Full-Time Certification Policy for Graduate Students Enrolled Less Than Full-Time

Purpose

This policy defines the conditions under which graduate students registered for fewer than the standard full-time credit load (9 credits) may be certified as full-time for enrollment reporting and compliance purposes. It establishes clear criteria for certification and minimum standards for academic engagement.

Scope

This policy applies to all Lehigh University graduate students who are enrolled for fewer than nine (9) credits in a fall or spring semester and who require certification as full-time for institutional, federal, or external purposes.

Policy Statement

Graduate students are normally considered full-time when enrolled in at least nine (9) credits during a fall or spring semester, or six (6) credits during the summer term. Winter will not be considered for full-time certification. Students enrolled in fewer than nine (9) credits may be certified as full-time if they are engaged in approved academic activities equivalent in time commitment and intensity to full-time enrollment. The minimum weekly commitment to be considered full-time is 27 hours per week.

Students employed 75% of the time or more by any single business are ineligible for FT Certification.

Eligibility for Full-Time Certification

To qualify for full-time certification while registered for fewer than nine (9) credits, a graduate student must meet one or more of the following conditions:

  1. Thesis, Dissertation, or Research Enrollment
    The student is registered for thesis, dissertation, or research credits and is engaged in research or writing activities equivalent to a full-time academic load. Thesis registration is limited to two semesters. 
    1. Minimum Engagement Requirement: The student must be engaged in academic or research activities for at least 27 hours per week during the fall or spring semester (or 18 hours per week during summer).
  2. Professional Internships
    The student is completing a required internship or practicum as outlined in the program of study for the degree being sought as outlined in the university catalog. 
    1. Minimum Engagement Requirement: The student must be engaged in internship activities for at least 27 hours per week during the fall or spring semester (or a proportional equivalent during summer).

Certification Process

  1. Request Submission:
    A Graduate Full-Time Certification Request must be submitted to the Registrar's Office each term the student is enrolled less than full-time and seeks certification no later than the fifth day of classes. Late submissions by petition will not be accepted after the last day of classes for the term. 
  2. Departmental Verification:
    The college and department program designees must verify that the student’s engagement meets the minimum 27-hour-per-week standard and aligns with approved academic or research activity.
  3. Registrar Review and Approval
    The Registrar’s Office will review the request for completeness, verify eligibility, and approve certification for reporting purposes.

Compliance and Reporting

  • The Registrar's Office will record approved certifications and report full-time status to the National Student Clearinghouse and other external agencies as required.
  • Departments must retain documentation verifying the student's academic engagement to support audit or compliance review.
  • Misrepresentation of full-time engagement may affect student eligibility for financial aid or immigration status. International students should consult with OISS prior to filling out a certification request.

Frequency and Monitoring

Certification must be renewed each academic term in which the student is enrolled less than full-time and seeks certification. The Registrar's Office will monitor compliance with this policy and may request verification of academic engagement hours.

The Registrar's Office will periodically review this policy to ensure consistency with federal reporting standards and institutional requirements.