Policies and Procedures

Academic Performance Policies

Although the Department of Anthropology expects all students who enter the program to succeed in their academic pursuit, it is necessary to have policies regarding continuance in the program.

Continuance in the graduate program is contingent on making normal progress toward the degree as determined by the Graduate School, the Chair of the Anthropology Department and the student’s advisory committee. Grounds for termination of participation in the graduate program include but are not limited to the following:

1. Failure to make normal progress. Normal progress is defined as:
   1. Maintaining a “B” average. Students who fail to maintain an average of 3.0 will be placed on probation.
   2. Completing “Incomplete” grades within one year (please note: if you have a TA or RA the incomplete must be complete before the beginning of your next semester in order to keep your assistantship).
   3. For full-time students: completing MA requirements in 6 semesters and completing PhD requirements in 9 semesters (exceptions may be evaluated on an individual basis)
2. Failure to actively pursue the degree.
   • Full-time students without funding are expected to enroll in a full semester course load (at least 10 credits) fall and spring semesters.
   • Full-time students with funding are expected to enroll in a minimum of 10 credits fall and spring semesters. Only take up to 3 graded courses and the rest of the credits will be taken as either 700 or 800 Research Credits. Please enroll in at least 1 credit of ANTH 700/800 each semester. (Exceptions may be evaluated on an individual basis.)
3. Failure to remove deficiencies.
   • Provisional Admittance: Students who have been provisionally admitted must satisfy provisions within the prescribed period.
   • Academic Probation: Students who have been placed on academic probation (due to low GPA or incompletes) must meet probationary criteria for continuance as determined by the Department of Anthropology on an individual basis. The department chair, graduate coordinator/committee chair and course instructor/s will evaluate the student’s probability of successfully completing the degree. One of these individuals will notify the student of decisions regarding continuance.

Academic Integrity

As an institution of higher education, Washington State University is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members of the university community share the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the university. To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the university cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty. To that end, the university has established rules defining prohibited academic dishonesty and the process followed when such behavior is alleged. These rules incorporate Washington State University’s Academic Integrity Policy, the university-wide document establishing policies and procedures to foster academic integrity. This policy is applicable to undergraduate and graduate students alike, as it pertains to dishonesty in course work and related academic pursuits. In cases of dishonesty in research and original scholarship, the University’s Policy and Procedural Guidelines for Misconduct in Research and Scholarship may take precedence over the policies and procedures contained herein. More information regarding the rules governing academic integrity can be found at the WSU Center for Community Standards.

Anthropology Graduate Student Organization (AGO)

The Anthropology Graduate Organization is an organization for currently enrolled WSU anthropology graduate students. The purpose of AGO is to promote graduate student professional development in anthropology. This is facilitated through several avenues, including support for participation in professional meetings, sponsoring guest speakers, and involvement in local community education.

In the past AGO has focused its efforts on raising money to send students to professional meetings, conferences and events. The organization has funded students who have attended the Northwest Anthropological Conference, the American Anthropology Association meeting, and the Society for American Archaeology meeting. Participation in these events provide opportunities such as presentations of thesis or dissertation research, networking with other professional individuals interested in similar research, and exposure to innovative professional studies.

For more information please check out the AGO website.

Assistantship Information

Graduate Assistantships

Teaching and research assistantships (TAs and RAs) are essential to providing a high quality academic experience for undergraduate and graduate students, and are integral to the teaching, research, and overall productivity of faculty members and the department as a whole. An assistantship is intended to prepare students for a professional career by providing professional growth opportunities through work. These opportunities should provide challenges and rewards that continue to promote personal and professional development, and contribute to the productivity of the student, the faculty, and the department.

Graduate assistants are expected to demonstrate responsible and professional behavior and provide the highest quality of work possible. Because faculty members have differing styles of work, it is very important that graduate assistants discuss work styles and specific expectations with each faculty member with whom they will be working. You will find a TA checklist in the Resources List of this handbook. You are encouraged to use it as a template when speaking with your supervising instructor.

You must complete Mandatory Responsible Conduct Training which can be found at the Graduate School’s responsible research website. (May now be administered through Workday or Percepio?)

The stipend for a graduate assistantship, like most salaries, is set annually and each TA or RA will be notified of their monthly stipend in their letter of offer. Each award requires 20 hours of service per week to the department. Generally, graduate students on appointment are expected to be available in the department from August 16th until December 31st (Fall Semester) and January 1st until May 15th (Spring Semester). The appointment period for teaching assistants is either one semester or nine months (the academic year). TA’s are required to register for a minimum of 10 credits. Of these 10 credits up to 3 classes can be graded course work and the rest can be a combination of Independent Study (ANTH 600) and/or Thesis or Dissertation Research (ANTH 700 and ANTH 800). Please enroll in at least 1 credit of ANTH 700/800 each semester. The maximum number of academic years a teaching assistantship may be awarded is two years for an MA student and four years for a PhD student.

Vacation/Leave Policy

There are no scheduled or guaranteed vacations. Students on appointment do not earn leave time. During the term of their appointments, all graduate student assistants are expected to be at work each normal workday, including periods when the University is not in session with the exception of the legal holidays designated by the Board of Regents. The major professor must approve all absences in advance.

The acceptance of admission, whether paid for from teaching funds, research grants, experiment station monies, or from public, private or foreign sources, implies a commitment on the part of the graduate student to conduct research with the major professor under a specific project. Except under extraordinary circumstances, students are discouraged from changing research projects. Doing so not only is disruptive of ongoing research, but also requires reassignment and finding other sources of financial support, both of which may be difficult, or even impossible.

Teaching Assistantships

TAs are typically assigned annually by the Department Chair based upon student experience, graduate student annual reviews and faculty/department needs. To qualify students must be enrolled full-time in either an Anthropology MA or PhD Program and must maintain “good standing” within the department. TAs are awarded for a maximum of 4 semesters to MA students and a maximum of 8 semesters to PhD students (this does not include summer assistantships). Some typical responsibilities associated with a graduate TA are listed below:

• Attend lectures (unless instructors wish otherwise)
• Help with preparation of class lectures (e.g. readying video clips or other visual materials)
• Act as a liaison between Instructional Student Services (ISS), library and instructor
• Proctor exams
• Contribute to development of exams
• Lecture occasionally
• Grade papers, exams and other assignments
• Set up and maintain grade sheets and rosters
• Enter student grades
• Hold regular office hours
• Develop and/or copy class handouts
• Conduct library searches and retrieval for faculty member
• Perform other work as needed by the faculty member

Also, the following website leads to great resources for everything from the preparation of teaching materials to workshops that help you learn new teaching skills/styles.

TA Workshops and Teaching Resources

Research Assistantships

RAs are funded by grants and contracts obtained by individual faculty members from sources outside the department. The pay scale, hours, and work year are set by the principal investigator (faculty member in charge of the grant or contract). The number of RAs varies from semester to semester and it is difficult to predict more than a few months in advance. Duties associated with an RA are determined by the contract and/or principal investigator, expectations should be discussed at the time of hiring.

Establishing Residency

Because in-state tuition is considerably less expensive for Washington residents than for out-of-state students, you should begin to establish residency right away.

Beginning one year prior to the semester during which you plan to apply (your first year of graduate school here at WSU), “establish ties” in Washington State. Below is a checklist of items that will help prove you have done so. Within two weeks of arriving in Pullman, be sure to complete the applicable items in this list. After you have lived in Washington for one year, you will submit a residency questionnaire (you will find the questionnaire at the: Establishing Residency page) to the Graduate School, along with all of the following items:

Checklist

• Any home purchase agreements, lease agreements, rent receipts or cancelled checks, or letters from your landlord that verify physical residence in Washington for 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of the semester in which you submit the residency application.
• A copy of your Washington State driver’s license. You must obtain a Washington State driver’s license at least one year prior to the semester in which you apply. If you do not drive, provide a copy of your Washington State identification card.
• Proof of any permanent full-time or part-time employment in Washington during the year prior to the semester in which you apply.
• A copy of your Washington State vehicle registration issued one year prior to the semester in which you apply. (A copy of your title will not suffice). Failure to provide this will likely result in a denial of Washington residency for tuition purposes.
• A copy of Washington voter registration issued one year prior to the semester in which you apply.
• Proof of having established a bank account in Washington.
• Any other documents you have to show that you have established ties in Washington for the one year prior to the semester in which you apply (clubs, organizations, etc.).

For International students

If you are not a U.S. citizen, but hold permanent resident immigration status, temporary resident status, or refugee status, submit a copy of both sides of your Resident Alien Card, Form I-94, Temporary Resident card or other verification of your status with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

Please note: You need to submit the above documents along with your permanent resident card.

Filing for a Program Extension

MA Students

Most full-time MA students in Anthropology require 2-3 years for completion of their program. The maximum time allowed for completion of a master’s degree is 6 years from the date of the program of study. The Graduate School and the Department of Anthropology recognize that some programs may take longer to complete. As appropriate, departments may request an extension of this time limit as described below.

PhD Students

Most students enrolled in doctoral degrees programs in Anthropology require 4-6 years for completion of their program. There are two time limitations for doctoral students:

1. The maximum time allowed for completion of a doctoral degree is 10 years from the beginning date of the earliest course applied toward the degree. This means that the courses (including transfer coursework) on the Program of Study remain valid only for 10 years from the earliest date of the course/s applied toward the degree.
2. In addition, the doctoral degree must be completed within 3 years of the date of the satisfactory completion of the preliminary examination.

Requesting an extension

First Extension.

A one-year extension may be requested by the thesis/dissertation chair as an exception to Graduate School policy in the following circumstances:

Students who have not completed their master’s degree within the 6-year time limit.

Students who have not completed their doctoral degree within 3 years of the semester they pass their preliminary exam or within 10 years from the beginning date of the earliest course applied toward the degree. (Student must meet both deadlines.)

The student must make a formal request in writing to their thesis /dissertation chair. The thesis/dissertation chair must then discuss this situation with the student and they should mutually outline a plan for completion within one year. The thesis/dissertation chair must then consult with the thesis/dissertation committee and, if all agree, forward to an Associate Dean of the Graduate School a memorandum for review requesting a one-year extension. The thesis/dissertation chair must explain why this exception is requested, and the thesis/dissertation chair should indicate the support of this request by the student’s committee. An Associate Dean of the Graduate School will grant or reject the exception to the policy and this decision will be communicated to the thesis/dissertation chair and recorded in the student’s file. Note: Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two research credits during either the fall or the spring semester of a First Extension (enrollment is required in the semester of degree completion).

Second Extension.

After having been granted a first extension, a second extension for one year may be requested by using the procedure outlined below. The second extension is a serious matter and should be considered a final stage of the process to complete the degree.

The student must request a second extension to their thesis/dissertation chair. The student must explain, in writing, why they were unable to complete the thesis/dissertation after a first extension. They also must develop a detailed time-line for completing the thesis/dissertation if they would be granted a second extension.

The thesis/dissertation chair must evaluate and approve the rationale and time-line for the requested second extension. The student must schedule and complete a thesis/dissertation committee meeting where the time-line for completion is discussed.

A faculty meeting must be held where the student’s request for a second extension is discussed by the entire faculty. Once the thesis/dissertation advisor presents the circumstances for this request, the Chair must ballot the faculty for their support of the request. The results of this balloting must be reported to the Graduate School as part of the request for a second extension.

If the faculty vote supports the action, the thesis/dissertation chair must write a memorandum to be reviewed by an Associate Dean of the Graduate School requesting a second extension. This memorandum must explain the rationale for this extension, provide the details of the time-line, verify the date of the thesis/dissertation meeting, and indicate that the thesis/dissertation committee concurs with the decision to request a second extension. This memorandum must be copied to the Chair of the degree granting unit.

The Associate Dean will render a decision to extend a second request. If the extension is granted, a letter will be sent to the student (and copied to the department or program chair, the chair of the thesis/dissertation committee, and the Dean of the Graduate School) explaining that this second extension is essentially a final opportunity to complete the thesis/dissertation by following the time-line developed by the student and thesis/dissertation committee. The letter will indicate that third extensions are very rare. Note: Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two research credits during both the fall and the spring semesters of a Second Extension or until degree completion.

Third Extension.

It is possible to obtain a third extension under exceptional circumstances (personal and/or family medical issues, etc.). The third extension is absolutely final. The following process will be used to request a third and final extension:

The student must request a third extension to their thesis/dissertation chair. The student must explain, in writing, why they were unable to complete the thesis/dissertation after the second extension. They also must develop a detailed time-line for completing the thesis/dissertation if they would be granted a third extension.

The thesis/dissertation chair must evaluate and approve the rationale and time-line for the requested third extension. The student must schedule and complete a thesis/dissertation committee meeting where the time-line for completion is discussed.

A faculty meeting must be held where the students request for a third extension is discussed by the entire faculty of the degree granting unit. Once the thesis/dissertation advisor presents the circumstances for this request, the Chair must ballot the faculty for their support of the request. The results of this balloting must be reported to the Graduate School as part of the request for a third extension.

If the faculty supports the request, the Chair then writes a memorandum to the Dean of the Graduate School explaining the rationale for the request, a detailed time-line for completion of the thesis/dissertation within one year, and any extenuating circumstances that need to be considered. This memorandum of request is submitted to the Graduate School.

The thesis/dissertation chair, or the Chair of the department, will be invited to meet with the Dean of the Graduate School to present the case. The Dean of the Graduate School will make a determination, after hearing all the facts to grant, or reject, the request for a 3rd extension.

The Dean of the Graduate School will write a letter to the student and explain that this is a third and final extension. The student will acknowledge receipt of this letter in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School and the Chair and explain that they understand that this is their final opportunity to complete the thesis/dissertation degree. If the student is denied a third extension, the student may appeal the final decision of the Dean of the Graduate School to the Graduate Studies Committee only if the appeal is based on procedural irregularities. The written appeal to the Graduate Studies Committee due to procedural irregularities must be filed within 15 calendar days following a notice of decision from the Dean of the Graduate School regarding the 3rd extension. Note: Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two research credits during both the fall and the spring semesters of a Third Extension or until degree completion.

Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual

The Graduate School Policies and Procedures manual is most recently located at “gradschool.wsu.edu/gspp”. Please make sure you select the most up-to-date manual for current policy information.

Graduate Student Continuous Enrollment

All full- and part-time degree-seeking graduate students at all campus locations must maintain continuous enrollment in the Graduate School, registering for each semester, excluding summer sessions, from the time of first enrollment until all requirements for the degree are completed. Continuous enrollment is maintained by registering for a minimum of 2 graduate credits per semester (excluding the summer). International students who enroll for fewer than 10 credits must be approved by International Programs, in consultation with the Graduate School, prior to part-time enrollment during the academic year. Exceptions to the continuous enrollment policy are noted at the following website: Graduate School, Policies and Procedures, Chapter 5 Enrollment and Graduate Leave.

Continuous doctoral status (CDS) meets the continuous enrollment requirement.

Continuous Doctoral Status

Typically, doctoral students are able to complete their doctoral studies in a timely manner after completing their coursework and preliminary requirements. However, on occasion, doctoral students who have completed their coursework, preliminary exams and most of their research requirements do not have funding to continue to register for research credits; consequently, they must leave campus to finish their dissertation work. To meet the continuous enrollment requirement, doctoral students who have successfully completed their coursework and their preliminary exams and who DO NOT enroll for credit automatically will be placed into Continuous Doctoral Status (CDS). Students must complete their degree within three years of the date of the successful completion of their preliminary exam. Continuous doctoral status (CDS) is not intended to replace a student’s 800-research credit requirements. Please see the website above for more information include continuous enrollment fee information.

Graduate Student Leave Status

Typically, degree-seeking graduate students enroll in credits every semester until degree completion; however, sometimes circumstances are such that degree-seeking students are unable to enroll for credits. Such circumstances may include illness, family issues, financial need, work, or other obligations. These students must complete the appropriate graduate leave or internship leave paperwork, obtain approval from their faculty advisor and program chair, and submit the paperwork to the Graduate School in advance of the semester they will be away. Official leaves of absence, internship leave status, and absences not approved under this policy are included in the time limits to complete a degree.

Students who must be away from campus for reasons such as medical issues, family obligations, job obligations, military service, and who cannot maintain continuous enrollment in any given semester, may apply for an official graduate leave of absence. Only graduate leave for medical reasons and military service is available to doctoral students in continuous doctoral status. Students who are approved for graduate leave while in continuous doctoral status will not be charged the $50 administrative fee.

Students who wish to go on an internship approved by their program and who do not need to register for credits for the internship may apply for internship leave status. Only internship leave required by the student’s program is available to doctoral students in continuous doctoral status.

Students who are approved for internship leave while in continuous doctoral status will not be charged the $50 administrative fee.

Grievance Procedures

Should a graduate student have any grievances regarding the program, their assistantship, or their graduate experience, they should first discuss this with the most appropriate person depending on the nature of the concern. Relevant parties include: the student’s primary advisor, the coordinator of their graduate program, the department chair, and/or the WSU Ombudsman. If the grievance(s) are not resolved through any of these channels, they may also be brought to the Graduate School (see Grievance Procedures at the following website: Graduate School, Policies & Procedures, (Chapter 12).

Institutional Review Board (IRB): Required Human Subjects Training

WSU IRB requires the Principal Investigators (PIs) and encourages all staff involved in the research to complete Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training in the ethical use of human subjects in research. The PI is ultimately responsible to adequately train all staff listed on the application in the protection of human participants in research. Re-training is required every five years. Wade Lafferty (Director of Operations and IT for the WSU College of Arts and Sciences) must approve all devices used in collection and or storage of data. All new students starting after spring 2025 must complete the newer form known as eIRB.

1. The IRB will only review projects that meet the definition of research.
2. Principal Investigators (PIs) on IRB Applications must be WSU faculty or staff.

For CITI training options, visit the CITI website at CITI courses .

If you have questions, contact the IRB coordinator at (509) 335-2995 or at the IRB Training website.

CITI Course

1. Principal Investigators must complete required initial certification modules of the web-based Collaborative IRB CITI course for social behavioral research and biomedical research areas.
2. Completion of the required initial certification modules takes about 3 to 4 hours; all modules do not have to be completed during “one” on-line session. To re-enter the course, remember to SAVE your “username” and “password.”
3. Final approval of new studies will not be granted until CITI training certificates have been received.
4. Additional optional training modules can be completed based on the research areas (for example: PI conducting international research can benefit from taking “international research” optional module).

Accessing and Completing the CITI Course

1. On a web browser, go to the CITI Program website
2. Click on “Register”
3. Click on the right-hand arrow for a drop-down list for “Participating Institutions” and select Washington State University. (If you select anything other than WSU your certificate of completion will not be sent to the WSU IRB.)
4. Follow the instructions for Registration (select username and password) and complete the required modules. (Remember to save your username and password for re-entering the course to complete modules, take additional training and/or to print additional certificates.)
5. Upon completion of the required modules, print the course “Completion Certificate” for your records. Also, attach “Completion Certificate” to your application.

The Office of Research Support and Operations (ORSO)

The Office of Research Support and Operations (ORSO) was established in 1972 to serve the needs of the Washington State University’s faculty and graduate students who seek support for research and scholarly endeavors. ORSO’s primary functions include locating and securing program information from federal, state and private sources, maintaining an in-house library of funding agencies, assisting in the development of successful proposals, reviewing proposals prior to submission to outside agencies. In addition, accepting awards for sponsored projects for the University. ORSO is also responsible for ensuring that all research conducted by members of the University complies with legal and ethical standards of the Institutional Review Board and the Institutional Biosafety Committee. There are numerous types of funding support ORSO will assist you in locating: fellowships, grants, scholarship, and travel support. The sooner you begin your search, the better it is for you.

Items that will help in you search at ORSO are: a listing of descriptive words, variables, the scope and limits of your project and a very general idea of the amount of money needed. From the inception of your idea and to the start of your dunging, plan to spend 6 to 12 months on the process. Contact the Graduate Support Coordinator to schedule an initial visit.

Contact Information

• ORSO website
• Sr. Grant & Contract Administrator, WSU College of Arts and Sciences: Troy Boni (troy.boni@wsu.edu)
• Grant & Contract Manager, WSU Vancouver: Diane Rathbun (diane.rathbun@wsu.edu)

Other Campus Sources of Funding not Affiliated with ORSO

• Student Financial Services: (509) 335-9711, Lighty Building 380
• Graduate School: Tuition and Finances Website
• Graduate School: Graduate Funding Opportunities
• International Programs: (509) 335-2541, Bryan 206

Registering For Classes

Instructions for registration, and the policies and procedures for dropping or adding classes can be found in the time schedule of classes available on the Registrar’s Office home page. You will need to log into myWSU in order to register for classes. You will need your WSU username and password to enter.

• The normal load for a graduate student is 10-18 credit hours per semester (6-8 hours in an eight-week summer session). Graduate students on half-time teaching or research assistantships are expected to carry a minimum of 10 credits per semester with no more than 12 hours of graded credit (3-6 in an eight-week summer session). However, the Department of Anthropology prefers its students with assistantships to take no more than 3 graded courses a semester.
• See the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual for requirements for graduate students on appointment or taking examinations.
• All graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment in the Graduate School, registering for each semester and summer session (if you are a summer instructor) from the time of first enrollment until all requirements for the degree are completed. Continuous enrollment may be maintained by registering in one of the following categories:
  1. Full-time enrollment
  2. Part-time enrollment
  3. Graduate leave status enrollment

WICHE Information

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) makes high-quality, distinctive graduate programs available to students of the West at a reasonable cost. WICHE helps place graduate students in a wide range of graduate programs, all designed around the educational, social, and economic needs of the West.

Through WICHE, residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to enroll in available programs outside their home state at resident tuition rates. Students need not meet financial aid criteria for this program.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which Anthropology program is eligible for WICHE?

Only graduate students who are part of the Archaeology Stream and have residency in one of the 15 participating states listed above are eligible to participate in WICHE.

How do I apply for WICHE status?

Students apply for admission directly through the Archaeology Program’s regular admissions process. Applicants must meet all of Washington State University’s and the Department of Anthropology’s admission requirements and apply within our deadlines.

How do I establish residency for the program?

WICHE is open to all residents of the 15 participating states. Normally, you must be a resident of your home state for at least one year before applying for admission as WICHE student.

Determination of residency is usually made by WSU. If necessary, the WICHE certifying officer of your home state can assist the institution in making a determination of residency. Contact the WICHE Student Exchange Program Office for assistance at (303) 541-0270.

What should I do if I’m billed for the wrong tuition rate?

The Department of Anthropology is responsible for informing the WSU accounting and registrar offices of your WICHE Status. Occasionally, a student is incorrectly billed for the full nonresident tuition. If this happens, contact the Program Coordinator for help. If necessary, we can contact WICHE for clarification or assistance.

Can I enroll through WICHE as a part-time student?

Yes. Part-time students are eligible to participate in WICHE.