Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to pay a Filing Fee in lieu of registration if approved by your academic unit and the Graduate Dean. In general, the Filing Fee option applies only to students who have completed ALL requirements for a Master's, Ed.D., or Ph.D. degree except for "official" submission of a thesis or dissertation to the University Archives, or completion of the final formal examination (e.g., the comprehensive examination for those Master's candidates pursuing Plan II). However, prior to the beginning of the quarter on which you plan to be on filing fee status, you must have satisfied all other requirements for the degree, including advancement to candidacy. This means, for example, that you are not eligible for Filing Fee Status if you currently have incomplete grades (NR, I) in courses that are needed to fulfill your degree requirements.
Limitations
Students who pay the filing fee cannot enroll in any courses. Filing Fee status can be used for one quarter only during your entire graduate career. Students applying for Filing Fee status must have been registered in the preceding academic session. You may not go on filing fee status immediately following an academic leave of absence. If you do not complete all remaining degree requirements during the quarter on filing fee status, you must register and pay all applicable fees for full-time status for any subsequent quarter.
NOTE: International visa restrictions may preclude Filing Fee status for students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States . You should verify your eligibility for Filing Fee status via the International Center well in advance of need. If you are eligible, you need to have International Center acknowledge your eligibility on the Filing Fee Petition.
For important information about additional limitations (e.g., student housing; student loan repayment referral; student or academic employment; etc.), please review the filing fee section of the Graduate Advisor's Handbook.
