Master’s Adviser Handbook

Prepared for

Graduate Faculty of A&M University-Commerce

For the purpose of

Faculty Advisement of Master’s Students

Website: www.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/gradmenu/faculty/masterhandbook.pdf

Compiled by

Texas A&M University-Commerce Office of Graduate Studies and Research

This handbook is periodically updated. Please check the Graduate Studies and Research web page for the most current version of this guide.

Spring 2003

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Table of Contents Admission Requirements to Graduate School 6 Admission Status US Citizen or Permanent Resident Status

International Student Admission Non-Degree or Certification Admission Changing from Non-Degree to a Master’s Program Application Checklist for Prospective Graduate Students Application Checklist for New Graduate Students Application Checklist for Prospective International Graduate Students Checklist for New International Graduate Students University General Information _14 ID Service Library Parking Map of Campus University Police Dropping a Course Withdrawing from School Refund Policy Types of Master’s Degrees Awarded at A&M-Commerce 15 List of Master’s Degrees Master’s Degree Requirements 15 Course Requirements

Majors How do Students Change Majors Certification Hours Degree Plan Deficiency Plan Minors Candidacy Exams

Comprehensive Exams Final Examination Report

Residency Research Courses (595) or (518)

Thesis Requirements 17

Thesis Committee How Many Advisers Thesis Proposal Style Manual Thesis Submission

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Initial Submission Final Submission

Role of the Graduate School Final Approval

Grades and GPA Requirements 19 Grade Point Average (GPA) Native GPA

Old Coursework Grade Changes Incomplete Coursework Removal of X or Incomplete Grade Extension of X or Incomplete Grade Student’s appeal of Instructor’s Evaluation Academic Probation, Retention and Suspension Reinstatement to a Degree Program Non-Degree Status after Suspension Good Standing Rule Graduation 21 Graduation Application Graduate School Clearance Graduation Checklist for Master’s Students Miscellaneous Information 23 Transfer of Credit

Substitution of Courses Graduate Credit Time Limit Independent Study Experiential Credit Catalog Privileges Course Load

Seniors Registering for Graduate Hours

Assistantships 25 General Qualifications Applying for Assistantships

The University and the Graduate School: A Brief History 28

Graduate School History Our Vision Our Mission Organization of Graduate School Administration of the Graduate School Graduate Faculty

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Graduate Departments and Department Head List The Purpose and Nature of Graduate Studies

Frequently Asked Questions 31 What is an INTS degree program? Which degree should a student choose, MA vs. MS? What is the 12-hour rule and does the Graduate School enforce it? Do certification courses count toward a degree? What is a Terminal degree? How long does a student have to finish a degree?

Further Information 32 List of A&M University-Commerce Procedures

Appendices 33 APPENDIX A Master’s Thesis Guidelines APPENDIX B Admission to Candidacy Application (Art, Biology,

Chemistry, Computer Science, and Sociology) APPENDIX C Admission to Candidacy Application (Counseling) APPENDIX D Change of Major APPENDIX E Final Comprehensive Exam APPENDIX F Credential Evaluator List APPENDIX G Petition to Change to Non-Degree Status After Suspension APPENDIX H Request to Schedule a Senior for a 500-Level Course APPENDIX I Residency Questionnaire APPENDIX J Statement of Understanding for Non-degree Students APPENDIX K Transfer/Substitution Course Request For Master’s Degree APPENDIX L Temporary Graduate Faculty Status Form APPENDIX M Interdisciplinary Degree Form APPENDIX N Twelve Hour Limit in Non-Degree Status Form APPENDIX P Request to Use Courses Taken in Non-Degree Status APPENDIX Q Thesis Proposal Form APPENDIX R Human Subjects Protocol Form APPENDIX S Undergraduate Class For Graduate Credit APPENDIX T Graduate Grade Change Petition

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Admission Requirements to Graduate School Admission Status Graduate Studies and Research offers three types of admission to students who have received a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who are seeking a master’s degree. The minimum admission requirements are listed below. Please keep in mind that each department has the right to have additional criteria above and beyond the minimum requirements for admission. Check with your department before advising graduate students. Full admission requires a 2.75 undergraduate grade point average on a 4.00 scale or a 3.00 on the last 60 undergraduate hours, and meets all other requirements of the department. Probationary admission can be granted to students who do not qualify for full admission. After completing 12 graduate hours in the probationary admission status, the student’s status is reviewed. If the student holds a 3.00 overall native graduate GPA, the student’s status will be changed to full admission. If the student holds less than 3.00 overall graduate GPA, the student is suspended for six years. Some departments (e.g., Counseling, Educational Administration and Psychology) will not recommend a student for probationary admission. Please check with your department before advising graduate students.) Scholarships and financial aid are not available for probationary admission status. Provisional admission allows students who have submitted a bachelor’s transcript with a 2.75 GPA to enroll for one semester (initial semester of enrollment in the Graduate School) while completing their admission file. If at the end of the first semester of enrollment, the student’s file is incomplete, he/she will not be eligible to re-enroll for another semester until the file is complete and the admission decision is reached. Also, if the official transcript has not been received, the student will not be eligible to receive an A&M-Commerce transcript for the courses taken. Some departments will not recommend a student for provisional admission. Please check with your department before advising graduate students. Scholarships and financial aid are not available for provisional admission status. Provisional admission is not available to international applicants. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MASTER’S LEVEL ADMISSION (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Resident Status) Applicants for a Master’s Degree Below is a list of documents that are required from each graduate student seeking admission into a master’s degree program. All documents are required before a final admission decision can be granted. This list contains the minimum documents required by Graduate Studies and Research. Please keep in mind that each department has the

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right to request additional documents, so be familiar with your departmental requirements before advising graduate students. The final approval for admission rests with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Documents required for admission:

Graduate School online application www7.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/; Official bachelor’s transcript from a regionally accredited institution - sent

directly from the university (copies are not accepted); Official transcripts from all other institutions that the student has attended - sent

directly from the university (copies are not accepted); GRE/GMAT test scores - must be sent directly from the Educational Testing

Service (scores over five years old will not be accepted); $35.00 non-refundable application fee Any additional documents required by the department

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MASTER’S LEVEL ADMISSION (International Students) Please note that the Graduate School does not offer provisional admission to international students. Below is a list of documents that are required for admission from all international students. These documents must be submitted before the student’s file is reviewed by the department. This list contains the minimum documents required by the Graduate School. Please keep in mind that each department has the right to request additional documents, so check with your department before advising international students. Occasionally students are required to have their transcripts evaluated. (APPENDIX F) Documents required for admission:

Graduate School on-line application www7.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/ Official bachelor’s transcript or individual marksheets (official documents only); GRE/GMAT test scores - must be sent directly from Educational Testing Service

(test scores over five years old will not be accepted); TOEFL scores - must be sent directly from Educational Testing Service (test

scores over 2 years old will not be accepted); Statement of sponsor’s support Current bank statement of sponsor $50.00 non-refundable application fee Any additional documents required by the department

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Graduate Admission Information for Non-degree or Teacher Certification Status Graduate Studies and Research offers students the opportunity to seek certification, career enhancement and personal development without seeking a master’s degree. These areas of interest fall under the non-degree/teacher certification track. Students must meet teacher certification requirements to enter into a specific certification program and should contact the Educator Certification & Academic Services Department. Please keep in mind, when advising graduate students, that no more than 12 graduate hours accumulated in a non-degree/teacher certification status will count towards a master’s degree. The final approval for admission rests with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Graduate Studies and Research offers two types of admission status to non-degree/teacher certification students. The minimum admission requirements are listed below. Provisional admission allows students, who have received a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, to enroll for one semester (initial semester of enrollment in the Graduate School) while their admission’s file is incomplete (missing transcripts). While the student’s file is incomplete, he/she will not be eligible to re-enroll for another semester. Also, if the official transcript has not been received, the student will not be eligible to receive an A&M-Commerce transcript. Financial aid is not available for provisional admission status. Provisional admission status is not available for international applicants. Non-degree complete admission is granted to non-degree/teacher certification students once their file is complete and an admission decision has been reached. Documents required for non-degree complete admission:

• Graduate School online application www7.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/; • Official bachelor’s transcript from a regionally accredited institution - sent

directly from the university (copies are not accepted); • Official transcripts from all other institutions that the student has attended - sent

directly from the university (copies are not accepted); • Statement of understanding (APPENDIX K) • $35.00 non-refundable application fee

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Changing from Non-degree to a Master’s Program A non-degree/teacher certification student may wish to change from non-degree/teacher certification status into a master’s degree program. Below is a list of the documents each student must submit to be considered for admission into a master’s program. Each student must meet all requirements for admission that includes an overall graduate GPA of at least a 3.00. Please keep in mind that no more than 12 graduate hours in a non-degree/teacher certification status will apply towards a master’s program. Provisional status is not available for these students. Documents required for admission:

New graduate admission application www7.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/; GRE/GMAT test scores - must be sent directly from the Educational Testing

Services (scores over five years old will not be accepted); Any additional documents required by the department

Students are required to submit a formal request to use courses taken in a non-degree status toward a master’s degree.

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Application Checklist for Prospective Graduate Students All documents must be official and sent directly to Graduate Studies and Research, A&M-Commerce, P O Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429-3011.

Submit application for admission - You may complete the on-line application www7.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/ or the paper application. Completion of the on-line application is convenient and offers you a timely response to your submission.

Submit $35 non-refundable application fee.

Request official test scores – Test scores are required only for students applying to the master’s and/or doctoral programs. Test scores over 5 years old are not accepted. A&M-Commerce’s university code is 6188 (no department code is required).

Request official transcripts from every university and college you have attended.

Submit any additional documents – You may wish to contact your major department to identify other documents required for admission. You may check receipt of documents on-line at WEBTRAX.

Receive an admission decision - All admission decisions are approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and are mailed directly to the student.

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Application Checklist for New Graduate Students

Complete Graduate Student Orientation – You may complete the on-line orientation at www7.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/ before an admission decision has been received.

Enroll in courses – Register online using WEBTRAX. The schedule of classes is online and current with updates several times each day. If you need additional information about courses for the semester, please contact your major department.

Pay tuition and fees – Pay your tuition and fees online at WEBTRAX, by mail or by phone. If you need financial aid assistance, please contact their office at 903/886-5906.

Obtain an A&M-Commerce ID card – You will need an ID card for use at libraries, computer labs, and university activities.

Obtain a parking permit – If you wish to park your automobile on the A&M-Commerce campus you will need a parking permit. Please visit the University Police Department to receive your permit.

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Application Checklist for Prospective International Graduate Students All documents must be official and sent directly to Graduate Studies and Research, A&M-Commerce, P O Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429-3011.

Submit application for admission - You may complete the on-line application or paper application. Completion of the on-line application is convenient and offers you a timely response to your submission.

Submit non-refundable application fee of $50.00 US dollars.

Request official test scores – Test scores are required only for students applying to the master’s and/or doctoral programs. A&M-Commerce’s university code is 6188 (no department code is required). GRE and GMAT scores over five years old and TOEFL scores over two years old are not accepted.

Request official transcripts from every university and college you have attended.

Submit sponsor statement.

Submit bank statement of sponsor.

Submit any additional documents – You may wish to contact your major department to identify other documents required for admission. You may check receipt of documents on-line at WEBTRAX.

Receive an admission decision - All admission decisions are approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and are mailed directly to the student.

Complete Graduate Student Orientation – You may complete the orientation before an admission decision has been received.

Receive I20 – Once you have been admitted, you will receive an I20 from the International Student Office 903-886-5097.

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Checklist for New International Graduate Students

Attend International Student Orientation – You will receive information about the orientation from the International Student Office.

Complete Graduate Student Orientation – You may complete the on-line orientation at www7.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/GradOrientation/ before an admission decision has been received.

Enroll in courses – Register online using WEBTRAX. The schedule of classes is online and current with updates several times each day. If you need additional information about courses for the semester, please contact your major department.

Pay tuition and fees – Pay your tuition and fees online at WEBTRAX, by mail or by phone or in person at the cashier’s window.

Obtain an A&M-Commerce ID card – You will need an ID card for use at libraries, computer labs, and university activities.

Obtain a parking permit – If you wish to park your automobile on the A&M-Commerce campus you will need a parking permit. Please visit the University Police Department to receive your permit.

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University General Information ID Service Student ID’s are made in the Memorial Student Center on the second floor. Scheduled times are posted for other campuses. Library The James G. Gee Library is the academic center of campus. The online catalog provides access to the library’s collection containing over 1.8 million monographs, periodicals, microforms, and other processed materials including non-print media. The University has been a depository for federal government publications since 1938 and for Texas state documents since 1963. Parking Vehicles parked on the University campus must have a parking permit. Permits are purchased at the University Police Station located between Binion and Henderson Buildings on Monroe Street on the east side of campus. Map of Campus Please see the University web page at www7.tamu-commerce.edu/campus-map/default.asp University Police This office provides police services and all security functions for the university. The department is responsible for parking and enforcement of motor vehicle laws. Officers of the department are certified by the State of Texas as commissioned peace officers and have full law enforcement authority. Dropping a Course A drop/add sheet for courses to be dropped or added may be obtained at the Registrar’s Office. The student must obtain approval from the department/instructor. The drop/add sheet is returned to the Registrar’s Office. After the 4th class day the form must also be signed by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Drop/add deadlines are found in the Graduate Catalog and the Schedule of Classes. Withdrawing from School A student leaving the University before the end of a semester for which he/she is registered must clear his/her record by filing an application for voluntary withdrawal in the Office of the Dean of Students. Refund Policy The Refund Schedule for dropped courses is listed in the catalog. There is no refund for courses dropped after the 12th class day.

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Types of Master’s Degrees Awarded at A&M-Commerce MA Master of Arts (offered in many disciplines) MBA Master of Business Administration MED Master of Education (in many subfields) MFA Master of Fine Arts (in several specializations) MM Master of Music (in several specializations) MS Master of Science (offered in a wide variety of disciplines) MSW Master of Social Work Master’s Degree Requirements Course Requirements A minimum of thirty semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for the master’s degree. Most programs require 36-48 hours. A minimum of two-thirds of the hours required in a program must be earned from Texas A&M University-Commerce. University degree requirements are listed under the master’s degree section of the Graduate Catalog. Students may use a limited number of Special Topics and Independent Study courses for degree programs. Majors All master’s programs require a major of at least eighteen semester hours, including hours in a graduate level research component course (595), or thesis (518). The 595 or 518 course has to be taken within the major department. How Do Students Change Majors Students who wish to change majors need to complete another application or change of major form (APPENDIX D) and submit to the Graduate School for processing. Certification Hours Only 12 hours taken in a certification admission status may be counted toward a degree program. Certain departments issue a deficiency plan that ultimately leads to certification. This deficiency plan should not be confused with a degree plan. When students are misadvised, some of their coursework may be lost if the student later decides to pursue a degree. When certification students with more than 12 hours decide to change to a master’s degree they will have to complete a form showing which 12 hours they will use for the degree (APPENDIX P). Degree Plan A degree plan is a list of courses that lead to a master’s degree. A student who completes the degree plan expects to receive the degree. Therefore, degree plans should not be given to students unless the student has admission to a master’s program.

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Deficiency Plan Deficiency Plans are given to students who seek certification. Most of these students are in a non-degree or certification status. These students should be advised that only twelve hours in a non-degree or certification status will apply to a degree. A deficiency plan does not lead to a master’s degree because all the hours taken over twelve will not apply to a degree. (APPENDIX P) Minors Twelve semester hours in a second subject area constitutes a minor although minors are not required. Students receiving a minor must satisfy candidacy and comprehensive examination requirements from the minor department. Candidacy Exams The major and/or minor department may require a written and/or oral qualifying examination before granting approval for admission to candidacy. A student who fails the qualifying exam may take it a second time only with special approval of the departments involved. Admission to candidacy requires full admission to the Graduate School and completion of at least four A&M-Commerce graduate courses with a grade-point-average of at least 3.0. A student who fails a departmental candidacy examination may, upon the recommendation of the major department and with the approval of the Graduate Dean, be prohibited from pursuing further study in that particular program. This provision is also applicable to students pursuing a minor in a particular area. (APPENDIX B and APPENDIX C) Comprehensive Exams Each master’s student must pass a comprehensive exam covering all the work within his or her master’s degree program. A student must be in good academic standing with the Graduate School to be eligible to take the comprehensive examination. A student who fails a departmental comprehensive examination may retake the exam with the approval of the advisory committee. Under extenuating circumstances, a third attempt may be granted but only upon the recommendation of the advisory committee and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. This provision is also applicable to students pursuing a minor in a particular area. (APPENDIX E) Final Examination Report Deadline The comprehensive exam result must be submitted to Graduate Studies and Research by the date published in the Graduate Catalog or the Schedule of Classes each semester. Residency University Residency Two-thirds of the courses required for a master’s degree must be taken from Texas A&M University-Commerce. State residency is required for in-state tuition. Residency information is accessible from the residency questionnaire found at the Graduate School Website under “forms”. (APPENDIX J)

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Research Courses (595) or (518) All degree programs require the satisfactory completion of either 518 (thesis) or 595. A student writing a thesis is required to register for 518 when receiving advisement and while utilizing University facilities (such as the Library) and must be enrolled for 518 when defending the thesis. Credit for no more than six hours of 518 will be given upon satisfactory completion of the thesis. A student not writing a thesis must enroll in a 595 course within the major department. Completion of the 595 course requires a product that must be on file in the major department for a minimum of three years. Research courses cannot be transferred from another institution or across colleges. Thesis Requirements Thesis Committee The thesis committee should consist of a minimum of three graduate faculty members. Under extenuating circumstances temporary exception to teach graduate courses and/or serve on theses committees by other faculty members who do not hold graduate faculty status may be made by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. (APPENDIX M) Qualified individuals from other institutions may serve on A thesis committee if prior permission is granted by the Graduate Dean and requested by the student’s major adviser. While requesting permission, proof of qualifications must be presented. How Many Advisers A thesis committee usually consists of a minimum of three graduate faculty members. Thesis Proposal All students writing a thesis must submit a thesis proposal (APPENDIX Q) to Graduate Studies and Research at least one semester prior to graduation. Proposal forms and instructions for preparation of the thesis are available in the Graduate School and online at the Graduate School website. Any thesis concerning human subjects has to have approval from the Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects Committee before any research is begun. Please see the guidelines at www.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/research/irb/irb.html. See the protocol form APPENDIX R. Style Manual Each departmental adviser may choose the specific style manual for a thesis. Students should follow the style manual recommended by the department as long as it does not contradict the Graduate School Guidelines. Some manuals are better at citing web information and others are better suited for internal documentation. Style manuals should be familiar to faculty advisers because advisers are responsible for checking compliance.

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Thesis Submission Students should follow Graduate Studies & Research Guidelines (APPENDIX A) for writing a thesis, which are available in BA 142 or at our website at www.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool. The Graduate Studies and Research guidelines supercede all other style manuals used in departments. One copy of the thesis in its final form must be submitted to Graduate Studies and Research by the deadline indicated in the Schedule of Classes or the Graduate Catalog for that particular semester (this deadline is approximately five weeks prior to commencement). Accompanying this copy will be the following:

Initial submission i) The Final Comprehensive Examination Report. ii) Receipt showing payment of the master’s fees (binding, and mailing), plus

fees for copyright, if applicable. (Payment is to be made to the Business Office, cashier’s window, Administration Building.)

iii) Four signature pages on 100 percent cotton bond, 20lb. paper, with each page signed by the committee members.

iv) The Graduate School forms: Agreement Form (copyright only); Information Data Sheet; one extra copy of the abstract and title page (copyright only).

Final submission The candidate will be contacted as to any changes that need to be made in the manuscript. Once these changes are made, the final four copies on 100% cotton bond, at least 20 lb. paper are submitted to the Graduate School. The Graduate School distributes the four final copies to the student’s major department, major advisor, the library, and the student. An additional copy on regular paper will be required for students who are submitting their thesis for copyright.

Role of the Graduate School Theses should be in final form when submitted to the Graduate School. Theses should be checked for grammatical errors such as spelling, agreement, pronoun and verb, as well as syntax. Other basic writing rules should also apply. The problem(s) that is (are) investigated, the thesis statement, as well as the data and methodology that are employed to arrive at the conclusions must be clear. Research citations should be accurate, consistently listed and clearly documented on the reference list. Compliance with the Graduate School Guidelines and avoidance of errors will expedite processing for graduation clearance. It is not the responsibility of the Graduate School to edit research papers. Too many errors will cause rejection of the thesis and delay of graduation. Final approval of the thesis rests with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

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Grades and GPA Requirements Grade Point Average (GPA) Graduate Students who are admitted to a master’s program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in Graduate School. GPA is calculated only on courses taken at A&M University-Commerce. No grade below C may be used for a master’s degree. Native GPA Native GPA consists of only courses taken at A&M-Commerce. Native GPA is used to calculate all University grade point averages. Transfer work from other universities will not be used in calculation of a GPA. Old Coursework Students may have grades over ten years old removed from their GPA. The student needs to send a letter to the Graduate Dean requesting permission to remove old grades from calculation of their GPA. Upon approval of the request, courses and grades will remain on the transcript, but grades will not be calculated in the GPA. Grade Changes A faculty member may submit a petition to the department head requesting that a grade be changed for a student in a course that the faculty member has taught. The request must be based on an acceptable rationale such as error in calculating the grade or error in grading an assignment. The petition must be submitted during the twelve-month period immediately following the term when the course was taken and the grade given. The form used for the changes can be accessed on the VPAA’s webpage and submitted to the Graduate School with the appropriate signatures. (APPENDIX T) Incomplete Coursework When a student does not complete coursework in any given semester, an instructor may assign a grade of X. The instructor is then responsible for accepting and processing the late coursework and submitting the grade to the registrar by the end of the following semester. Grades of X for any spring semester are due the following December. When an instructor gives a grade of X, a plan of completion must also accompany the grade. If a grade is not turned in by the deadline, the X becomes an F. Removal of an X or incomplete grade When a student has completed the requirements for a course, the instructor must submit a removal of X form to the Registrar’s Office. Extension of X or incomplete grade Under certain circumstances, an X grade may be extended provided a request is made to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Reasons for the extension and a time of completion should be included in the request.

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Student’s Appeal of Instructors Evaluation Students challenging a final grade must show that the instructor’s judgment was unfair based on some basis other than performance or standards different from those applied to other students in the same course section, or a substantial, unreasonable, and unannounced departure from previously articulated standards or the syllabus. Academic Probation, Retention, and Suspension from Graduate Programs Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Depending on the admission status, a student who has a GPA below a 3.0 is subject to suspension or probation. No more than three courses with a grade of C will be counted toward a master’s degree. A student receiving a grade of C or lower in four graduate courses will be suspended and will not be allowed to pursue further graduate study at this institution for six years. This provision applies to all courses taken, including duplicated courses, drop/fail courses and courses where an X has changed to F. All courses completed while the student is on probation and those completed upon enrollment following suspension must be appropriate to the degree sought. A student on academic suspension may, after the suspension period, be allowed to re-enroll only upon the recommendation of the major department and with the approval of the Graduate Dean. Failure to achieve an overall 3.0 GPA during any subsequent semester of enrollment will result in suspension, and the student will not be allowed to pursue further graduate study in a degree program for six years. Reinstatement to a Degree Program Students who have served at least two years and one semester of suspension are eligible to petition for reenrollment. The petition should be sent to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. A student must explain how the situation is different and present a plan for success if readmitted. Non-Degree Status after Suspension Students who have been suspended may enroll with a non-degree admission status. Courses taken in a non-degree suspension status will not apply to a master’s degree. The courses will, however, apply to certification. Each student will have to sign a form with the understanding that coursework taken will not apply to a degree. (APPENDIX G) Good Standing Rule Entering students who have been fully admitted will be considered in good standing and will remain in good standing as long as a 3.0 GPA is maintained without any other Graduate School or University restrictions. See the section on Academic Probation, Retention and Suspension from Graduate Programs.

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Graduation Graduation Application Students must complete an application for graduation. The application must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the semester of graduation. The deadline for each semester is posted in the Schedule of Classes and in the Graduate Catalog. A student must be in good academic standing with Graduate Studies and Research to be eligible for graduation. Applications are available at the A&M-Commerce website. Graduate School Clearance Each student must receive clearance from the graduate school to graduate. To receive clearance, a student must be in good standing, must have at least 18 hours in a major, a 3.0 GPA, no coursework over six year’s old and a passing comprehensive exam (Appendix E). The student can only have 12 hours taken in a non-degree status apply to a degree. Other University and Departmental requirements are checked in the Registrar’s Office by the Graduation Coordinator. See Checklist for Master’s Students.

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Graduation Checklist for Master’s Students

Receive full admission into a master’s degree program.

Candidacy requirements completed – only applicable to Counseling, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and Sociology

Transfer of coursework process completed – if transferring coursework from another institution

Substitution of coursework process completed – if substituting course work from one department to another

Residency completed. At least 2/3 of the coursework must be completed at A&M-Commerce

Completion of 595 or 518 (thesis). Thesis submitted by deadline printed each semester in the Graduate Catalog and the Schedule of Classes

Completion of at least 30 approved graduate hours within the master’ program

Courses used for graduation are less than 6 years old when filing for graduation

Comprehensive Exam Passed and Form given to the Master’s Coordinator. Deadline is printed each semester in the Graduate Catalog and the Schedule of Classes

GPA must be 3.0 for master’s program, major and courses completed at A&M-Commerce

Only twelve hours taken in non-degree or certification status

File for graduation. Deadline for each semester is printed in the Graduate Catalog and the Schedule of Classes

No more than 3 grades below B Final graduation clearance is given by the Graduation Adviser who is in the Registrar’s Office.

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Miscellaneous Information Transfer of Credit Students often want to use coursework they have completed from other institutions. Students may transfer coursework which meet the following requirements:

Institution must be regionally accredited Course(s) must hold a grade of B or better Course content must be in a graduate academic area taught by A&M-Commerce Thesis and 595 courses are not accepted from other institutions Courses must have departmental and Graduate School approval The student must be in good standing with both universities The student must be fully admitted to a master’s program

One-third of the coursework required for the master’s degree may be transferred with the student’s advisory committee and Graduate Dean’s approval. Only grades earned at A&M-Commerce will be calculated into the student’s grade point average. The following must be submitted to Graduate Studies and Research for review:

Completed Transfer/Substitution Form – This form must contain the major or minor adviser’s or department head’s signature. (APPENDIX L)

Official transcript of the completed courses Substitution of courses Students may substitute courses from one department to another with the approval of the Graduate Dean. The student must submit a complete Transfer/Substitution Form, which must contain the major adviser, minor adviser or department head’s signature to Graduate Studies and Research for review. Research courses can only be substituted within each college. Graduate Credit Students may use two undergraduate upper-level courses (300-400) toward their master’s degree if taken for graduate credit. The following requirements apply:

Student will perform graduate level work in the course(s), above and beyond what is required for undergraduate credit and the additional requirements must be documented.

Student will complete the 300-400 Level Graduate Credit Form (APPENDIX S) and submit it to Graduate Studies and Research no later that the census date (12th class day for fall and spring and 4th class day for summer terms) of the semester/term the student is taking the course(s). Each form must have all the appropriate signatures.

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Graduate Dean’s approval must be received before the census date during the semester the course(s) is taken. Graduate credit will not be awarded for any course completed that did not have the Dean’s prior approval.

Only two 300 or 400 level courses may be taken for graduate credit. Instructor must have graduate faculty status

Time Limit Coursework which is over six years old at the time of graduation requires specific written departmental justification be submitted to the Graduate Dean for review. If approval is granted the coursework may apply toward the student’s degree program. Coursework older than ten years and will not be considered for approval. Independent Study Individual study courses (589) are offered at the graduate level when the student cannot obtain the course work, research, or direction in an organized class. Approval to enroll in individually arranged 589 courses must be granted by the department head and instructor prior to registration for the class. The maximum number of 589 graduate hours for a master’s program is six for a 30 hour program and nine for programs consisting of thirty-six or more hours. Exceptions must be presented in writing by the department head and approved by the Graduate Dean. Experiential Credit Requirements for the awarding of experiential credit require a formal agreement between A&M-Commerce and a regionally accredited educational institution or agency licensed by the State of Texas to provide professional certifications, which have historically been limited to universities. Catalog Privileges Students may use degree requirements of any catalog in effect between the semester the student is admitted to the degree program and the semester the student’s degree is conferred, provided the catalog is not more than six years old at the time the degree is conferred. Course Load The course load for graduate students for the fall or spring semester is 12 semester hours. Maximum load for each summer term is seven hours. Course load for a graduate assistant is 6-12 hours for the fall or spring and 3-7 hours for each summer term. Seniors Registering for Gradaute Hours Seniors at Texas A&M University-Commerce may register for up to six graduate hours with the following stipulations:

Senior must be enrolled in their last semester at A&M-Commerce, Senior must have at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA Senior should not need more than 12 undergraduate hours to graduate

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Senior must submit the completed Senior in Graduate Courses Form (APPENDIX H) to Graduate Studies and Research which includes the undergraduate major department head’s signature (business administration students must also have the Director of Graduate Programs in Business signature)

No more than six hours may be taken as a senior Graduate courses will not apply toward the undergraduate degree Seniors enrolled in graduate courses fall under Graduate Studies and

Research course load requirements. Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships At Texas A&M University-Commerce

Graduate teaching and non-teaching assistantships at Texas A&M University-Commerce offer financial support for graduate education. Assistantships are awarded to qualified masters and doctoral students and are distributed through academic and non-academic departments. In addition to funding graduate education, assistantships also provide students opportunities for professional growth. The University awards two types of assistantships:

1. Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) require recipients to teach courses in the department in which they are assigned. Teaching Assistants are teachers of record, meaning they have primary responsibility for teaching a course for credit or noncredit and/or for assigning final grades for the course. In order to qualify for Teaching Assistantships students must have earned a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the field in which they will be teaching. Although they are teachers of record, they must work under the direct supervision of a faculty member experienced in the teaching field, receive regular in-service training, and be regularly evaluated. Copies of the evaluation must be forwarded to Graduate Studies and Research.

Graduate students whose native language is other than English must demonstrate a sufficient level of oral and written proficiency (successfully pass the Speak Test) before they may be awarded a teaching assistantship.

2. Graduate Non-teaching Assistants (GAs) work in a variety of settings across

campus performing such tasks as assisting with labs, offering teaching support, assisting faculty with research, preparing reports, entering data or other responsibilities as assigned. Such assignments are meant to be both important service to the University and a valuable opportunity for the student’s professional development.

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General Qualifications Initial Requirements To hold an assistantship, a student must satisfy both the Graduate School and departmental requirements. Academic or creative excellence, professional competence, and relevant experience or skills are the primary qualifications considered for appointments. If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate a sufficient level of oral and written English language proficiency before you may be awarded an assistantship. More specifically: To hold a Master’s Level Assistantship a student must:

Be fully admitted to a master’s degree program and have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher;

Have completed a minimum of 18 graduate hours in the field to be taught if applying for a teaching assistantship;

Maintain a 3.00 graduate GPA if already enrolled in a graduate program; Be in good standing with the Graduate School; and Be enrolled for at least six hours of credit.

Or

Be fully admitted to a master’s degree program and have a graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher on a minimum of twelve semester hours of graduate credit.

Have completed a minimum of 18 graduate hours in the field to be taught if applying for a teaching assistantship;

Maintain a 3.00 graduate GPA if already enrolled in a graduate program; Be in good standing with the Graduate School; and Be enrolled for at least six hours of credit.

To hold a Master’s Assistantship if a student is working on a second master’s degree, the student must:

Be fully admitted to a master’s degree program and have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher;

Have completed a minimum of 18 graduate hours in the field to be taught if applying for a teaching assistantship;

Maintain a 3.00 graduate GPA if already enrolled in a graduate program; Be in good standing with the Graduate School; and Be enrolled for at least six hours of credit.

Or

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Be fully admitted to a master’s degree program and have a graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher on a minimum of twelve semester hours of graduate credit.

Have completed a minimum of 18 graduate hours in the field to be taught if applying for a teaching assistantship;

Maintain a 3.00 graduate GPA if already enrolled in a graduate program; Be in good standing with the Graduate School; and Be enrolled for at least six hours of credit.

To hold a Doctoral Assistantship, a student must:

Be admitted to a doctoral program and have a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher; Have completed a minimum of 18 graduate hours in the field to be taught if

applying for a teaching assistantship; Be enrolled for at least six hours of credit; Maintain at least a 3.00 graduate GPA; and Be in good standing with the Graduate School.

Maintaining an Assistantship To maintain an assistantship position, students must:

Remain enrolled full-time. The Graduate School considers you to be full-time if you are enrolled in six hours during the fall and spring semesters and three hours during each summer semester. However, the Financial Aid Office requires students to be enrolled in nine hours each fall and spring semester and a total of nine hours combined over the summer semesters to be considered full-time.

Maintain a graduate GPA of 3.0; and Remain in good standing with the Graduate School.

Once you commit to a particular department, you must stay with that department until the end of the semester/term. Applying for Assistantships Inquiries about the availability of assistantships should be addressed to the head of the department in which the applicant wishes to work or undertake graduate study. Each department hires its own assistants and establishes duties in accordance with University procedures. To apply for an assistantship, consult with the department in which the assistantship is being offered and fill out an application. To download an application, apply online, or to find out which departments are offering assistantships, check out http://www.tamu- commerce.edu/gradschool/infofiles/asist.html.

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The University and the Graduate School: A Brief History Graduate School History Texas A&M University-Commerce is a Doctoral/Research - Intensive institution according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the second largest university in the Texas A&M University System. A&M-Commerce is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and many of its professional programs are accredited by the appropriate professional bodies. The founding of the East Texas Normal College in 1889 marked the beginning of Texas A&M University-Commerce. It was re-established in 1917 as the East Texas State Teachers College by an act of the 35th Legislature for the purpose of training teachers. The college focused on an initial curriculum that emphasized a liberal arts education. The name was again changed to East Texas State University in 1965. Finally, in 1996, the University became Texas A&M University-Commerce when joining the A&M University System. Today the University educates students to meet the demands of their profession, to attain professional growth and intellectual development, and to assume responsible citizenship, as well as to adapt to a changing global environment. A master’s section of the University was established in 1936 and the first master’s degree was conferred during the spring semester 1937. Today the University confers approximately 700 master’s degrees yearly. In keeping with a policy of excellence and access in response to a growing demand for education within the region, A&M-Commerce primarily serves northeast Texas, including the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The University offers several complete degree programs and courses toward master’s and doctoral degrees in several off-campus locations. The Texas A&M University Commerce Metroplex Center is located at 2600 Motley Drive, Mesquite, Texas. This facility consists of traditional classrooms, distance education learning rooms, computer labs, teaching computer labs, a seminar room, a library, and a bookstore as well as faculty/staff offices. This facility is shared by A&M-Commerce and the Mesquite Independent School District. A&M-Commerce and Navarro College (Corsicana, Texas) have formed a partnership that allows the university to offer undergraduate and graduate programs on the Navarro campus. Our Vision Texas A&M University-Commerce, as part of the A&M family of universities, will become the university of choice for all those seeking a higher education in the Northeast Texas region and beyond. It will provide traditional and non-traditional learning opportunities through existing and new programs that set high expectations and goals for students, faculty and staff. The University will promote a sense of community through a nurturing environment for all individuals in order to maximize learning, career and personal development. A&M-Commerce will become a place where students, faculty, staff, and community are engaged in the pursuit of excellence.

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Our Mission Texas A&M University-Commerce nurtures and educates for success through access to academic, research, and service programs of high quality. Organization of the Graduate School The Graduate School is one of four academic divisions of the University. The other divisions are the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, Education and Human Services. The graduate programs are housed in all three colleges and include 25 academic departments offering more than 50 major areas of study. Six departments offer doctoral degrees. Administration of the Graduate School The Graduate School is administered by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research who is advised by a Graduate Council consisting of representatives selected from the Graduate Faculty. Graduate Faculty The Graduate Faculty consists of full-time faculty members with terminal degrees in their discipline, demonstrated experience in teaching graduate courses, and who are actively involved in research. Graduate Faculty status is awarded by the Graduate Council. Associate as well as Senior Members are eligible to teach graduate courses, direct master’s theses and serve on doctoral committees. Senior Members may also direct dissertations. Under extenuating circumstances, if sufficient justification is presented, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research may grant temporary graduate faculty status to faculty who otherwise may not qualify to teach graduate courses. (APPENDIX M) Graduate Departments and Department Head List

Department Dept. Head Phone Fax Accounting Dr. Wendell Edwards 886-5659 3216 Agricultural Science Dr. C. Pat Bagley 886-5358 5990 Art Mr. Stan Godwin 886-5208 5987 Biological Science Dr. Don Royce Lee 886-5378 5997 Business Administration Mr. Alvin Jackson 886-5190 5114 Chemistry Dr. Don Royce Lee 886-5378 6020 Computer Science Dr. Sam Saffer 886-5409 5404 Counseling Dr. Perry Francis 886-5637 5780 Early Childhood Dr. Martha Foote 886-5537 5581 Earth Science Dr. Don Royce Lee 886-5378 5997 Economics/Finance Dr. Stephen L. Avard 886-5681 5601 Educational Administration Dr. James Vornberg 886-5520 5507 Elementary Education. Dr. Martha Foote 886-5537 5581 English Dr. William McCarren 886-5260 5980 General Business Dr. Donald English 8865692 5693

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Health, Kinesiology & Sports Studies Dr. Fred Blohm 886-5549 5365 History Dr. Judy Ford 886-5226 3230 Industrial & Engineering Technology Dr. J. K. Crain 886-5474 5960 Interdisciplinary Studies The Graduate School 886-5163 5165 Mass Media, Communication & Theatre Dr. John Hanners 886-5346 3250 Management Dr. Randy Odom 886-5703 5702 Marketing Dr. Randy Odom 886-5703 5702 Mathematics Dr. Rick Kreminski 886-5157 5945 Music Mr. Gene Lockhart 886-5303 6010 Physics Dr. Ben Mac Doughty 886-5488 5480 Psychology Dr. Tracy Henley 886-5940 5510 Reading Dr. Martha Foote 886-5537 5581 Secondary Education Dr. William Ogden 886-5607 5603 Sociology Dr. Willie Edwards 886-5332 5330 Social Work Dr. Ed Skarnulis 5029 3221 Spanish Dr. William McCarren 886-5260 5980 Special Education Dr. Tracy Henley 886-5940 5510 Theatre Dr. John Hanners 886-5346 3250 The Purpose and Nature of Graduate Studies As a major Doctoral/Research-Intensive University in the Northeast Texas region, we are committed to embody and model the best practices in graduate education and research to meet the needs of a constantly changing regional, national, and global environment. The Mission of Graduate Studies and Research is to provide leadership and direction for all aspects of graduate education and to promote research at Texas A&M-Commerce. Our Motto is Growing tomorrow's leaders today Graduate Work offered by the University is distinguished from undergraduate work in that the graduate student is expected to show increased maturity in scholarship, seriousness of purpose, and ability to do independent thinking. In accordance with this distinction, graduate courses are designed to develop the student’s ability to gather relevant facts, subject them to analysis, and arrive at reasonable generalization and sound conclusions in independent research. Master’s programs prepare students who wish to seek: professional certificates and degrees in specific areas; professional employment in a variety of fields; research opportunities; advanced professional or research degrees; personal enrichment by increasing the depth of knowledge beyond their Bachelor’s program. Master’s students are considered professionals and they enjoy greater collegiality with professors.

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Frequently Asked Questions What is an INTS degree? An interdisciplinary degree (INTS) is a 36-hour master’s program that involves work in three or more disciplines with a primary area of no less than 12 hours. Degree Plan Forms (APPENDIX N) can be obtained in the office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and must be approved by the Graduate Dean. The program is designed for students with a particular intellectual interest not met by any specific degree program available through the traditional disciplines. The degree plan must be signed by all advisers representing the chosen areas before submission to the Graduate School. The primary adviser is responsible for coordinating the program, designing and administering the final comprehensive exam that must consist of questions from all the areas on a proportional basis. Which degree should a student choose, MA or MS degree? Most students know which degree they want. Some students, however, do not know the differences between an MA, MS or an MED degree. Departmental advisers are expected to explain the differences to students and help them decide. Is a deficiency plan the same as a degree plan? No. A deficiency plan is given to students seeking certification in a certification program which does not lead to a master’s degree unless the student has full admission into a master’s program. Students sometimes get confused when they are given a deficiency plan. They need advisement to understand that a deficiency plan is not the same as a degree plan. Since only twelve hours taken in a non-degree or certification status may be applied to a degree, students may lose coursework if they decide later to pursue a degree. Students should be told at the beginning of their certification program about the twelve-hour rule in order not to mislead them. What is the 12 hour rule and does the Graduate School enforce it? The rule states that only twelve hours taken in a non-degree or a certification status may be applied to a degree. The Graduate School does enforce this rule. Somehow, a perception has been created that students can accumulate an indefinite number of credits prior to admission to a degree program and then receive automatic approval to use those credits toward a degree program. The 12-hour rule was created for very good reasons and the Graduate School does enforce the rule. Therefore, please be sure to correct any misperception that exists with regard to this rule. Do Certification courses count toward a degree? Only 12 hours taken in certification status will apply to a master’s degree.

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What is a Terminal degree? A degree is considered terminal if it is the last avenue of pursuit in a certain academic area. In most academic areas a doctorate is considered terminal. However, in some professional fields, degrees that do not rise to a doctoral level are also considered terminal for teaching and professional purposes. Examples include MFA, MM, and MSW. How long does a student have to finish a degree? A student is given six years to complete a master’s degree. Use of course credits that are older than six years will require special permission from the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Further Information

For further explanation of Graduate School Procedures, see the VPAA website. www.tamu-commerce.edu/academic/vpaa/procedures

A11.35 Admission to Graduate School A11.36 Master’s and Doctoral Assistantships A11.37 International Graduate Students A11.38 Course Requirements for the Doctoral Degree A11.39 Course Requirements for the Master’s Degree A11.40 Graduate Academic Probation, Retention, and Suspension A11.41 Residency Requirement for Graduate Programs A11.42 Time Limitations for Graduate Programs A11.43 Graduate Student Course Loads A11.44 Examinations for Graduate Degrees A11.45 Master’s Degree Research Component A11.46 Doctoral Research Tools A11.47 Doctoral Advisory Committees and Dissertations A11.48 Continuous Enrollment in 718 A11.49 Independent Study Graduate Level Courses A11.50 Graduate Level Substitution of Upper-Level Undergraduate Courses A11.51 Seniors Taking Graduate Courses for Credit A11.52 Awarding Graduate Experiential Credit

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Appendices

APPENDIX A (work in progress)

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS IN

MASTER'S THESIS PROGRAMS Congratulations on making your way to the thesis stage of your master’s program. The latest version of the master’s thesis guidelines is designed to help you with the thesis process and also to serve as a guide in preparing your thesis for final approval by the Graduate School. If you have further questions, please contact your Graduate Services Coordinator. If you are a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, contact Ms. Betty Hunt at (903) 886-5134 or email at Betty_Hunt@tamu-commerce.edu. If you are in the College of Education and Human Services, please contact Ms. Tammi Thompson at (903) 468-8159 or email at Tammi_Thompson@tamu-commerce.edu. If you are in the College of Business and Technology, contact Ms. Diana Wilburn at (903) 886-5167 or email at Diana_Wilburn@tamu-commerce.edu. This guide will help you navigate the thesis process from proposal submission to thesis submission. Enrollment in 518 You must be registered for the 518 to receive advice and assistance from a member of the faculty or while utilizing university facilities and services in connection with the thesis. (See the Thesis [518] section of the current Graduate Catalog.) A reduced fee for 518 may be approved by the Registrar’s Office after all other course work for the degree is completed. Students writing a thesis must be enrolled during the semester the thesis is approved by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Proposal All students writing a thesis must submit a thesis proposal to the Graduate School at least one semester prior to graduation. This proposal, which should be completed in consultation with the major adviser, must be approved by all members of the thesis committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. The thesis proposal form is attached. The proposal should be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research when the departmental committee approves the proposal and before any work has been done on the thesis. If the committee changes the research plan, a copy of the new plan should be given to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

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The proposal should be based upon an extensive review of the literature. Proposals should include but not necessarily be limited to the following information. Your thesis adviser will help you select the appropriate information to include in your proposal. Statement of the Problem Purpose of the study—States the goals of the research Hypotheses, Research Questions and/or Objectives

Significance—indicates why this problem and this study are important; conceptual framework, relevant literature

Method or Procedures—describes instrumentation, how the study will be conducted, how the data will be collected

Limitations—conditions beyond the control of the researcher that may restrict the

study’s conclusions De-limitations—restrictions placed on the study by the researcher that may

restrict the study’s conclusions Assumptions—the researcher’s beliefs about design aspects of the study which

may or may not have been validated Treatment of the Data—analyses to be conducted, including as appropriate, the

specific statistical procedures, and alternatives to be used if they are necessary Evidence the study is in compliance with the university policy relating to Human

Subjects Protection (A15.02) The decision to include each or any of the above proposal parts (or others) should depend upon the section’s appropriateness to the specific study. Further, the proposal must show clear evidence that an appropriate methodology in which you are proficient has been chosen prior to submission. Human Subjects Protection In preparing your thesis proposal you should be aware that any research which involves human subjects must be in compliance with University Rule A15.02 Human Subjects Protection. If your research involves human subjects you must have written approval from your department and the University Institutional Review Board prior to contacting your research subjects and before your proposal. Failure to gain appropriate approval before interacting with research subjects could result in denial of your proposal and have possible legal ramifications for you. For further information visit our website at www.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/research/newresearch/researchfiles/grant.htm.

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Preparation of Thesis The style manual approved by the department should be used for the thesis preparation, except for the following Graduate School requirements: 1. The text of the thesis must be a standard face of type. 2. The margins for each page shall be as follows: left side, one and one-half inches;

all other margins, one inch. 3. Arrangement of materials in the manuscript will be as follows:

Blank Sheet Title Page Signature Sheet Copyright Page (if applicable) Abstract Acknowledgments (if applicable) Table of Contents List of Tables (if applicable) List of Figures (if applicable) Body Bibliography Appendix (if applicable) Vita Blank Sheet.

4. Page Numbering

The first page of each major division of the manuscript (such as the Table of Contents, Acknowledgments, Bibliography, etc.) and the first page of each chapter must be numbered in the center of the bottom of the page, one line below the one-inch margin.

Number all other pages at the top, right-hand side. The two blank pages and the title page are not numbered, all other pages of the

manuscript must be numbered. Appendices differ according to manual selection. Preliminary pages are numbered with small Roman numerals. The signature page is given page number "ii." The body of the manuscript is numbered with Arabic numbers. The copyright page (if applicable) will be page number iii. Page numbers on the Table of Contents, List of Tables or List of Figures should

be the same as the numbers in the text. There should be no page entry or page number listed on the Table of Contents

page of any page preceding the Table of Contents.

5. Format

The format of the title page, signature sheet, abstract and vita follows the guide attached to this hand-out.

6. Copyright Page

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The copyright page (if applicable) will be page number iii. Center "Copyright @ year" on line 56 and your name on line 58.

7. Table of Contents

Entries on the Table of Contents page should be exactly written as the titles in the text of your paper. This means the spelling, punctuation, wording and capitalization should match the text.

There should be no page entry or page number listed on the Table of Contents page of any page preceding the Table of Contents.

8. Figures, Illustrations and Tables

Figures and Illustrations should have captions. The captions should exactly match the titles on the Tables pages.

9. Bibliography Be sure to check your bibliography with the citations in your text. Each citation should have a corresponding bibliographical entry. Also each bibliographical entry should have a corresponding textual citation.

10. Appendix If your manuscript contains an appendix, each appendix should be mentioned within the text of your paper. Appendices should be treated with the same page numbering and margins as other pages in your text. Follow your style manual for format.

Filing for Graduation Students must file for graduation in the Registrar’s Office during the semester they plan to graduate. Deadlines can be found in the current class schedule and Graduate Catalog under university calendar. A student must be in good academic standing in order to complete graduation requirements. Submission of Thesis to the Graduate School The Graduate School will only accept manuscripts that have been approved by the student's committee and are in final form. One copy of the manuscript must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadline indicated in the university calendar (approximately five weeks prior to commencement). Accompanying this copy will be the following: 1. The Final Comprehensive Examination Report 2. Receipt showing payment of binding and mailing fees, plus fees for

copyright, if applicable (approx. $156.00). Binding fees may vary depending on the size of the thesis. Payment is to be made at the cashier's window in the Business Administration Building.

3. Four signature pages on 100 percent white cotton bond, at least 20 lb. paper with each page signed by the committee members.

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4. Graduate School forms: Copyright agreement form (if applicable) and Information Data Sheet.

You will be given a list of any changes or corrections that need to be made in your manuscript. After these changes are made, you will be directed to make the final four copies on a good grade of 100 percent rag content white bond paper, at least 20-pound weight, 8 1/2 by 11. (An additional copy of the thesis is required if you are copyrighting. This copy does not need to be on the bond paper.) You are responsible for checking each copy for correct order and pagination, for obtaining your major adviser's final approval and for submitting the final copies to the Graduate School. Four copies are required to be bound (one copy each for your major department, your major adviser, the A&M-Commerce library and you). The library copy will be placed on the open shelves of the Library and may be accessed by the public. If you desire additional bound copies, arrangements can be made with the Cashier. Additional signature sheets can be submitted for the dean's signature. What is expected of the student? It is the student’s responsibility to submit a completed thesis to the committee and Graduate School that meets high standards of quality. The student carries that burden of responsibility. When this does not happen, committee members can sometimes provide assistance. At other times, the student should seek outside assistance or contact the Writing Center on campus for special help. Once the thesis is defended and approved by the committee the student submits to the Graduate School one completed copy in the following condition:

1. All changes required by the committee have been made. 2. The paper is in the form it will appear when bound, including: title page, table

of contents, list of tables, pagination, bibliography, appendices, and other support materials.

What should I expect from the Graduate School The primary role of the Graduate School is to sample the thesis in random locations to evaluate quality factors. The staff does not serve as editors or proof-readers. This should be done prior to submitting the paper. When sampling shows evidence of high quality, the paper is approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and submitted for binding. When sampling identifies significant problems, it is assumed that similar problems likely exist throughout the paper. Among the indicators of quality that staff look for include:

1. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 2. Correct citations in the text with corresponding references. 3. Appropriate formatting based on the Thesis Guidelines established by the

Graduate School and the writing guide adopted by the departments, e.g., APA.

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Problems identified through the sampling of pages are noted in a letter to the student who makes the corrections identified and any other similar corrections whether noted in the letter or not. When the corrections are made and returned to the Graduate School, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research will review the thesis for overall quality. Once approved, the document will be submitted for binding.

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Title Sheet Guide

TITLE OF THESIS (Center title between the left and right margins. Succeeding lines of title must be shorter than the preceding line and double spaced.)

by

YOUR NAME

Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Texas A&M University-Commerce

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

YOUR SPECIFIC DEGREE IN CAPS ( Master of __________) Month Year

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Signature Sheet Guide

TITLE OF THESIS

(Center title between left and right margins. If title is two or more lines long, each line must be shorter than the preceding line and double spaced.) Approved: _______________________________________ Adviser _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Dean of College _______________________________________ Dean of Graduate Studies and Research

ii

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Abstract Guide ABSTRACT

TITLE OF THESIS

Your Name, M.Ed.(or other degree) Texas A&M University-Commerce, YEAR

Adviser: Name of Your Adviser Begin abstract. The abstract should be 150 words only and include the purpose, procedure, results and conclusions. The word ABSTRACT should be centered and positioned 12 lines from the top of the page. The title is single-spaced, each line shorter than the preceding line. Use your specific degree after your name (M.Ed., M.S., etc.) and the year your degree is to be conferred after Texas A&M University-Commerce. The abstract should be on one page. You may single space.

page no.

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Vita Guide

VITA

Mary Jane Neeley Bryant was born in Tom Bean, Texas, on July 4, 1973, the

daughter of Mary Suzanne Jasper Neeley and William Jack Neeley. After graduating

from Tom Bean High School, Tom Bean, Texas, in 1991, she enrolled at The University

of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas. She received the Bachelor of Science degree

with a major in mathematics and a minor in computer science in August 1995 from the

University of Houston. She taught mathematics in DeWitt Perry Middle School,

Carrollton, Texas, for three years following her graduation from college. In September

1998, she enrolled in the Graduate School of Texas A&M University-Commerce and was

awarded the Master of Science degree in August 2002. She was employed as an

instructor in mathematics at Paris High School, Paris, Texas, in September 2002 and has

continued in that position to the present. In the fall of 2002, she entered the Graduate

School of Texas A&M University-Commerce and was awarded the Doctor of Education

degree with a major in Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary and Higher

Education) in August 2004. In 2002 she married George Bryant of Paris, Texas. One

daughter, Georgia Sue, was born in 2003. Permanent address: 1511 Sycamore Street Paris, TX 75482

page no.

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

THESIS PROPOSAL

Submit to the Graduate School no later than one semester prior to graduation. Name: ID#: Date:___________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________ State:_______________ Zip:____________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________________ Circle Degree: MS, MA, MFA, MSW, MM, MED Major: Minor:________________________ Title of Study:__________________________________________________________________ Name & Edition of Thesis Guide: Please attach a copy of your Thesis Proposal. This Proposal should contain a clear and concise Statement of the purpose of the thesis, the significance of the information to the field of study, appropriate background, and detailed methodology that will be used in the study. See page 2 of this guide. The proposal can be as many pages as it takes to clearly and concisely describe your research problem. Signature of Student:___________________________________ Approved: ________________________________________________________ Major Advisor Date ________________________________________________________ Member Date ________________________________________________________ Member Date ________________________________________________________

Adviser Handbook 43

Member Date _________________ Major Department Head Date ________________________________________________________ Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Date

Adviser Handbook 44

THESIS INFORMATION SHEET THE GRADUATE SCHOOL, TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE

Name: ID #: Current Mailing Address: Current Phone Numbers: (home) (work) (fax#) (email) Four copies (on 100% cotton bond paper) of the final manuscript are required for binding. An additional copy on regular paper is required if you are copyrighting. One copy will be given to your major advisor, major department, A&M-Commerce Library and one copy to you. The copy for A&M-Commerce Library will be placed on the open shelves and may be accessed by the public. ADDRESS TO WHICH YOUR MANUSCRIPT IS TO BE MAILED (Manuscripts are mailed approximately six months after commencement) ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Are you currently enrolled in 518? ______Yes ______No Did you file for graduation this semester? ______Yes ______No If not, file in the Registrar's Office immediately. Manual/edition used to write manuscript: _______________________ ***************************************************************** Graduate School will complete Date: _____________Manuscript # ______ Initials: ______ ____________ Proposal date ____________ Admission to candidacy date ____________ Final Examination Report or Final Defense Report ____________ Extra copy of title page and abstract (if student is copyrighting) ____________ Agreement form (if student is copyrighting) ____________ Is copyright Agreement form signed? (if student is copyrighting) ____________ Is copyright page included and fees paid (if student is copyrighting) ____________ Number of signed signature sheets (minimum 4) ____________ Receipt No. _____________Amount Binding for four copies N Y Copyright N Y

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CHECKLIST

Submitting Thesis to the Graduate School I Enrollment in 518 □ Registered for at least 6 hours of thesis. □ Registered for 518 the semester that the thesis is submitted to the Graduate

School. II Proposal□ □ Proposal submitted to the Graduate School one semester before thesis is

submitted. □ Proposal has been approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. □ If applicable, Human Subjects approval has been obtained before any research has been done.

III Defense of Thesis □ Schedule defense with the thesis committee. □ The thesis has been approved by thesis committee. IV First Submission to Graduate School (The Deadline is posted in the Schedule of

Classes approximately 5 weeks before graduation) □ All corrections from committee have been made. □ Thesis has been checked for format according to thesis guide. □ Textual citations have been checked with the bibliography. □ Secondary sources have been properly cited in bibliography. □ Pagination has been checked. □ Appendices have been mentioned in the text and included in the thesis. □ Four cotton bond signature sheets have been signed and submitted with your thesis. □ The information sheet has been completed and submitted. □ The binding fee has been paid. □ The thesis should be accompanied by your Comprehensive Exam Form.

V Final Approval by Graduate School □ When all Graduate School corrections have been made, you will be asked to

submit four cotton bond copies to the Graduate School for Binding. □ An information sheet should accompany the final thesis with mailing information

for your bound thesis. □ Have your major adviser sign the corrections page and submit with your thesis. □ If applicable, copyright forms have been completed and submitted along with a

plain paper copy of thesis.

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APPENDIX B

TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE Application for Admission to Candidacy for Master's Degree

(for Majors in Art, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and Sociology)

To be completed by the applicant Name:____________________________________________________SS#_________________ Mailing Address:_______________________________City/ST/Zip______________________________ Circle Degree Sought: M.S. MEd. M.A. M.F.A. Major:_______________ Minor:_____________________ All three blanks below must be checked before the candidacy examination can be taken. 1. _____ I have full admission status with The Graduate School and have successfully

completed all prerequisite courses, including any undergraduate courses required. 2. _____ I have completed at A&M-Commerce at least four graduate courses, three of

which are in my major. 3. _____ I have achieved a graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 overall and on all

courses taken in my major. **************************************************************************** To be completed by the Major Advisor and/or Department Head

Admission to candidacy: ________ Approved ________ Disapproved Method Used: ________ Passed Candidacy Examination _______________ Date

________ Individual approval Reason(s) for disapproval of admission to candidacy and recommendations, if any ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature, Major Advisor Date ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature, Major Department Head Date ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature, Dean for Graduate Studies/Research Date

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APPENDIX C TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE

Application for Admission to Candidacy for Master's Degree (for Majors in Counseling)

To be completed by the applicant Name:_______________________________________SS#______________________________ Mailing Address:_______________________________City/ST/Zip______________________________ Circle Degree Sought: M.S. MEd. CERTIFICATION ONLY—Not seeking Master’s (Dept. file only) All three blanks below must be checked before the candidacy examination can be taken. 1. _____* I have full admission status with The Graduate School and have successfully

completed all prerequisite courses, including any undergraduate courses required. 2. _____ I have completed at A&M-Commerce at least four graduate courses, three of

which are in my major. 3. _____ I have achieved a graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 overall and on all

courses taken in my major. ****************************************************************************** To be completed by the Major Advisor and/or Department Head

Admission to candidacy: ________ Approved ________ Disapproved Method Used: ________ Passed Candidacy Examination _______________ Date

________ Individual approval Reason(s) for disapproval of admission to candidacy and recommendations, if any ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature, Major Advisor Date Signature, Major Department Head Date Signature, Dean for Graduate Studies/Research *This requirement is not applicable for students who are CERTIFICATION ONLY.

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APPENDIX D

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL CHANGE OF MAJOR/DEGREE REQUEST

NAME_____________________________________ SOC. SEC. NO. ___________________ ADDRESS_____________________________CITY_____________ST________ZIP_________ I am currently working on a ______ degree with a major in ________________. I would like to change to a ______ degree with a major in ________________. ___________________________________ Student's Signature “With few exceptions, you have the right to request, receive, review and correct information about yourself collected by this form.” *************************************************************************** (For Graduate School Use) Undergraduate GPA ______ Graduate GPA ______ GRE/GMAT ____________ Reason for Denial: Low GPA ______ Low GRE/GMAT ______ Requirements checked by ________ Date Posted _______ Approved/Denied _________________________________________ Major Department Head (if applicable) Approved/Denied _________________________________________ Dean of Graduate Studies and Research

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APPENDIX E

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION REPORT FOR THE MASTER'S DEGREE

(Submit to The Graduate School prior to graduation according to the deadline in the current schedule of classes.) All candidates must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination covering all the work within their master's degree program. In addition, an acceptable defense of the thesis will be required of those students pursuing a thesis program.

Part I: To be completed by the student

NAME________________________________SOCIAL SECURITY#______________

MAJOR ________________________MINOR _________________DEGREE MS,MEd,MA,MM (if applicable) (Circle a degree,

this will appear on your diploma)

Are you writing a thesis? __________

Part II: To be completed by the major advisor

Final Comprehensive Examination (including thesis defense if applicable) Results:

_____ Passed

_____ Failed

Method: ___ Written Examination only Date: ____________________

___ Oral Examination only Date: ____________________

___ Written and Oral Examinations Dates: _________ _________

___ Creative (artistic)/Performance Date(s): _________________

Major Advisor Head, Major Department

Committee Member Head, Minor Department

Committee Member

Committee Member Dean, Graduate Studies & Research “With few exceptions, you have the right to request, receive, review and correct information about yourself collected by this form.”

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APPENDIX F The Graduate School may not have enough information or knowledge about your school. If this is the case you will be required to have your transcripts, mark sheets, certificates and diplomas evaluated. Evaluations are accepted from one of the following Credential Evaluation Services. The evaluation should consist of an equivalency summary and credential analysis.

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc Foreign Credentials Service of America

P O Box 92970 1910 Justin Lane Milwaukee, WI 53202-0970 Austin, TX 78757-2411 Phone: 414/289-3400 Phone: 512/459-8428 Fax: 414/289-3411 Fax: 512/459-4564 Homepage: fsc America@aol.com International Education Research Foundation, Inc. P O Box 66940 Los Angeles, CA 90066 Phone: 310/390-6276 Fax: 310/397-7686 World Education Services, Inc. P O Box 745 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10113-0745 Phone: 212/966-6311 Fax: 212/966-6395 International Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc. P O Box 2585 Denton, TX 76202-2585 Phone: 817/383-7498 Global Credential Evaluators, Inc. P O Box 9203 College Station, TX 77842 Phone: 1-800-517-4754Fax: 512-528-9293

Email: gce@gceus.com www.gceus.com

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APPENDIX G

Petition to Change to Non-Degree Status

I request permission to reenter the Graduate School at A&M University-Commerce as a non-degree student. I am currently under academic suspension from a degree program until: ________________________________ Semester/Year I wish to take courses to be applied toward a teaching certificate, licensure, or personal development. I understand that courses taken during the suspension period cannot be applied to a graduate degree at A&M University-Commerce. I further understand that I will need to meet the current Graduate School admission standards to be considered for readmission to a graduate degree program after my suspension is complete. I have read and understand the provisions listed above and accept them as stated.

__________________________________ Student’s Signature

__________________________________ I.D. Number

__________________________________ Address

__________________________________ Email Address

__________________________________ Date

Approved/Not Approved: __________________________________ Dean of Graduate Studies and Research __________________________________ Date

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APPENDIX H

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE

A Request to Schedule a Senior Student for a 500-Level Course This form must be completed, signed by the department head and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research before a senior student may register for a 500-Level course. After the form is completed, the student should take it to The Graduate School (BA 142) for final approval. Course: Semester 20 Prefix/Number/Section Expected Graduation Date: I certify that I am a senior student in my last semester who lacks 12 hours or less (or a summer school student who lacks only the student teaching block of courses) to complete my bachelor's degree and have an overall grade point average of 2.75 or higher. I understand that in no case may the graduate course be applied toward an undergraduate degree. Signature of Student SS# Print Your Name Approval from undergraduate department head. Signature of Department Head

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APPENDIX J

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT RESIDENCY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE

If you are a new student and feel your residency is incorrect: Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, (903)886-5163, Room 142 in the Business Administration Building. THINGS TO REMEMBER THERE MUST BE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF THE STUDENT’S INTENT TO PERMANENTLY ESTABLISH HIS/HER DOMICILE IN TEXAS. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations for Determining Residence Status pursuant to Title 3 of the Texas Education Code.

Independent Individual Basing Residency on Self (must be 18 years of age or older) A STUDENT WHO IS CLASSIFIED AS A NON-RESIDENT MUST PAY OUT-OF-STATE TUITION PRIOR TO ESTABLISHING RESIDENCY. Establishment of Residence:

An independent individual that moves into the state and is gainfully employed within the State of Texas for a period of 12 months prior to enrolling in an institution of higher education is entitled to classification as a resident for tuition purposes. The student may be required to complete a Residency Questionnaire and provide supporting documentation (see below). If such residence, however, can be shown not to have been for the purpose of establishing residence but to have been for some other purpose, the individual is not entitled to be classified as a resident.

Reclassification:

A person who has enrolled in an institution of higher education prior to living in the state for 12 months and who has been classified as a nonresident upon first enrollment in an institution of higher education is presumed to be nonresident for the period during which he/she continues as a student.

However, after residing in the state for 12 months, the student may apply for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes provided unequivocal proof of establishment of domicile in Texas can be provided as outlined below. Materials to the determination of establishment of a domicile in Texas are business or personal facts or actions unequivocally indicative of a fixed intention to reside permanently in the state (see below). The student must complete a Residency Questionnaire and provide the required documentation . Required 1. Physically residing in Texas for 12 consecutive months with the intent to make Texas a permanent home; 2. Being gainfully employed during the 12 months while residing in the state of Texas (spouse’s employment may be used if filing joint Federal income taxes);

1. Income tax form or, if current year’s Federal tax form has not been filed, a signed, notarized statement regarding the student’s independence or regarding the individual(s) who claim the student as a dependent;

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AT LEAST ONE (1) OF THE FOLLOWING ARE ALSO REQUIRED

4. Permanent Texas driver’s license – Texas law requires that a driver’s license be obtained within 30 days of moving to the state; 5. Registration of automobile in Texas and payment of personal property taxes thereon; 6. Texas voter registration and voting; 7. Deed indicating purchase of a homestead and/or property tax statements for year preceding the requested residency change; 8. Wills or other legal documents indicating residence in Texas such as No. 12, 13, or 14 below; 9. Documentation on checking accounts, savings accounts, or safe deposit boxes in Texas; 10. Memberships in professional organizations or other state organizations; 11. Establishment of a business in Texas;

Other Consideration

12. Employer statement that presence in Texas is part of a household transferred to the State by an employer or as part of a household moved to the state to accept employment offered in Texas; 13. Other third party notarized documentation which confirms residency status for the 12-month period preceding the requested residency change; 14. Lease agreement which includes student’s name and period covered, current credit report documenting student’s length and place of residency, or utility bills for the year preceding the requested change of residency.

It is the student’s responsibility to determine if the above guidelines are in effect when applying for residency.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 2 of this sheet for additional information. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT RESIDENCY

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE (Continued)

THINGS TO REMEMBER THERE MUST BE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF THE STUDENT’S INTENT TO PERMANENTLY ESTABLISH HIS/HER DOMICILE IN TEXAS. Please refer to Rules and Regulations for Determining Residence Status pursuant to Title 3 of the Texas Education Code.

The Student Basing Residency on Parent The residency of a minor or dependent is based on one of the following circumstances: 1. The residence of the parent who has custody at the time of enrollment (upon divorce of parents); 2. The residence of the parent who has claimed the dependent for Federal income taxes purposes both at the time of enrollment and for the tax year preceding enrollment; 3. The residence of the parent with whom the dependent has resided for the 12 months prior to enrollment. The parent or legal guardian must have resided in Texas for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the student’s enrollment and must meet the criteria indicative of a fixed intention to reside permanently in Texas as outlined on Page 1. A copy of ONE or MORE of the appropriately dated documents outlined on Page 1 of this sheet may be required.

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The Non-U.S. Citizen with Permanent Residence Basing Residency on Self

The 12 consecutive months used to determine residency are contingent upon the admission/adjudication date indicated on the I-551 or the I-688 card. The I-688A and I-688B cards may not be used for residency determination. In addition to the documentation which may be required as outlined in Numbers 1 – 14 on Page 1 of this sheet, the student may present either his/her I551 card or proof of permanent residence classification which is eligible for the establishment of a domicile in Texas or an I-688 card at the time reclassification for residency is requested.

The Non-U.S. Citizen with Permanent Residence Basing Residency on Parent

1. The parent of the student must have permanent residence status of at least 12 consecutive months or be a United States citizen and meet the same criteria as outlined above (“Students Basing Residency on Parent”). 2. The student also must have an I551 card or proof of permanent residence status, or 3. A student who has become a citizen by naturalization must present documentation showing date of naturalization. In addition to the documentation that may be required as outlined on Page 1 of this sheet, the student and parent must present proof of permanent residence classification which is eligible for establishment of domicile in Texas or proof of naturalization at the time of reclassification for residency requested. There are waivers that may apply in certain situations. Please check with the appropriate office indicated on Page 1. There are specific guidelines that pertain to members of the United States Military and Commissioned Officers of the United States Public Health Service. Please check with the appropriate office as indicated on Page 1.

It is the student’s responsibility to determine if the above guidelines are in effect when applying for residency.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 1 of this sheet for additional information.

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Texas A&M University-Commerce Residency Questionnaire

Return To: The Graduate School P O Box 3011 Texas A&M University-Commerce Commerce, TX 75429-3011 Please Print or Type Entry Semester: ___Fall ___Spring ___First Sum ___Second Sum _____Year Name:________________________________________________ Date of Birth:_________________

Student Social Security Number:____________________Contact Phone Number:_____-_____-_______

Local Address:__________________________________________________________________________

Permanent Address______________________________________________________________________

1. Are you claiming Texas residency for tuition purposes? Yes____ No____ 2. Upon whom are you basing your claim for residency? (a)____Self ____Parent ____Legal Guardian* (b)____Active duty military based in Texas – Statement of assignment from personnel offices required (c)____Dependent of active duty service member based in Texas *if Legal Guardian, guardianship papers must be provided. 3. If claim for residency is based upon self, answer the following questions: (a) How long have you resided in Texas? Years_____ and Months _____ Previous state or county of residence: _____________________________ If you came here within the past 5 years, why did you move to Texas? _____Education _____Employment _____Other (please specify) _____________________ (b) Driver’s license number___________ State issued:___ Date Issued: ___ Expiration date: ______ (c) Texas Voter’s Registration Card Number: _________________________________ (d) Have you been employed in Texas for the last 12 months? _____Yes _____No Employer’s name: _________________________Employer’s phone number: ___-___-______ Employer’s address: ______________________________________________________________ Period of Employment: _____ to______ Position: ____________ Part-time____ Full-time____. If claim for residency is based upon parent or legal guardian, please answer the following: (a) Name of person whom claim is based: _____________________________________ (b) How long have they resided in Texas? Years____ and Months ____ Previous state/county of residence: ___________ If you came here within the past 5 years, why did you move to Texas? _____Education _____Employment _____Other (please specify) _______________________ (c) Is this person a U.S. citizen? ______ Yes _____ No (d) Has parent or legal guardian claimed you as a dependent for U.S. Federal income tax purposes for the tax year preceding your registration? ______ Yes ______No If yes, copy of tax form required. (e) Will this person claim you for the current tax year? _____ Yes _____ No 5. (a) Are you a U.S. Citizen? _____ Yes _____ No (b) Do you hold Permanent Residence status for the U.S.? _____ Yes _____ No (c) If no, country of citizenship: _____________ Type of Visa: ______ Visa Number: ____________ (d) Do you hold Temporary Resident status for the U.S.? ___ Yes ____ No If yes, type of Visa:____ Date Issued: ___________________ Expiration date: _____________________ Attach a copy (front and back) of permanent card. 6. If you are not a US Citizen or permanent resident, when will you apply for a green card. Date_______ Signature ____________________________________________________ Date _____________ For Graduate School Use Only Granted Denied Date: Explanation:

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APPENDIX K Statement of Understanding for Non-degree Students

The Graduate School Texas A&M University-Commerce

Name: Social Security #: E-mail address: Taking Courses in the Department of : Please check one of the following, sign and return to the address below:

I have received admission/provisional admission to a non-degree or certification status. In the future, I plan to change to a degree-seeking status. However,

I understand that the maximum number of semester hours taken in a non-degree status that will apply to a master’s degree program is twelve. I also understand that I must have written approval from my major adviser, major department head and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research for the specific courses applicable course requirements.

I have received admission/provisional admission to a non-degree or certification status. I am

taking courses for certification or personal enrichment and do not plan to apply for a master’s degree program. However,

I understand that if I am admitted to a degree program at a later date, the maximum number of semester hours taken in a non-degree status that will apply to a master’s degree program is twelve. I also understand that I must have written approval from my major adviser, major department head and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research for the specific courses that I would like to use toward my degree program and that these courses must meet all applicable course requirements.

I have received admission/provisional admission to a non-degree or certification status. I am unsure whether I plan to change to a degree-seeking status. However,

I understand that if I am admitted to a degree program at a later date, the maximum number of semester hours taken in a non-degree status that will apply to a master’s degree program is twelve. I also understand that I must have written approval from my major adviser, major department head and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research for the specific courses that I would like to use toward my degree program and that these courses must meet all applicable course requirements.

____________________________________ Signature Return to:

Ms. Betty Hunt A&M-Commerce The Graduate School Commerce, TX 75429-3011 or

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APPENDIX L THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

TRANSFER/SUBSTITUTION COURSE REQUEST FOR MASTER'S DEGREE A maximum of 1/3 of the credit required for a master's degree may be accepted as transfer credit from another accredited graduate school if approved by the major and/or minor department and The Graduate School. Transfer credit can only be granted for: (1) credit earned within six years of graduation and (2) grades of "A" or "B". ATTACH AN OFFICIAL COPY OF THE TRANSCRIPT IF NOT TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE COURSES NAME ___________________________SOCIAL SECURITY # ___________________ ADDRESS __________________________CITY/ST/ZIP _______________________ DEPARTMENT ________MAJOR ________MINOR __________DEGREE __________ PHONE (____)______________Email_____________________________________________________ TRANSFER/SUBSTITUTION COURSES TO BE USED TOWARD AN A&M-Commerce MASTER'S DEGREE: Date Semester A&M-C Course Institution Completed Grade Hours Equivalent Major _______________________________________________________ ELECTIVE ____________ ____________ __________ ______ ________________________________________________________ MINOR ____________ ____________ __________ ______ ________________________________________________________ Major Department Head/Adviser Date Department Head/Adviser Date Dean of Graduate Studies & Research Date Approved/Not Approved “With few exceptions, you have the right to request, receive, review and correct information about yourself collected by this form.” cc: Graduation Coordinator & Student

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APPENDIX M

Application for Temporary Graduate Faculty Membership for Faculty Lacking a Terminal Degree in the Discipline

Name: Semester/Year To teach (course/section number/title): or _____ To serve on dissertation or thesis committee for: Attach documentation of the following qualifications or accomplishments: I. Education--Degrees Institution Degree Major Year Received II. Graduate Hours Beyond Master's Subject Hours Earned Institution Dates III. Certifications:

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Page 2 Name: IV. Work Experience: V. Awards & Recognitions: VI. Other Exceptional Qualifications: (use additional paper, if necessary) Based on the qualifications stated above, I am requesting approval for this individual to teach graduate level courses and/or to serve on a thesis/dissertation committee. Head of Department Date Dean of College (Approved/Disapproved) Date Dean of Graduate Studies & Research (Approved/Disapproved) Date

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APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY GRADUATE FACULTY MEMBERSHIP

For Faculty with a Terminal Degree in the Discipline Name Department Temporary Graduate Faculty membership sought: ________________________ (semester/year)

_____ to teach graduate course(s) (course prefix, number and section) or _____ to serve on dissertation or thesis committee(s) for: Is the applicant tenured or tenure-track faculty? Present academic rank Highest degree held Years of full-time college teaching Number of semesters of graduate teaching Where? Most questions concerning Graduate Faculty status can be answered by consulting Procedure A12.05 Graduate Faculty Membership. Please provide the following information:

1. Transcript showing highest degree. 2. Professional Vita. 3. A list of:

a. Graduate courses taught in the last three years b. Theses and dissertations directed (give author, title and date). c. Thesis and dissertation committees served on.

Applicant Date Department Graduate Faculty Representative Approved/Disapproved Date Head of the Department Approved/Disapproved Date Dean of the College Approved/Disapproved Date Dean of the Graduate School Approved/Disapproved Date

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APPENDIX N TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCEMASTER'S DEGREE PLAN

(for Interdisciplinary and Broadfield Majors) Name:________________________________________SS#:______________________ Address:_____________________________City/St/Zip:__________________________ Degree Sought:________________________ Major:_______________________ Graduate School Admission (full/probationary):_______________________ Degree Requirements Course No. Grade Date Completed Sem Hrs Credit

MAJOR 1st Emphasis (minimum of four courses including 595)

2nd Emphasis (minimum of two courses)

3rd Emphasis (minimum of two courses)

OTHER

__________________________________________________ Major Advisor Major Department Head Advisor for 2nd Emphasis Dean for Graduate Studies and Research Advisor for 3rd Emphasis Date

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APPENDIX P Request to Use Courses Taken in Non-Degree Status

Toward a Master’s Degree Program Graduate School

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Name:__________________________________________________________________ SocialSecurityNumber:_____________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number:_______________________________________________________ Email address:___________________________________________________________ I request the following courses (limited to 12 semester hours) be approved for my Master’s Degree Program in _______________________________. I have completed all admissions requirements and have been admitted to the degree program by the Graduate School. ______ Yes _____ No Courses: Approval/Disapproval: Approved/Disapproved Major Department Head/Advisor Date Approved/Disapproved Dean of Graduate Studies & Research Date

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APPENDIX Q THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

THESIS PROPOSAL Submit to The Graduate School no later than one semester prior to graduation. Name: SS#: Date: Address: Degree: M.S. M.A. M.F.A Major: Minor: Title of Study: Name & Edition of Thesis Style Manual: Please attach a copy of your Thesis Proposal. This Proposal should contain a clear and concise statement of the purpose of the thesis, the significance of the information to the field of study, appropriate background, and detailed methodology that will be used in the study. Signature of Student:___________________________________ Approved: Major Advisor Date Major Department Head Date Member Date Member Date Member Date Member Date Dean of Graduate Studies & Research

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APPENDIX R

Instructions for Submission of Research Protocols to the A&M-Commerce Institutional Review Board

In order to comply with federal regulations regarding research with human subjects, as well as to conform to guidelines of the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB), all faculty, administrators, students, and staff should obtain approval of their research protocol from the IRB prior to any contact with human subjects or collection of data. Normally, doctoral and master's degree students completing dissertations or theses will be expected to obtain approval from the IRB prior to the presentation of their proposal to the faculty. The Dean of the Graduate School must approve exceptions to this timeline.

For additional details of the IRB review process, including the IRB Submission and Protocol Forms, scheduled meetings of the IRB, a list of the IRB Committee members, the Texas A&M University-Commerce IRB Procedure and Guidelines Manual for Research with Human Subjects, links to IRB related sites, and other information, please visit the Graduate School IRB homepage at http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/research/irb/irb.html . The IRB review process involves four major steps; please refer to the flow chart on page 3 for an overview of this process.

Step 1: The applicant should fax, mail, or hand deliver the IRB Submission Form (page 4 only) to the Chairperson of the Departmental Human Subjects Protection Committee (DHSPC). If the applicant is not associated with a University Department, then the IRB Submission Form and the IRB Protocol form should be submitted directly to the Graduate School. In addition, the IRB Protocol Form (see pages 5-9) should be electronically submitted as an MS Word compatible email attachment (file) to the Chairperson of the DHSC. Please note that pages 1-4 of this document should not be included as a part of the Protocol Form and that some material within the Protocol Form may also be deleted (see additional instructions on the Protocol Form). It is preferred that all information required for the IRB Protocol Form should be contained (inserted) within the Protocol Form.

The DHSPC will review the materials you have submitted and notify you of the outcome of the review. You may be asked to modify or clarify the information contained within the Protocol Form--in this case you should make the required changes and resubmit the Protocol Form to the Chairperson of the DHSPC. When your protocol is approved by the DHSPC, you should then submit the Protocol Form as a MS Word compatible e-mail attachment to Natalie Henderson (Natalie_Henderson@tamu-commerce.edu) in the Graduate School. The Submission Form will be forwarded to the Graduate School by the DHSPC Chairperson.

Step 2: The Graduate School will open an IRB file and make copies of the Submission Form (forwarded from the DHSPC) and the Protocol Form

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(electronically submitted to the Graduate School by the applicant). These two forms will then be forwarded to the IRB Chairperson by the Graduate School.

Step 3: The Chairperson of the IRB will acknowledge to the applicant the receipt from the Graduate School of the Submission and Protocol Forms and the IRB will begin a review of the research protocol. Almost always, the IRB will complete the initial review of minimum risk protocols within a seven-day period. Protocols that are not considered minimum risk and therefore cannot be reviewed under the expedited review process will be reviewed during the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the IRB. If, during the IRB review, modifications or changes to the research protocol are requested by the IRB, then the review process will be extended to provide the applicant time to make the needed changes and resubmit the modified Protocol Form to the IRB for further review. Applicants should note that the time to complete the review by the IRB is often extended because applicants do not follow these directions carefully, do not include needed information in the protocol, or do not attend to the guidelines for the informed consent process and forms.

Step 4: You will receive notification from the IRB Chairperson that your research protocol has been approved for a period of one year. Research that extends beyond this one-year period will need an update review for an extension.

Some types of research may be exempt from IRB oversight (not from initial review by the DHSPC or the IRB). Examples would include research conducted with a publicly available database where all participants are anonymous or a non-invasive, anonymous survey. See appendix A for details.

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PART 1 (completed by the applicant): Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________ E-Mail Address: _____________________________________ Day Phone _______________ I understand that as Principal Investigator, I have ultimate responsibility for the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects and the ethical conduct of this research protocol. I have carefully read all the instructions and information included with the Submission and Protocol Forms. _______________________________________________________ ___________________ signature of applicant date NOTE TO APPLICANT: Fax, mail, or hand-carry this form to the chair of the Departmental Human Subjects Protection Committee.

PART 2 (completed by chair of the Department Human Subjects Protection Committee): Names of DHSPC Members: Comments: ________________________________________ _______________________________________ signature of DHSPC chair date protocol approved by the Department NOTE TO DHSPC CHAIR: Fax, mail, or hand-carry this form to Natalie Henderson at the graduate school. PART 3 (completed by the Graduate School): _________________________ ________________________________________________ date received signature of graduate school representative

Section I: General Information

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Insert the requested information below; use additional space as needed.

Name of Principal investigator (applicant):

Mailing Address: Email address: Phone Number: Status of Principal investigator: Faculty Staff Student University Department of applicant, if applicable: If applicant is a student, is this either a thesis or dissertation? If applicant is a student, your faculty advisor is: Name of Co-Investigator(s), if applicable: Status of Co-Investigator(s): Faculty Staff Student Project Title: Proposed Start Date of Research: Is this research protocol submitted as: New Continuation/Renewal Revision After answering no to all questions in parts A through C of Appendix A, are you omitting section III and submitting this protocol for consideration as exempt from IRB oversight? Yes No Section II: Description of the Proposed Research

Insert the requested information below; use additional space as needed.

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Purpose, Scientific Contribution,, and Potential Benefit

Location of Study

Dates of study

Subjects

Methods and Procedures

Instruments (include copies of any instruments, tests, surveys, questionnaires, etc.)

Participant Payments or Costs

Subject Confidentiality

Potential Risks to Subjects

Risk/Benefit Ratio

Section III: Informed Consent

Place a checkmark in the left column to verify that you have addressed each element in your informed consent process and form. At the end of this section, insert a copy of your informed consent form.

NIH Informed Consent Checklist - Basic and Additional Elements

A statement that the study involves research and affiliation/identification of the

An explanation of the purposes of the research

The expected duration of the subject's participation; dates of participation; and location(s) for participation.

A description of the procedures to be followed

A description of any reasonably foreseeable physical and/or psychological risks or discomforts to the subject (this would include anxiety, possible embarrassment,

A description of any benefits to the subject or to others which may reasonably be expected from the research

A statement describing how and to what extent confidentiality of records identifying the subject will be maintained

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For research involving more than minimal risk, an explanation as to whether any compensation, and an explanation as to whether any medical treatments are available, if injury occurs and, if so, what they consist of, or where further information may be obtained

An explanation of whom to contact for answers to pertinent questions about the research and research subjects' rights (the IRB Chairperson), and whom to contact in the event of a research-related injury to the subject

A statement that participation is voluntary, refusal to participate will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled, and the subject may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits, to which the

Additional elements, as appropriate (indicate as not appropriate or by check mark, if applicable)

A statement that the particular treatment or procedure may involve risks to the subject (or to the embryo or fetus, if the subject is or may become pregnant), which are

l f bl The number of participants in the research study.

Anticipated circumstances under which the subject's participation may be terminated by the investigator without regard to the subject's consent

Any additional costs to the subject that may result from participation in the research

The consequences of a subject's decision to withdraw from the research and procedures for orderly termination of participation by the subject

Identification of any procedures which are experimental

A statement that significant new findings developed during the course of the research, which may relate to the subject's willingness to continue participation, will be provided

h bj A disclosure of appropriate alternative procedures or courses of treatment, if any, that

might be advantageous to the subject

Sections IV-VI typically are not required for most IRB applications. Likewise, the information in Appendix A is typically not relevant to most IRB applications. Therefore, if this information is not relevant to your application, indicate “NA” after the section heading(s) below and then, prior to submitting this form as an attachment, delete the material provided under each heading. Section IV: Funding Information (indicate “NA” and delete the following if not applicable) If this protocol is part of an application to an outside agency, please provide: A. Source of Funding

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B. Type of Application: Grant Subcontract Contract Fellowship C. Date of Anticipated Submission for Funding: Section V. Cooperative Research (indicate “NA” and delete the following if not applicable)

Cooperative research projects are those that involve more than one institution and can be designed to be both multi-site and multi-protocol in nature. Each participating institution is responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects and for complying with all regulations. If this proposal has been submitted to another Institutional Review Board please provide:

Name of Institution: Date of Review: Contact Person: IRB Recommendation: Section VI. Continuation or Renewals (indicate “NA” and delete the following if not applicable) If this is a continuation or renewal of a research protocol that has been previously approved by the IRB, then:

A. Indicate all proposed changes in the IRB protocol affecting subjects: B. Progress Report--paste below:

• Indicate the number of subjects entered in the study, including their group status, whether they are active or completed, the number of subjects still pending, and the time frame of subject participation.

• Indicate adverse or unexpected outcomes that have occurred or are expected. If none, state none.

• Summarize the results of the investigation to date (in terms of subjects entered, in process, completed, and pending).

Appendix A: Research Covered by and Exempt from IRB Review (indicate “NA” and delete the following if not applicable; i.e., the research does not meet the guidelines below for exemption from full review)

To comply with the federal regulations covering the protection of research subjects, and to ensure appropriate ethical management of research programs conducted by A&M-Commerce faculty, staff, and students, all funded and unfunded research proposals involving human subjects fall within the jurisdiction of the IRB. The DHSPC can

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recommend that the research should be considered "exempt" from full IRB review, however only the IRB can decide if the research is indeed minimal risk or if the protocol falls into one of the "exempt" categories. Exempt status implies that oversight by the IRB is not necessary; it does not imply that review by the IRB is not required. If, after reading the material below, you think that your research falls into the "exempt" status, complete the application process described in the instructions on pages 1-3 with the following deviation:

• Do not complete section III of the Protocol Form.

EXEMPTION SCREENING QUESTIONS (from the University of Illinois at Chicago IRB)

If, during your reading of the following questions, you would answer NO to all questions under A through C below, then the IRB will probably consider your research protocol exempt from full IRB review.

A. For research involving special populations, interventions or manipulations 1. Does your research involve pregnant women, fetuses, or prisoners? 2. Does your research involve using survey or interview procedures with children? 3. Does your research involve the observation of children in settings where the investigator(s)

will participate in the activities being observed?

B. For research using survey procedures, interview procedures, observational procedures and questionnaires (Note: exemption is not allowed in surveys or interviews with children)

1. If data are to be recorded by audiotape or videotape, is there potential harm to subjects if the information is revealed or disclosed?

2. Are the subjects identifiable either by name, code, or through demographic or other personally identifying data?

3. Will collection include sensitive data, e.g. illegal activities, or sensitive themes such as sexual orientation, sexual behavior, undesirable work behavior, or other data that may be painful or very embarrassing to reveal, such as death of a family member, memories of physical abuse?

C. For research using existing or archived data, documents, records, or specimens only 1. Will any data, documents, records or specimens be collected from subjects after the

submission of this application?

If the data, documents, records, or specimens are originally labeled in such a manner that subjects can be identified, directly or indirectly through identifying links, is the investigator recording the data in such a manner that subjects can be identified, directly or indirectly through identifying links (i.e., demographic information that might reasonably lead to the identification of individual subjects – name, phone number; or any code number that can be used to link the investigator’s data to the source record – medical record number or hospital admission number?

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APPENDIX S

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

REQUEST TO ENROLL IN A 300 OR 400 LEVEL COURSE FOR GRADUATE CREDIT

To request graduate credit for a 300 or 400 level course, complete this form, obtain signatures of the persons listed below, and return to The Graduate School (BA142) before the twelfth class day (fourth class day for Summer Sessions). Confirmation of the Graduate Dean's approval will be mailed to the student. I request graduate credit for_____________________________ course prefix/number/section Semester/year____________ I understand that I will be expected to complete additional work beyond the normal course requirements at a level equal to graduate instruction. Also, no more than two 300 or 400 level courses may be applied toward a master's degree; courses are not applicable to a doctoral degree. Signature of Student Social Security Number Address Date Course Instructor (must be Graduate Faculty) Date Department Head Offering Course Date Student's Major Department Head Date Major/Minor Advisor Date Approved: Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Date cc: Student, Enrollment Auditor

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APPENDIX T TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE

Procedure A13.08 – Grade Changes Petition For Graduate Grade Change

(To be initiated by the Instructor of Record and submitted during the 12-month period immediately following term when course was taken and grade given)

Student Name: _________________________________________________ Social Security Number: _________________________________________ Course prefix, number and section: _________________________________ Semester and Year Course Taken: _________________________________ Instructor’s Name: ______________________________________________ Requested change in grade from _________________ to_________________ Statement of conditions and reasons for the request: Petitioner: _______________________________________Date________________ Instructor: _______________________________________Date________________ Approved/Denied (*If denied, must go through channels to Provost/VPAA.)

Department Head: _________________________________Date________________ Approved/ Denied Dean of College: __________________________________Date________________ Approved/Denied Dean of Graduate Studies and Research: ________________________________________________Date_________________ Approved/Denied _ Registrar: ______________________________________________________Date___________ Approved/Denied *Provost _______________________________________________________Date___________ *Required if not recommended by the instructor.