Full-Time Equivalency for Graduate Students

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This FTE allows the U-M International Center (IC) to report full-time enrollment to SEVIS to maintain the student's F1 status. Students who are overseas during an academic term should not apply for FTE. Instead, they should apply for full time Detached Study through the Rackham Graduate School. Do not apply for FTE if you have a Certification of Dissertation Research/Writing through Rackham Graduate School. Students who are in their final semester should apply for Reduced Course Load, not FTE. Full Time Equivalency is for the purpose of maintaining immigration status only. You may not be considered an active student for other purposes, such as loans, for example. Rackham requires that all students register for at least one credit. Who Can Qualify An FTE may be granted in the following circumstances: A graduate student is completing all formal course work during the current term. Upon completion of formal course work, the student will begin to prepare for preliminary exam, qualifying exam, dissertation or thesis. A graduate student has already completed all formal course work but is currently preparing for preliminary exam, qualifying exam, or thesis. A graduate student is participating in a combination of clinical work and course work. Requirements A signed letter from the academic advisor or department is required. The letter must be on letterhead and must state the following information: That the student is considered to be full time by the department. What the student will be doing during the term of FTE authorization (please refer to allowable FTE approval reasons above). The number of credits for which the student will register during the term of FTE authorization. Please be advised that the Full Time Equivalency Request Form along with the required documents listed on the request form must be submitted during a Reduced Course Load (RCL) workshop. The FTE must be received by the U-M International Center (IC) by the end of the drop/add period of EACH TERM. A student who drops below a full course of study without prior approval of a Designated School Official (DSO) is considered out of status. Once this request is approved, we will issue you a FULL TIME EQUIVALENCY CERTIFICATE, and you should keep this letter for your own records. You will need to pick up the certificate at the U-M International Center (IC) and show your U-M photo ID. Last reviewed: 12/07

Who Can Qualify

Requirements