure compliance with federal aid,

including loans and state and university guidelines.

2. The Program DGS or Program Administrator for program-specific funding questions.

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3. The LGS Student Funding team for all LGS funding sources routed through the schools and a

student’s graduate program.

4. Students who secure external grants may also engage with the Emory Research administration.

The following article provides an overview of multiple funding sources.

Section 1: Graduate Cost of Attendance

LGS draws on a combination of funding resources to pursue their graduate degree. Students enrolled

full-time in LGS doctoral programs are eligible for full or partial tuition scholarships. In addition, full-time

doctoral students may receive stipends from the university or external sources. The support available

for master's students is more limited and varies by program. Some master's programs offer partial

tuition scholarships, often on a merit basis. It is best to contact the program to discuss the cost of

attendance.

The cost of attendance is an estimate of the total amount it will cost a student to go to school for an

academic period, and it is determined using rules established by law. The cost of attending Emory

University includes tuition and student fees, living expenses, health insurance, parking fees, and

incidentals, such as purchasing textbooks, computers, and supplies. The Board of Trustees determines

all tuition and fees, which are subject to change without notice. Information about tuition and fees can

be found on the Tuition and Costs page of the LGS website.

Section 1.1: Transcript Fee

All new degree and certificate students must pay a one-time transcript fee of $70 when they first enroll

at Emory. This fee is a one-time fee that pays for all future transcripts. If you have previously obtained a

degree from Emory, you may have paid this fee already. For more information, see the Registrar's

website.

Section 1.2: Mandatory Health Insurance

All new and continuing degree-seeking Emory University students must have health insurance. Under

this requirement, students must purchase the Emory University Student Health Insurance Plan (EUSHIP)

or opt out by providing enrollment documentation in a comparable United States-based plan. In

addition, new students wishing to waive enrollment in the EUSHIP must complete the annual waiver

process.

If a student has yet to waive out of the EUSHIP by the date of Emory’s pre-term Student Accounts

and Billing bill, the student will be billed for the EUSHIP. For more information, visit the Student

Health Services website.

Section 1.3: Financial Responsibility to the University

Students are responsible for maintaining good financial standing with the University, including timely

tuition payment, emergency loans, and other fees and fines incurred by the libraries or parking office.

Penalties for past due accounts include cancellation of registration, refusal to approve continued

registration, refusal to release transcripts, and withholding of diplomas.

For more information, visit the Student Accounts and Billing Office website.

Section 1.4: Courtesy Scholarships

The Courtesy Scholarship is a grant that covers tuition exclusively (not textbooks, fees, or other

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miscellaneous charges). It is made available to Emory employees and their family members who apply

and are admitted for enrollment in academic programs at Emory University. The percentage of tuition

covered depends on your years of service.

Emory employees must contact Human Resources for information about eligibility for Courtesy

Scholarships. Courtesy Scholarships do not cover application fees and tuition for audited courses.

Section 2: Merit Awards and Financial Aid

Official notification of merit awards comes from the LGS, although some programs advise students of

their award recommendations. Additionally, all offers of financial assistance are made per the April 15

Resolution adopted by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). A copy of the April 15 resolution and a

list of CGS member institutions supporting the resolution are available on the CGS website.

Section 2.1: Loans and Office of Financial Aid

For many Emory University students, loans are essential to pay for some of their educational costs.

These funds must be repaid. For information on student loans, visit Graduate Student Loans.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid to speak with a financial aid advisor about the cost of attendance and

federal and private loan program information.

Section 2.2: LGS Awards

Tuition Scholarships

Tuition scholarships may cover partial or complete tuition. These scholarships are for tuition credits

only. They are not cash and cannot be converted to another purpose or paid directly to students.

Doctoral students who have been granted an extension in their seventh year and beyond

may receive partial tuition scholarships.

Doctoral Student Base Stipends

Doctoral student base stipends are disbursed monthly on the last business day of the month. Eligibility

for stipend support expires when a student graduates, withdraws, is not enrolled or is inactive, is

dismissed, or otherwise becomes ineligible. Doctoral student base stipends are disbursed over 12

months, from September - August.

Section 2.3: Electronic Stipend Deposit

All doctoral students receiving an LGS stipend must enroll in Direct Deposit to receive funds. Several

days before funds are deposited into accounts, the University will send an email notification that the

deposit is forthcoming. Funds will be deposited on the last business day of the month, not on the day

the email notification is sent.

Section 2.4: Termination or Suspension of Stipend Support

Eligibility for student stipends ends when a student graduates, withdraws, is not enrolled, is dismissed,

or becomes ineligible. Unused stipends cannot be deferred or reserved. In addition, stipend support for

a student on an approved leave of absence (LOA) will be paused until the student returns from LOA.

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Section 2.5: Conditions and Eligibility for LGS Funding

The Ph.D. stipend is intended to support graduate students so that they may devote themselves to full-

time study in their programs. LGS also recognizes that various training opportunities align with students’

graduate study programs and provide compensation in addition to the LGS base stipend support.

Further, LGS recognizes that students may wish to work in an employment capacity unrelated to their

program of study and that, in some cases, they can do so while remaining devoted to full-time study. A

student who works in either type of employment capacity while in full-time student status may require

approval to do so, and there may be consequences for the base stipend support LGS provides. The

principles governing the approval of outside employment and the consequences for stipend support are

grounded in Emory’s Policy 10.5 on credit hours and standard practices around scholarship in a rigorous

academic program.

Section 2.5.1: Approval of Outside Employment

Full-time status for LGS students requires enrollment in more than nine (9) credit hours per term,

though students commonly enroll in twelve credit hours. Emory Policy 10.5 establishes guidelines for

real-time devotion to study for a given number of credit hours. Under the 10.5 policy, a student enrolled

in twelve credit hours is expected to devote at least 30 hours per week to learning, typically between

classroom contact with faculty and outside-of-class learning.

A full-time LGS student who receives a stipend may work in an employment capacity for up to 10 hours

per week without seeking permission from an advisor, program leader, or the LGS Dean’s office. A full-

time LGS student who receives a stipend must seek approval from their DGS and the LGS Dean’s office

when they wish to work in an employment capacity for more than 10 hours per week. Graduate

students who identify training opportunities aligned with their program of study should consider

enrolling in GRAD 705R. For more information, please visit the LGS internship and experiential learning

page.

Section 2.5.2: Outside Employment and Stipend Support

Students approved to work while maintaining full-time status will receive base stipend support

according to the following schedule.

1. A student who is approved to work between 11 and 20 hours per week in outside employment

will receive the total LGS base stipend rate for the period in which they are employed.

2. A student who is approved to work between 21 and 30 hours in outside employment will

receive 50% of the base stipend support rate for the period in which they are employed.

3. A student approved to work 31 hours or more will not receive LGS base stipend support during

their employment period.

Section 2.6: Tax Liability

The tax treatment of scholarships, subsidies, fellowships, grants, awards, or stipends may vary

for each student. Students should consult the IRS for information about taxes.

Emory University does not offer personal tax advice. Instead, Emory University recommends

seeking professional tax counsel whenever necessary.

Section 3: LGS Emergency Loan Fund

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The purpose of the LGS Emergency Loan Fund is to help students through unexpected financial crises,

such as illness, family job loss, and delays in other types of funding. The maximum loan amount is

$1,000. A student who receives an emergency loan must sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the

loan within 89 days of issue. Emergency loans are interest-free for 89 days.

Section 3.1: Eligibility

A loan applicant must be a full-time student in a degree program and be enrolled for at least

nine credit hours in the term they wish to receive the loan.

A Loan applicant must have no outstanding debt due to a previous loan from the LGS Emergency Loan

Fund or the University.

A Loan applicant must demonstrate financial need of an emergency nature. Students in special

standing are not eligible to receive emergency loans.

Section 3.2: Procedure

Emergency Loan Fund application forms are available in the LGS office and on the LGS website.

Applicants must complete the application form and turn it in to the LGS. In addition, the student is

required to state on the application how the loan will be repaid.

New students are eligible to apply for emergency loans once the following conditions are met:

• The student is enrolled full-time in the current term; and

• The student’s financial aid has been posted or is pending (students should consult their OPUS

account for their financial aid status)

Finally, new students must have their DGS, PD, or program administrator sign the emergency

loan application.

LGS must approve all loans. Requests are usually processed in one (1) day.

After the loan request is approved, the student must sign a promissory note and deliver it to the

Student Accounts and Billing Office, 101 B. Jones Center. Usually, the student can pick up the loan

check within 2-3 days of delivering the promissory note to the Student Accounts and Billing Office.

Still, under some circumstances, the process may take longer.

Loans must be repaid in full within 89 days of issue. The loan amount and payment due date will be

posted to the student’s account when the loan is issued. When the emergency loan is due to be

repaid, this amount will become a current charge and appear on the student’s bill during the next

billing cycle.

Past-due emergency loans are subject to interest charges. In addition, student borrowers who do not

repay loans according to schedule shall be responsible for paying any costs associated with the loan

collection, including attorneys' fees. Nonpayment can result in the student not being allowed to

Section 4: Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require that students receiving financial assistance maintain satisfactory academic

progress. Therefore, the Office of Financial Aid must monitor a student aid recipient’s academic

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progress. Aid recipients must meet specific quantitative and qualitative measures and complete their

programs within a maximum time. All students who receive financial aid from federal, state, or Emory-

funded sources must be enrolled degree candidates in good standing to retain financial aid awards.

Academic records will be evaluated each term. Evaluation factors include:

• Grade point average (GPA),

• Time to degree completion, and

• Percentage of courses passed.

Students must also meet the following minimum grade requirements to meet satisfactory academic

progress standards.

• Master Programs (MA, MDP, MM, MS, MSM): Must maintain a 2.7 current GPA each

semester and an overall 2.7 cumulative GPA.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Must maintain a 2.7 current GPA each semester and an overall

2.7 cumulative GPA.

Any student who fails for two successive terms to pass two-thirds of the hours taken shall be

automatically excluded regardless of any previous average.

All students are expected to complete their degree programs within a maximum time frame. The

maximum time frame for graduate students is 150% of the hours required to complete their degree

program. Time to degree completion is calculated for all credit hours for which the student enrolls or

receives credit at Emory. The following grades are assigned: A, B, C, D, F, Satisfactory, and

Unsatisfactory. A course assigned an Incomplete, in progress, or Withdrawal is counted toward

attempted credits. Audited classes are not considered attempted credits.

• Master Programs (MA, MDP, MM, MS): Must complete the degree within 108 attempted

units based on a 72-unit degree requirement. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Must meet the

degree within 324 attempted units based on a 216-unit degree requirement.

Section 4.1: Monitoring Eligibility: Disqualification, Probation

Students whose academic records fall below the minimum standards stated above or at the

recommendation of their program may receive an academic warning, and a temporary hold may be

placed on stipend and health insurance subsidy disbursement. The Program DGS must demonstrate

that supportive corrective measures were attempted, including conversations with the LGS Student

Affairs Dean. Students may appeal a recommendation of their program by following the procedures

for an appeal outlined in their program handbook. The LGS Dean must approve any temporary holds

or disqualification from receiving future stipend disbursement. Disqualified students may be approved

to receive financial aid after successfully appealing their case, as outlined below. Students who

successfully appeal are placed on probation. During the probationary period, students remain eligible

for financial aid. Students on probation must receive a GPA of at least 2.7 and are not permitted to

receive grades of F, U, W, WF, WU, I, IF, or IU. Students who receive aid on probation and fail to meet

probationary conditions will be ineligible for future stipend disbursement. Students who become

ineligible for funding or fail to meet probationary terms can re-establish their eligibility by attending

classes at their own expense or with the help of private resources outside the University. Once

minimum standards are met, stipend funding may be reinstated.

An appeal for extenuating circumstances should be submitted by the first day of class for the term

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you are appealing to ensure adequate time to prepare for any impact to the student account. Failure

to submit your complete appeal by this date may result in your probationary term being postponed

to a future semester.

A Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form should be submitted with supporting

documentation of mitigating circumstances that negatively impacted academic progression.

Please contact your financial aid advisor if you have questions about your case.

The Office of Financial Aid will only approve one appeal per academic degree. However, this policy

may be waived case-by-case where extenuating circumstances can be documented. For more

information, including answers to some frequently asked questions, please refer to the Satisfactory

Academic Progress page of the Office of Financial Aid's website.

Article III: Honor, Conduct, and Grievance

Preamble

LGS grants rights to the students in its community that align with the LGS vision and mission. These

rights include:

1. The right to academic freedom includes freedom of thought and expression per Emory's Respect

for Open Expression Policy 8.14.

2. The right to be free from discrimination, bias, and harassment based on race, color, national or

ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, ability

status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration

under applicable law.

3. The right to fair and due process procedures in LGS Honor, Conduct, and Grievance cases.

4. The right to participate in academic and non-academic activities sponsored by the University

within the constraints of applicable policies or requirements.

All students, faculty, and members of the Emory community are also expected to cooperate in

maintaining academic and conduct integrity. Members of the Emory community should strive to excel

in their academic pursuits in a just way with honesty and fairness in mind and avoid all instances of

cheating, lying, plagiarizing, or engaging in other acts that violate these Honor and Conduct Codes.

LGS expects every student and member of our Emory community to know the policies provided and

cited herein. Therefore, all students should revisit the Handbook and any linked policies as frequently

as needed to familiarize themselves or check for updates to these policies.

Part 1: LGS Honor Code

Section 1: Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is an offense defined as offensive to the integrity and honesty of academic

community members. A person commits academic misconduct when they intentionally, knowingly, or

recklessly engage in prohibited actions. Prohibited actions include but are not limited to the following:

• cheating or obtaining unauthorized assistance in any academic assignment or examination

• acquiring, receiving, or passing on information about the content of an examination prior to its

authorized release

• plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of information

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• attempting to do any of the previous

The LGS defines plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification consistently with the definitions provided

in Emory University Policy 7.8. Every student must know the regulations regarding academic

misconduct. Ignorance of the Honor Code is not a defense against an alleged violation.

Section 2: The Use of Sources in Writing Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations

Because of the seriousness of plagiarism when conducting scholarly research, the LGS Executive Council

has adopted the following statement on plagiarism. Each student is responsible for understanding this

statement, conducting their research, and writing following the highest standards of integrity.

A writer's data, facts, ideas, and phraseology should be regarded as their property. Any person who uses

a writer's data, facts, ideas, or phraseology without giving due credit is guilty of plagiarism. Information

may be put into a research paper, thesis, or dissertation without a footnote or other documentation

only if it meets all the following conditions:

1. It may be found in several books on the subject.

2. It is written entirely in the student's words.

3. It is not paraphrased from any source and is regarded as common knowledge.

Whenever any idea is taken from a specific work, even when the student writes it entirely in their own

words, there must be a citation giving credit to the author responsible for it. Methods of citation vary.

The student must provide appropriate credit.

The student is entirely responsible for knowing and following the principles of paraphrasing:

In paraphrasing, you express another writer's ideas in your own words. A good paraphrase preserves the

sense of the original but not the form. It does not retain the sentence patterns and merely substitutes

synonyms for the actual words, nor does it retain the original words and merely alter the sentence

patterns. It is a genuine restatement. Invariably it should be briefer than the source. (Floyd C. Watkins,

William B. Dillingham, and Edward T. Martin, Practical English Handbook, 3rd ed., Boston, 1970, p. 245.)

Any direct quotation must be documented. Even when a student uses only one unusual keyword from a

passage, that word should be quoted. If a common brief phrase is used as it occurs in a source, the

words should be in quotation marks. Any questions should be referred to the DGS or the PD in the

student's program.

The LGS and the Undergraduate Academic Honor Code of Emory College Of Arts And Sciences, Goizueta

Business School, And Oxford College concur that using an artificial intelligence program to generate any

content for any assignment (including, but not limited to, examinations, papers, homework, and creative

work) constitutes plagiarism and is a violation of the Honor Code unless students acknowledge in the

assignment the extent to which an artificial intelligence program contributed to their work and outside

resources are permitted for the assignment. Using an artificial intelligence program for an academic

assignment when external resources are not allowed or when the use of artificial intelligence programs

is prohibited may also constitute seeking unauthorized assistance or violate other provisions of the

Honor Code. Students should contact their DGS, Faculty Mentor, or instructor of records to inquire

about the appropriate use of artificial intelligence programs if they need clarification about the

expectations.

Section 3: Procedures for Reporting Cases

1. Any individual who suspects that an offense of academic misconduct has occurred shall report

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this alleged breach to the DGS, PD, or a member of the decanal staff of the LGS.

2. When a report comes to a DGS or PD, they should promptly notify the Dean of Student Affairs in

the LGS in writing. In some cases, when research misconduct is involved, jurisdiction is shared

with the Emory Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC). Emory Policy 7.8 outlines

the policies and procedures incorporated into a collaborative process.

3. Once relevant materials are received, the Dean of Student Affairs or designee investigates.

Section 4: Investigation Procedures

1. An investigation includes an interview with the Dean of Student Affairs and the individual

making the allegation and a separate interview with the accused student to review the

allegations. The accused student will be asked to submit a written statement within seven (7)

days following the interview. The written statement should include their account of the incident

that led to the allegation. The accused student should also identify potential witnesses who can

speak to the allegation and their desired resolution outcome.

2. After speaking with the accused student and the individual making the allegation, the Dean of

Student Affairs or designee shall collect any additional information or interview other individuals

who may have information related to the allegations. The Dean of Student Affairs then decides

whether sufficient information supports moving forward to the student’s desired resolution.

3. If sufficient evidence does not exist to move forward to a hearing at the Dean of Student Affairs

discretion, the Dean of Student Affairs will notify the parties that there needs to be more

information to move forward with the process.

Section 5: Honor Code Hearing Committee Paths for Resolution

Informal Resolution

A student may accept responsibility and attend an informal resolution meeting instead of a full

investigation and hearing. The reported student will meet with the Dean of Student Affairs and the

Laney Graduate Student Council (LGSC) Vice President to discuss the circumstances of the violation and

its impact on the student and the community. The reporting faculty or DGS may also participate in the

meeting. The informal resolution meeting assists the student in reaffirming and recommitting to the

values of the Honor Code and academic integrity, learning from the incident, and providing context to

the Dean of Student Affairs and LGSC Vice President as they recommend sanctions to the Dean.

Investigation and Full Hearing

The Dean of Student Affairs will convene a committee to advance to a hearing. The Dean of Student

Affairs will notify the accused student of the charges and offer to meet with the accused student to

review the Honor Code Hearing Procedures and the student's rights as outlined below. The Dean of

Student Affairs will also confirm potential witnesses to speak at the hearing.

Section 5: Honor Code Full Committee Hearing

1. The Dean of Student Affairs will form a committee. The Committee shall consist of:

2. The LGSC Vice President, or the Vice President's designee, will act as Chair of the Committee.

3. A member of the LGSC, excluding the LGSC President and anyone from the accused student's

program.

4. Two members of the LGS graduate faculty, at least one of whom is from the accused student's

program division (sciences, social sciences, or humanities), but neither can be from the accused

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student's specific program.

Section 6: Honor Code Hearing Procedures

1. The Committee reviews materials gathered during the investigation and the written statement

submitted by the accused student. The Dean of Student Affairs will collect the information if the

Committee requests additional materials. After reviewing the investigation materials and the list

of proposed witnesses, the Committee will set a hearing date and include in the notice the

individuals who may be asked to speak at the hearing.

2. Once a hearing date is scheduled, the Dean of Student Affairs will send the accused student a

notice of hearing with the date, time, and place of the hearing—which may be conducted

electronically at the Committee's discretion. The notice shall also include the names of the

Committee members. The accused student will have three (3) days from receipt of the notice to

raise any objection to the Committee members. Any objection should outline in sufficient detail

a reasonable basis for the objection. The notice will also include the names of individuals who

may be asked to speak at the hearing. Should an objection be filed, the Dean of Student Affairs

will decide whether members of the Committee should be replaced.

3. If the accused student or a witness, after receiving the notice of hearing, cannot appear at the

time and place specified for the hearing, they may submit a statement to be read during the

hearing. Should the accused student not appear or be removed from the hearing, the

Committee has the discretion to conduct the hearing with the student in absentia.

4. Hearings shall be fair and impartial. The hearing is an educational process, and the rules of

evidence in a court of law shall not apply. It is within the Chair's discretion to exclude any

irrelevant, duplicative, and prejudicial evidence.

5. Before testifying, the Committee shall remind each witness of the expectation of truthfulness,

candor, and LGS expectations related to confidentiality (described further below).

6. The accused student and only members of the Committee may question witnesses.

7. Individuals are expected to ask and answer questions respectfully and non-argumentatively and

refrain from engaging in abusive, aggressive, or disruptive behavior. If any individual, including

an advisor, violates these standards of decorum, they may be removed from the hearing.

8. Other than the witness, while testifying, only the members of the Committee, a member of the

decanal staff of the LGS designated by the Dean, and the accused student and their advisor may

be present during the hearing.

9. The Dean of Student Affairs will record the hearing, except for the Committee's final

deliberations. The recording is retained by LGS per the University's record retention schedule.

No other recording is permitted to respect the confidentiality of the process and privacy rights

applicable to educational records.

10. After the hearing, the Committee shall retire to deliberate in private. If the Committee

determines that the accused student is responsible for the alleged violations, the Committee

shall secure from the Dean the record of any previous disciplinary violations by the student.

Based on its findings in the case and the student's prior disciplinary record, the Committee shall

notify the LGS Dean of its findings and a recommended sanction or sanctions (as stated below).

Recommended sanction(s) may or may not mirror previous disciplinary sanction(s).

11. A three-fourths vote of the Committee shall be required for a finding of an Honor Code

violation, and the Committee shall vote on each sanction listed below. After the Committee's

deliberation and vote, the Committee shall prepare a written summary that includes a recitation

of pertinent evidence and facts, the finding of the Committee, and a recommended sanction(s)

should the Committee find the accused student has committed an Honor Code violation. The

Committee will submit the written summary only to the LGS Dean and Dean of Student Affairs.

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After receipt, the Dean shall review the summary and recommended sanction(s) and may listen

to the hearing recording to determine if the Committee's recommendations are fair and

impartial. The LGS Dean has the discretion to adopt the recommended sanction(s) or to increase

or decrease its severity. Finally, the Dean will prepare a written statement of the outcome of the

Committee's findings, the sanction(s) the Dean finds appropriate, and the student's right to

appeal. The accused student and the University Registrar will receive a copy of the outcome

notification. In addition, the program DGSs, and the faculty member directly involved with the

allegation may also receive a copy of the notice.

Section 7: Student's Rights

1. The accused student shall have the right to testify, be present at the hearing, and make an

opening and closing statement.

If the accused student needs accommodation(s) during the hearing, the student must

contact Emory's Department of Accessibility Services (DAS) and notify the Dean of Student

Affairs as soon as possible. The

Dean of Student Affairs

and DAS will then engage in the

interactive process to determine what accommodations are needed.

3. The accused student shall have the right to have an advisor at the hearing. The advisor shall be

an LGS community member – student, faculty, or staff. In cases where the accused student

claims that limiting the advisor pool to the LGS community poses a hardship, the Dean of

Student Affairs, in their sole discretion, may allow the accused student to select any non-

attorney from within the University community as an advisor. In all cases, the Dean of Student

Affairs reserves the right to restrict the choice of adviser should the person chosen to serve in

that role have a conflict of interest. The advisor's purpose is to support the student throughout

the process and is limited to a non-speaking role. The advisor may not speak to the Committee

or witnesses.

4. The accused student shall have the right to call a reasonable number of witnesses, present

evidence, and question witnesses. The accused student must identify potential witnesses and

evidence in their written statement during the investigation stage and will have an opportunity

to identify witnesses whom they want to speak at the hearing. The Dean of Students will notify

the witnesses if they need to be at the hearing.

Section 7: Sanctions

When the Committee finds a student responsible for an Honor Code violation, one or more of the

following sanctions may be imposed. All sanctions will be recorded in the student's academic record.

1. A verbal warning.

2. An educational program.

3. Probation. Probation will signify that the student is not in good academic standing with the

University during probation.

4. Partial or no credit on the examination, evaluation, or assignment.

5. Failure of the course.

6. Suspension from the program and or Emory for a specific period.

7. Revocation of financial support.

8. Permanent expulsion from Emory University.

9. Other. Sanctions not listed above may be appropriate.

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Section 8: Confidentiality

Because alleged academic dishonesty can seriously impact a student's professional career and relations,

all proceedings of the Committee and reviews of the Appeal Committee shall be carried out with due

regard for privacy. It shall be the responsibility of the Chairs of the Committee and the Appeal

Committee to take reasonable steps to ensure this privacy is maintained. Discretion is an essential step

in our process for preserving the student's confidentiality and avoiding any action that could be

perceived as retaliatory.

Section 9: Appeal Procedure

The decision of the Committee and the LGS Dean's decision on the sanctions shall be final unless the

student provides the LGS Senior Associate Dean with a written appeal within seven (7) calendar days of

receipt of the decision. A student may only appeal on the following grounds:

• Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;

• New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding

responsibility was made could affect the outcome of the matter; or

• Members of the Committee had a conflict of interest or bias for or against the accused student

that affected the outcome of the matter. If the conflict involves a member of the Committee,

the accused student raised the potential conflict before the hearing.

Mere dissatisfaction with the decision of the Committee or the Dean's sanction(s) is not grounds for

appeal.

The Senior Associate Dean shall appoint an Appeal Committee upon receipt of the appeal. The Appeal

Committee shall consist of:

• Two members of the Executive Council of the LGS appointed by the Dean, one of whom shall be

appointed Chair of the Appeal Committee: and

• The LGSC President and one member of the LGSC, not from the student's program, are

appointed by the LGSC President.

• No member who has served on the Hearing Committee, in that case, shall be appointed or was a

participant in the proceedings before that Committee.

The Appeal Committee will review the appeal and may review the case records, including the hearing

recording. The Appeal Committee will review the materials to determine a reasonable basis for changing

the outcome. Finally, the Appeal Committee will issue a written determination of the appeal and the

rationale for the result or may request that the LGS Dean take the following steps.

• Affirm the original finding and sanction.

• Affirm the original finding but issue a new sanction, which may be of greater or lesser severity.

• Remand the case to the Committee or a new Committee to correct a procedural or factual

defect.

• Dismiss the case if a procedural or factual defect cannot be remedied by remand.

The Appeal Committee's determinations are final and not appealable; however, the outcome

of a remanded case may again be appealed. The Senior Associate Dean will provide the student, Dean of

Student Affairs, and LGS Dean with the decision of the Appeal Committee.

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This Honor Code is effective August 2023 and supersedes all previous versions, which are hereby

superseded and repealed.

Part II: LGS Conduct Code

Preamble

This Conduct Code is presented to accomplish the following objectives:

• To acquaint students with the rights and responsibilities of members of the Emory community;

and

• To introduce policies that apply to them as members of the academic community at Emory

University.

As members of the LGS and University community, all students are expected to commit to standards

of courtesy, integrity, and professional responsibility. Students assume individual responsibility for

their conduct and their violations of the requirements of the Student Conduct Code. Continuation as a

student is conditional upon compliance with these requirements. This Code does not purport to

catalog every action that would be considered unacceptable behavior and, thus, a violation of the

Conduct Code. Instead, it attempts to exemplify conduct that would almost certainly consider a

violation. Further, this Code describes in detail the operation of the conduct procedures within the

LGS.

Section 1: Conduct on Campus and Standards of Behavior

Students are expected to conduct themselves honestly, civilly, and respectfully while members of

the Emory community. It is neither possible nor necessary to set forth every instance of misconduct

that could result in disciplinary action against a student. While the following list is not exhaustive,

examples of conduct offenses are outlined in items I-XII below.

1) Dishonesty or Theft: Knowingly furnishing false information to the University or its agents;

counterfeiting, forging, or altering any University document; making a false statement to

university officials; misrepresenting one's status in the University in communication with

outside parties; theft of any property of the University itself, or any property of any member

of the University community, or its visitors or guests.

2) Personal Abuse: Physical, oral, or written abuse by a LGS student of any person at a function

under the University's supervision or sponsorship or such abuse of a member of the Emory

community at any location or online space.

3) Improper or Unauthorized Use of University Facilities: The refusal by a student to vacate a

room, classroom, office, laboratory, or facility of the University when it is not open or not

available for the use of students generally or the student or groups of students. Malicious

damage by a student to the property of another member of the University community (student,

faculty, or staff), the property of the University itself, or the property of any visitor or guest of

the University. Breaking into a locked room, office, or facility of the University or entering a

room, office, or facility marked or understood as a prohibited or restricted area without

authorization.

4) Disorderly Conduct/Disruption of Class or Research Space: Interference by a student by

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violence, force, disorder, obstruction, or vocal disruption of a university activity or activity

authorized or sponsored by the University or by any school, program, division, or authorized

student body, including disciplinary proceedings. Interference by a student with the

instructor's right to conduct class as the instructor sees fit within the bounds of academic

freedom and responsibility. If a person other than the instructor brings charges of interference

with an instructor's rights as defined above, a member of the decanal staff of the LGS shall

confer with the instructor, including regarding potential interference with the Respect for Open

Expression Policy before any formal charges are brought.

5) Drugs and Alcohol: Emory University does not permit illicit drugs or the unauthorized use of

drugs sometimes prescribed for medical purposes. Users, possessors, and/or providers of such

drugs violate federal and state laws. Students who possess or use illicit drugs or furnish drugs

to others are committing a severe conduct offense. Emory University does not permit

drunkenness or furnishing alcoholic beverages to underage persons (under 21) or noticeably

intoxicated persons. Policy 8.8 contains the full text of the Emory Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Policy.

6) Stalking: Behavior where a person follows, is placed under surveillance, or contacts another

person without the other person's consent. The term "contact" means to make or attempt to

make any communication, including, but not limited to, communication in person, by

telephone, by mail, by broadcast, by computer or computer network, or by any other electronic

device. "Harassing and intimidating" refers to communication directed at a person that causes

emotional distress because of a reasonable fear for the person's safety or the safety of others,

which serves no legitimate purpose. It does not require an overt threat of death or bodily injury.

To avoid doubt, allegations of stalking based on sex are addressed under the University's Sex

and Gender-Based Harassment and Discrimination Policy 8.2.

7) Harassment: LGS prohibits harassment of any kind. Harassment can be conduct that persists

after such behavior has been requested to stop. Harassment is any unwelcome oral, written,

or physical conduct that is so severe and/or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of

creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment or unreasonably interferes with or

affects an individual's academic performance. Examples of harassment include but are not

limited to:

a. For the avoidance of doubt, the definition of discriminatory harassment of a non-sexual

nature from the University's Equal Opportunity and Discriminatory Harassment

https://emory.ellucid.com/documents/view/16834/?security=d3b7518a869d72e6d5

b0c965c987b3c9053079b3 shall apply to allegations of harassment by a student based

on race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age,

disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran's status, or

any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law. Allegations of

discriminatory harassment of a non-sexual nature that relate to a student acting in

their capacity as an employee are not resolved under the Conduct Code but rather

under the policy applicable in that context.

b. Verbal abuse; epithets or slurs; negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or

hostile acts; denigrating jokes; insulting comments or gestures; and the display or

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circulation of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion

toward an individual or group members. Students' calls, texts, emails, and social media

usage can contribute to a hostile work, learning, or living environment, even if they

occur away from the University premises. For the avoidance of doubt, allegations of

harassment based on race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic

information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression,

veteran's status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable

law are addressed under the University's Equal Opportunity and Discriminatory

Harassment.

https://emory.ellucid.com/documents/view/16834/?security=d3b7518a869d72e6d5b0c

965c987b3c9053079b3

c. Sexual harassment and other Prohibited Conduct outlined in the University's Sex and

Gender-Based Harassment and

Discrimination:https://emory.ellucid.com/documents/view/16836/?security=4f94881ac

0ddcbae11c4a4115a74ae7de40de24b LGS prohibits all conduct that violates the

University's Sex and Gender-Based Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and

allegations of such behavior will be addressed under that policy.

8) Recording without Consent: Taking a photograph or making an image or audio or video

recording, including "streaming" audio or video, of any member of the Emory community

without that person's consent. Such as when a reasonable person would find the recording

inappropriate and/or likely to cause injury or distress; if under circumstances where the

person(s) has/have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

9) Refusal to comply: Refusal to comply with the directions of Emory officials acting in the proper

performance of their duties.

10) Failure to uphold appropriate professional standards: Failure to uphold high standards of

courtesy, integrity, and professional responsibility.

11) Failure to complete sanctions: Failing to meet sanctions imposed in a Conduct Code or Honor

Code Process.

12) Other Conduct Offenses: Including other violations of law, Emory, or LGS policy, including, for

example, but not limited to, violation of any health or safety rule, breach of acceptable use of

technology or computing resources, or aiding and abetting others in the commission of

Conduct Code violations.

Section 2: Interim Action

The University reserves the right to take prompt, interim, necessary, and appropriate action to protect

the safety and well-being of the campus community. The Vice President and Dean for Campus Life are

charged with the welfare of all students. Accordingly, in appropriate situations, the Vice President and

Dean for Campus Life or their designee have complete discretion and authority to deal with student

conduct according to the exigencies of the situation and for its duration. Likewise, the LGS Dean of

Student Affairs has complete discretion and authority to deal with student conduct according to the

exigencies of the situation and for its duration. Nothing in this policy limits the power of the University

to take temporary administrative interim action to ensure the safety of the Emory community. In all

such cases, the appropriate University authorities will review interim measures promptly, typically

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within five business days.

Section 3: Procedures for Reporting Cases

1. Any individual who suspects that an offense of academic misconduct has occurred shall report

this alleged breach to the DGS, PD, or a member of the decanal staff of the LGS.

2. When a report comes to a DGS or PD, they should promptly notify the Dean of Student Affairs in

the LGS in writing.

3. Once relevant materials are received, the Dean of Student Affairs or designee investigates.

Section 4: Investigation Procedures

1. An investigation includes an interview with the individual making the allegation and a separate

interview with the accused student to review the allegations. The accused student will be asked

to submit a written statement within seven (7) days following the interview. The written

statement should include their account of the incident that led to the allegation. The accused

student should also identify witnesses who can testify to the allegation.

2. After speaking with the accused student and the individual making the allegation, the Dean of

Student Affairs or designee shall collect any additional information or interview other individuals

who may have information related to the allegations. The Dean of Student Affairs then decides

whether sufficient information supports moving forward to a hearing.

3. If sufficient evidence does not exist to move forward to a hearing at the Dean of Student Affairs

discretion, the Dean of Student Affairs will notify the parties that there is insufficient

information to move forward with the process.

4. The Dean of Student Affairs will convene a committee if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to

a hearing. The Dean of Student Affairs will notify the accused student of the charges and offer to

meet with the accused student to review the Conduct Code Hearing Procedures and the

student's rights as outlined below. The Dean of Student Affairs will also confirm potential

witnesses to speak at the hearing.

Section 5: Conduct Code Committee

1. The Dean of Student Affairs will form a committee when there is sufficient evidence to proceed

with a hearing. The Committee shall consist of:

• The Vice President of the LGS Council (LGSC), or the Vice President's designee, will act

as Chair of the Committee.

• A member of the LGSC, excluding the President of LGSC and anyone from the accused

student's program.

• Two members of the LGS graduate faculty, at least one of whom is from the accused

student's program division (sciences, social sciences, or humanities), but neither can

be from the accused student's specific program.

Section 6: Conduct Code Hearing Procedures