Graduate Catalog

Contents
Catalog Links

Registration

Orientation

Newly-admitted students participate in an orientation event that introduces them to various aspects of the Khalifa University community. During orientation, students can plan their academic program, register for courses, learn about University resources and campus life, and meet with faculty, staff and new classmates. Orientation sessions are normally held in the Fall and Spring semesters. For policies and processes concerning the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, please refer to the CMHS Medical Student Handbook.

Number of Degrees

A student may be registered for only one degree at any time, and work to be submitted for a degree cannot be submitted elsewhere for a degree or other similar award.

Registration Process

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for the management of the registration process by which students enroll in classes. Registration information is provided to students before the registration period begins. Through the registration process, students assume academic and financial responsibilities for the classes or research in which they enroll. All graduate students are required to re-register on a semester basis. Such re-registration is subject to satisfactory progress.

Registration Deadlines

Khalifa University policies determine when students may enroll or adjust their enrollment in classes. The Registrar’s Office has the most up to date information regarding these policies. The registration period and other important dates are published in the Academic Calendar, which can be downloaded from the University website.

Registration Holds

Students will not be permitted to register if there is a “hold” on their record. Holds may be related to academic standing (probation or dismissal), non-academic offense violations (disciplinary), incomplete admission (missing documents), financial or scholarship matters. Holds may also be placed on students who are not UAE citizens and have not submitted required immigration documentation. To clear a hold, the student must contact the office that has issued the hold to find out what must be done to fulfil the obligation(s).

Academic Advising

In order to register each semester, students must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss their academic progress, course selection and obtain approval for registration. This process ensures that the student is on track to meet the graduation requirements of his or her degree program. Academic advising is an integral aspect of academic progress and a shared responsibility between the student and his/her advisor.

The appropriate Department Chair (or designee) will serve as the academic advisor for all newly admitted graduate students in their first semester of study. By the end of the first semester, full-time students will have an opportunity to nominate their preferred research project and research advisor. For part-time students, this is normally completed by the end of the second semester of study. MEng students are not required to complete a research thesis and their academic advisor will be appointed by the relevant academic department. Please refer to the “Research Project Allocation and Advisor Appointment” section of this catalog for further details.

Academic Advising Guiding Principles

Academic advising is guided by the following principles:

  • Effective academic advising can play an integral role in student development.
  • Mutual respect and shared responsibility should govern the personal interactions between advisors and students.
  • Students and advisors must prepare for, actively participate in, and take appropriate action following advising sessions.
  • Advising information provided to students must be accurate, accessible, and timely.
  • Academic advising should encourage students to explore many possibilities and broaden their educational experience.
  • Academic advising should encourage a positive attitude toward lifelong learning.
  • Academic advising should use all available resources and means to provide advising tailored to the individual needs of students.
  • Academic advisors should keep records of the advising sessions held with a student.

Faculty Office Hours

Faculty office hours are allocated for student consultation. Faculty are required to display office hours on their office doors. Students are encouraged to make use of these times for consulting with faculty on the courses they are taking.

Study Plan

The study plan outlines the minimum academic requirements of the degree program, which must be completed by a student in order to be eligible to graduate. Study plans change over time, and consequently students are required to follow the approved plan and degree requirements that were in effect at the time of their admission to the academic program. Students may petition the Department Chair for approval of changes to the prescribed study plan. Small changes may be approved by the Department Chair. Significant changes require approval from the Department Chair, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the relevant College and the Dean of Graduate Studies.