The Graduate Student Association (GSA) keeps an up-to-date file of individuals who will type theses or dissertations, as well as a few who will do artwork or drafting and editing for theses. GSA also sells 25% cotton paper, which is required by the Graduate School for the final thesis submission.

Academic Credit and Employment

The Department of Entomology requires students on an assistantship to carry a full credit load (see following section on Academic Status). Maintenance of the established credit loads and responsibility for the consequences of a graduate student’s change of course load rests with the student. The course load is a factor in determining whether a graduate student is classified as a full-time or part-time student, has met residence requirements, and is eligible to hold a fellowship, scholarship, assistantship, or departmental or program appointment. Students holding fellowships, traineeships, or other awards based on academic excellence are required to carry 9 to 12 credits each fall and spring semester.

Academic Status

Full-time Academic Status

A student is considered to hold full-time academic status if registered for one of the three options listed below:

Fall and Spring Semesters

1. Minimum of 9 Credits*
2. ENT 601 (Post-comprehensive doctoral candidates only)
3. 9-14 Credits plus one-quarter time assistantship; or
   9-12 Credits plus one-half time assistantship; or
   6-8 Credits plus three-quarter time assistantship

Part-time Academic Status

A student who in any semester is registered for study but who does not meet the criteria for full-time status is considered to be engaged in part-time academic work for that semester. This includes students registered for ENT 611.

Policy for Classification as a Pennsylvania Resident

A student is a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes if that student has a Pennsylvania residence and that student's presence is not primarily for educational purposes. A student whose presence in the Commonwealth is primarily for educational purposes shall be presumed to be a non-Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes. For more information see Appendix V of the Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

A student requesting reclassification as a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that their residence is in Pennsylvania, and that their presence in Pennsylvania is not primarily for educational purposes. Each request will be decided individually on the basis of all facts submitted. A student may challenge their residency classification by filing a written petition to the Fee Assessor, Office of the Bursar, 112 Shields Building.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration

For each registration, it is expected that the student, in consultation with their advisor, will prepare a schedule of courses and research designed to fit individual needs and to meet the pertinent credit limits. Registration for Fall semesters begins in March; registration for Spring semesters begins the previous September.

The Penn State registration process consists of two steps:

1. The student enrolls in specific courses

2. Registration is complete upon receipt of payment of tuition and fees

Students who have enrolled in courses will receive a statement of tuition and fees from the Bursar’s office. This statement includes amount(s) due as well as possible credits resulting from applicable scholarships, loans, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. In some cases, because of the possible financial credits, a student may not be required to make payment to the University. In other cases, a student may be due a refund from the University. IN ALL CASES, REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT DUE, ACTION IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION PROCESS:

• You may pay by credit card (MasterCard or Discover), via eLion or at bursar.psu.edu.
• Return payment and the Semester bill to the Bursar’s Office, 103 Shields Building.
• If the “net payable” is less than $100, you must confirm your registration on-line by using eLion.

To avoid late payment fees, both payment and the semester bill must be returned to the Bursar's office by the due date printed on your semester bill. If you do not receive a semester bill, contact the Bursar's office, (814) 865-6528.

All of the following conditions apply to students with incomplete registrations:

• Students will not receive grades for courses attended.
• Once classes begin, students cannot add courses for the current semester.
• Students are ineligible to register for future semesters.
• The student's Penn State Access Account will be suspended.
• If receiving student loans, the student may enter a repayment status with lender.
• If receiving student aid, some aid sources may be cancelled and unable to be reinstated at a later date.
• If living in university housing, the student will need to vacate housing.
• Faculty are not obligated to provide instruction or administer assessment for the student.
• The University reserves the right to cancel an incomplete registration for failure to pay tuition and fees.
• International students may be out of compliance with the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) federal requirements.

Methods of Registering

eLion Web Registration

• Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time, 7 days a week)

In-Person Registration

• Register in person at the Registrar's office, 112 Shields Building, or the entomology main office, 501 ASI Building
• There are certain registration activities that require in-person registration, such as:

Enrolling in a closed course (Instructor approval required)

Enrolling in a controlled course (Department approval required)

Enrolling in a course after the regular drop/add period of the semester (Instructor approval required)

Enrolling in a course as "audit" or "satisfactory/unsatisfactory" grading option

Adding or Dropping a Course

Courses may be added and dropped during the first ten calendar days of the semester. Courses dropped during the first ten calendar days of the semester are not recorded on the student's academic record. Courses dropped after the first ten calendar days and before the end of the twelfth week are considered late drops, and are recorded on your academic record. Students may late drop courses in the main office of the entomology department or by using eLion.

Courses added during the first ten calendar days do not require any special permission. To add a course that is full requires permission of the instructor; the student must add this course in person at the academic office offering the course.

There is a $6.00 fee charged for each course processed as either a late add or a late drop.