The Human Factors and Ergonomics Graduate Program faculty met (2/4/03) to clarify the program’s policy on requirements regarding enrollment, timely completion of the program and thesis completion.  We provide the following guidance as policy in these matters effective spring 2003:

1. Enrollment: In order to successfully complete the Masters Program in Human Factors and Ergonomics, a student must be continuously enrolled in that program for all consecutive semesters until the thesis is completed. [1]

2. Thesis Advisement: In order to successfully complete the Masters Program in Human Factors and Ergonomics, a student should initiate their thesis process after completing their core classes, and having convened a committee, must register for 2 thesis credits in each consecutive semester until completion of their degree.  For semesters after the 2^nd semester of thesis advisement 5^th, the students will enroll in “extended thesis credits” through the International and Extended Studies Program.

3. Thesis Progress: In order to successfully complete the Masters Program in Human Factors and Ergonomics, a student must be advised and show progress on their thesis as judged by their committee chair.  The student will receive a grade of “I” incomplete in the first semester of their advisement.  For each semester of thesis progress the student will receive an “I”.  After 1 academic year (two semesters) the original “I” will revert to a “No Credit” and the student will receive continue to register until the thesis is completed.  Upon successful completion, the student’s committee chair will change the grade to “CR” credit for thesis units.[2]  If the student doesn’t   remain continuously enrolled and show progress on their thesis, they will be removed from the program and can reapply for admission to complete the thesis.  Their application will be judged among the pool of applicants for that semester.

4. Thesis Completion: In order to successfully complete the Masters Program in Human Factors and Ergonomics, a student will complete the thesis defense and submit the thesis to the Office of Graduate studies and the University library.  The committee chair will notify the program director of successful completion and the program director will issue a letter attesting to the successful completion of the culminating experience (thesis).

[1] Emergency leave requests for a semester will be considered on an individual basis.

[2] Extraordinary circumstances requiring more than 3 semesters for thesis completion will be considered on an individual basis.