PhD Residency Requirements

Current Requirements (Current Graduate School Bulletin copy)

Residence

The PhD student meets the continuous-year portion of the residence credit requirement by
completing 8 to 12 graduate credits in each of two consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer
sessions. Residence cannot be earned at the master’s level or prior to award of the master’s
degree.

A doctoral student who is a teaching or project assistant with a (33%) time or more appointment
may satisfy the requirement by completing 6 to 12 credits in each of three consecutive semesters,
exclusive of summer sessions. A doctoral student holding a research assistantship with a (33%)
time or more appointment must be enrolled 8 to 12 credits per semester.
Some programs have different residence requirements. See individual doctoral program
descriptions for additional residence information.

In exceptional cases, students may appeal for modification of the continuous year portion of the
PhD residency requirement. Such an appeal must be made by the student and approved by the
graduate program and the Graduate School prior to satisfying the continuous year portion of the
residency requirement.

Summary of Proposed Change in the Requirements

1. Students can meet the continuous-year portion of the residence requirement in two ways:
   1. by completing 8 to 12 graduate credits in each of two consecutive semesters, including summer sessions; OR
   2. by completing 6 or more graduate credits in each of three consecutive semesters, including summer sessions.

Justification for Proposed Change

This proposed change in the residency requirement was approved previously by the GFC on a
program by program basis for several UWM doctoral programs.

Proposed Requirement for Doctoral Residency (Proposed Graduate School Bulletin copy)

A PhD student may meet the residence requirement by completing 8 to 12 graduate credits in
each of two consecutive semesters, including summer sessions, or by completing 6 or more
graduate credits in each of three consecutive semesters, including summer sessions.

Recommendation for Action

1. The requirements for residency for students in Doctor of Philosophy degree programs are approved for revision as reflected in the summary of the proposed changes and Graduate School Bulletin copy described above.
2. The revised requirements are effective immediately for students seeking admission for the next enrollment period following administrative approval of recommendation #1 above. Students who have already been admitted may continue under the former requirements or may elect at their option to fulfill the revised requirements.

January 25, 2016

Revised and Approved

December 18, 1995

Approved