Last updated March 2026
I. Graduate Students
Academic Calendar
Important academic dates can be found in the Graduate School’s Academic Calendar.
Academic Honesty
The Student Academic Honesty Code applies to all students taking classes at Auburn University with the exception of students in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Pharmacy that are enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Doctor of Pharmacy programs, respectively, who shall be subject to honesty codes published and distributed within each school.
Code of Student Conduct
Standards of acceptable behavior for students and student organizations are reflected in the Code of Student Conduct and other university policies. The student conduct process and the associated conduct outcomes are designed to be educational, promoting a healthy and safe environment while also respecting the rights of all members of the Auburn University community.
Discrimination/Harassment
Harassment based on protected class constitutes a violation of university policy and may also constitute a violation of civil rights laws. Such harassment will not be tolerated by Auburn University. It subverts the mission of the university and threatens the careers, educational experience and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Prohibited harassment includes harassment based on race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and veteran status. Read the Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited by federal regulation – see: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy. Sexual harassment in academic settings and in the employment area where students are involved is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, graphic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct may be explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s academic success or employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct may be used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the student and the student’s total educational and/or work experience, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student’s employment or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive.
Students who wish to make a complaint of sexual or other prohibited harassment or discriminatory conduct should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance, 317 James E. Foy Hall, or call (334) 844-4794.
Due Process for Graduate Students
The student’s advisory committee monitors each graduate student’s progress toward a degree, and issues of professional and personal development may be considered. While failure to maintain good academic standing merits automatic dismissal, a student also maybe dropped from the Graduate School if progress is unsatisfactory in other areas.
In such cases, the advisory committee will prepare a statement of grievance and discuss it in a meeting with the student. The statement must have the unanimous support of all members of the committee. The student will be warned that corrective measures must be taken within a specified time to avoid action that might result in dismissal. The committee determines the period allowed for correction. Copies of the statement of grievance and meeting summary will be provided the student, the department head or chair, the academic dean, and the graduate school dean.
If the deficiency is not corrected within the time allowed by the committee, a statement reiterating the grievance and recommending dismissal should be sent to the graduate dean with copies to the student, the department head or chair, and the academic dean.
The graduate school dean will provide the student an opportunity to respond and will make a final determination. The student and the advisory committee will be notified. The action taken will not appear on the student’s official transcript, and release of information is restricted under the University’s policy on the confidentiality of student records.
Exceptions Policy
Graduate School Policies are enumerated in the Auburn University Bulletin. Exceptions may be made to policies of the Graduate School under special circumstances. A person wishing to request an exception should write a letter to the dean of the Graduate School stating the nature of the request and the reasons for it. If a student is making the request, the letter should be submitted first to the major professor, who will write a letter of recommendation. Both letters go to the department head. If a member of the faculty is making the request, the letter goes to the department head, who will write a letter of recommendation. All letters go to the associated college/school dean for approval. Letters and comments then are forwarded to the graduate school dean. A request for an extension of time to meet degree requirements must be justified. It must be accompanied by a proposed schedule for completion and assurance that the student is current in subjects included in the plan of study worksheet.
Fellowships and Financial Aid
Only degree-seeking Master’s (MST), Education Specialist (EdS), and Doctoral (PhD) students who meet all admissions requirements are eligible for federal loans or financial aid. Graduate Provisional (GPR) and Graduate Non-Degree (GND) students are not eligible for these programs. Read more about fellowships and financial aid opportunities on the Graduate School website.
Forms
Required forms to initiate processes such as matriculation, a schedule adjustment, graduation, awards, and more can be found in the Graduate School Forms online listing.
Graduate Student Information
Information on the following topics can be found on the Current Students section of the Graduate School website:
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Academic Resources
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Assistantships and Funding
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Campus Resources and Organizations
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Student Life
Student Counseling and Psychological Services
Student Counseling & Psychological Services provide short-term individual and on-going group counseling to address the emotional/developmental concerns of students. Educational and academic-related, skill-building workshops are offered to the campus community. Safe Harbor provides sexual assault/violence counseling services for victims. Students needing long-term psychotherapy or24-hour crisis management are provided an appropriate referral. For assistance, call (334) 844-5123 or visit the Student Counseling & Psychological Services website.
Student Policy eHandbook
The Student Policy eHandbook provides information for all students about academic affairs; student records, grades, and schedules; financial; information technology; parking and transit services; housing and residence life; student conduct; and safety.
Research Involving Animals
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the proper care, use, and humane treatment of animals used in research, teaching, outreach, production, and demonstration at Auburn University. The IACUC reviews all animal use protocols, reviews the animal care and use program, and monitors university animal facilities to ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements. The IACUC serves as a campus-wide resource and is engaged in assisting with animal-related needs. Information may be obtained from the IACUC Administrator, 540 Devall Drive, Suite 200, Auburn, AL or by phone at (334) 844-5966.
Research Involving Humans
Auburn University established the Institutional Review Board for the Use of Human Subjects in Research (IRB) to evaluate research for compliance with the guidelines and policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration and other federal, state and local regulations. All research in which human subjects are used, whether by faculty, staff, or students, must be approved in advance by the IRB, regardless of the source of funding, lack of funding or any other consideration. Research involving human subjects not approved in advance may be disallowed and may incur severe penalties for non-compliance with institutional policy. Information and review forms may be obtained from the IRB Administrator, 540 Devall Drive, Suite 200, Auburn, AL 36832 or by phone at (334) 844-5966.
II. Graduate Assistantships
Types of Graduate Assistantships
Administration of Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Student Employee Background Checks
Guidelines for Graduate Assistantships
Requirements for Graduate Assistant Reappointment
Guidelines for Graduate Tuition Fellowships
