General Regulations for Graduate Students

Each University student is subject to two sets of academic regulations - those of the University as a whole, which are cited in this section, and the academic rules of the college and program in which he or she is enrolled. The academic rules of colleges and programs are listed in sections devoted to college programs.

In registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations, and procedures for the University, as set forth in this publication. Moreover, in accepting admission to the University, each student assumes responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations, and procedures of the University pertaining to his or her student status as set forth in the appropriate UML publications.

Students who have questions about the interpretation or application of University academic policy should consult the dean of their college or the Vice Provost for Graduate Education. 

Defining a Credit Hour

The University of Massachusetts Lowell adheres to the Federal regulation which defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutional established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than

  • One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or 
  • At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practice, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Graduate Policies