Graduate Continuous Enrollment Requirement

All degree-seeking graduate students must remain continuously enrolled in each regular semester up to and including the semester in which their degrees are awarded. Regular semesters include the fall semester (August-December) and the spring semester (January-May). This requirement applies also to the summer term for students whose degrees are being awarded at the end of a summer term. This continuous enrollment must be for a minimum of one-hour credit in research and thesis, research and dissertation, or other work designated by the department or school. Departments may require additional credit hours in relation to the amount of time required of faculty or the use of University facilities.

UMKC's Leave of Absence policy provides a means for students to take an approved Leave of Absence from a degree program for one or two semesters. Interruption of continuous registration and the lack of an approved Leave of Absence will constitute failure to comply with this requirement and will result in the need for readmission under requirements then in effect, except as noted below for one-semester absences. Retroactive enrollment will be required for any missed semesters, up to two semesters, as a condition of readmission/re-enrollment. This retroactive enrollment will be one credit hour for each semester.

Graduate students in good standing who have not enrolled for only one semester may apply for re-enrollment without a full application for readmission. Students who attend other schools in the interim must submit transcripts of such work from each institution attended. Graduate students are considered inactive after a lapse of two or more regular semesters of enrollment. Subsequently, inactive graduate students who want to continue must follow the same admission procedures as those required for new applicants. After a lapse of three or more terms, graduate students will re-enter under requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Continuous Graduate Enrollment (5899)

Courses designated as 5899, Continuous Graduate Enrollment, are charged at the rate established for one credit hour. Enrollment must be completed by the end of the first week of a regular semester or of a summer session. Students may obtain a reference number for 5899 from the Registration and Records office. Financial Aid may NOT be used to pay for one credit hour in 5899, because it is not a traditionally-graded course.