Students within individual degree programs are expected to satisfy the curriculum, preliminary examination, and dissertation requirements of their particular department or committee and will be made aware of these requirements on entry into their chosen program. 

In addition, the University mandates that a student in a doctoral level degree program complete at least six quarters of full time residence prior to the convocation of the degree.

For degree track students, the University has established a residency system where registration and tuition are determined not by the individual course load, but rather by the students' residency classification. Most graduate students within a doctoral track register under the following residence progression:

First 4 years of Graduate Study: Scholastic Residence
From 5th Year through 12th Year: Advanced Residence
Any additional registration 
(13th year and beyond): Extended Residence

Students who have reached the advanced residence portion of their degree progress may also request a shift to Pro Forma status, if their research requires that they be out of residence at the University.  In addition to these regular registration categories, a student may be granted a formal Leave of Absence, if approval is received from both the department/committee and the Divisional Office of Graduate Affairs.