REGISTRATION FAQ
1. If I'm only doing research hours, do I still need to register?
Answer: Yes! Research hours are considered the same as a "class" on the registration form. You do receive a grade for your research hours (S, U, or I). You must be in registered status each semester to receive a paycheck (or stipend). (The only exception is for Master's students during the summer session).
2. How do I audit a class?
Answer: If you want to audit a class, you must go to the Registrar's Office (located in Hovde Hall) and request an audit form from their office. They will provide all instructions.
3. How do I sign up for "Exam/Degree" only?
Answer: You need a "Schedule Revision Request – Form 23". These forms are available within the Grad Office. The top of the form has been filled in and it needs to be signed by the student and by the student's Major Professor. The signed form should be returned to the Grad Office. (The form will be taken to the Grad School to be processed).
4. What is the difference between Exam Only and Degree Only?
Answer: Exam Only means that you will be doing your Final Oral Exam and completing your Thesis/Dissertation during the semester.
Degree Only means that you have completed all requirements for graduation. You have completed your Final Oral Exam but may still need to submit your Thesis/Dissertation. (Or you may have completed all requirements for graduation, but missed the cut-off dates set by the Grad School.)
5. How do I get my PIN number?
Answer: You can request your PIN number from the Grad Office. The number will be given to you after verification that you are eligible to register for the next semester. (EX: We will verify that you have held all timely RC meetings as requested by your committee).
6. Why do I need to do a paper registration? Can't I just sign up for all my classes online?
Answer: The paper registration is verification of the classes you want to take for the semester. It is also verification that you have met with your Major professor (or temp) to discuss the classes you want to take and to make sure you are on the right track for your qualifier and towards graduation.
7. Who needs to sign my registration?
Answer: You and your major professor (or temp) needs to sign your registration form.
8. Which registration form do I use?
Answer: Typically, you only need the "Biological Sciences Registration Form" provided each semester by the Grad Office. Each semester a different color of the form is provided – and kept just inside the door to the office. You need an "official" Form 23 registration form if you are doing an "exam/degree" only registration or if you need to add or drop a class after the open registration period.
9. What if I want to "add" or "drop" a class after I'm registered?
Answer: Typically, to add or drop a class after you have registered, you can come to the office to request the class be added/dropped – or request your PIN and you can make the changes to "'mypurdue" yourself. Once the registration period is closed by the Registrar – all add and drops need to be made on the Form 23, signed as necessary by student, PI, and instructor (and possibly Department head). These forms need to be hand carried by the student to the Registrar's Office located in Hovde Hall.
10. How many hours do I need?
Answer: To be considered a "full time" student during the fall and spring semesters you need between 8 to 12 hours. Beginning students that are working/studying towards the qualifier are urged to stay towards the 8 or 9 hours maximum. Students only taking research hours are encouraged to register for the 12 hour load. During the summer semester, six (6) credit hours are considered full time. (Master's students are typically not paid during the summer session and do not register.)