Coronavirus FAQ
COVID-19 information for graduate students
Updated September 13, 2021
The Graduate School office continues to be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students are required to follow check-in instructions at the entrance if visiting the office in person, and all services and meetings are encouraged to be completed remotely when possible. Document submission is electronic only. All staff, students, and visitors will be required to follow the latest University policies and procedures. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
You can find the latest information and decisions affecting all students and campus on the University’s Student Coronavirus page. Here you will information on Fall 2021 instruction modes, required student training, housing and dining updates, and several other resources and information applicable to all students.
Below is information specific to graduate students and graduate program directors, faculty, and staff that support graduate students. Please check back frequently, as updates will be made on an ongoing basis.
For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate School office at (775) 784-6869 or email at gradprogression@unr.edu.
Academics
Orientation
- The New Graduate Student Orientation course is available on webcampus for all graduate students. The course was 100% online this year and modules can be viewed at any time.
Graduate Teaching Assistants
- All first-time Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) must complete GRAD 701S. This course was 100% online this year can be accessed through WebCampus. The training and quiz must be completed by August 19, 2021 for GTAs joining in Fall of 2021.
- For support and teaching resources, please reach out to Office of Digital Learning.
International Graduate Students
Continuing international students unable to return to campus will have to take a leave of absence until they can return to the U.S. View the Leave of Absence form for graduate students.
Academic progression
Forms
All forms on the Graduate School website are either online submissions, interactive PDFs or DocuSign electric forms. Please read through the PDF DocuSign instructions to understand how to initiate and complete those forms. If you have questions about the process or encounter issues with the DocuSign forms, please contact (775) 784-6869 or email at gradprogression@unr.edu.
Graduation application
Appeals to the application deadline for degree programs are accepted at the Graduate School until the last day of the graduation term. The Advanced Degree Graduation Application Deadline Appeal form is available on the Graduate School’s forms page.
Thesis/dissertation filing deadline
The dissertation or thesis filing deadline for Spring 2021 is May 7. If you require an extension, please contact the graduate school to determine options for filing late or delaying your filing to Summer 2021. International students should be sure to contact OISS regarding any changes in their enrollment or degree continuation.
Dissertation and thesis defense
In order to safeguard the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, the Graduate School is temporarily relaxing the requirements for the public defense of the dissertation. The new, temporary policy is in effect until further notice.
Academic probation and dismissal
Visit the Graduate School’s academic standing page for any updates on policies related to graduate student probation or dismissal.
Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Students Association and the University of Nevada, Reno grants, loans, scholarships and donation programs available to assist students and their programs based on need such as:
- Childcare Scholarship Program
- Computer Loan Program
- Financial Crisis Grant Program
- International Student Transitional Loan
Contact information
- Visit the Graduate Student Association Need-Based Services website for more information and application forms.
- Phone: (775) 327-5190
Graduate students
The following reflects the most current available information pertaining to graduate students. For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate School office, currently working remotely, at (775) 784-6869 or email at gradprogression@unr.edu.
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Are the Graduate School and Graduate Student Association currently open?
Beginning Monday, August 24, the Graduate School office will be open from 9 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. The GSA office is open on a limited schedule from 10 am – 3 pm, Monday through Friday. However, all services and meetings are encouraged to be completed remotely when possible.
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How can I submit documents to the Graduate School?
All forms on the Graduate School website are either online submissions, interactive PDFs or Docusign electric forms. Please read through the PDF DocuSign instructions to understand how to initiate and complete those forms. If you have questions about the process or encounter issues with the DocuSign forms, please contact (775) 784-6869 or email at gradprogression@unr.edu.
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How should I fulfill the requirements for a public dissertation or thesis defense this semester?
In order to safeguard the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, the Graduate School is temporarily relaxing the requirements for the public defense of the dissertation. The new, temporary policy is in effect until further notice.
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If the Cashier's Office is closed, how do I pay my thesis or dissertation processing fee?
Log into your Student Center in MyNEVADA. Under the Finances section, click on the link “Purchase Miscellaneous Items.” Select the applicable processing fee to pay (Dissertation or Thesis) and complete the transaction. You will receive a receipt that generates overnight. Please keep this item as proof of payment for your records. Our office will automatically check for payment posted.
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I missed the graduation application deadline. Do I have the option to apply late?
Appeals to the application deadline for degree programs are accepted at the Graduate School until the last day of the graduation term. The Advanced Degree Graduation Application Deadline Appeal form is available on the Graduate School’s forms page.
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What can I do if I'm experiencing financial hardship during this time?
Graduate students in financial difficulty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a financial crisis grant through the GSA.
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Where can I find information about my graduate student health insurance?
For additional information about the health insurance provided, visit Academic HealthPlans or view the Plan Design and Benefits Summary. You can also visit the Graduate School's health insurance page.
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Can I still take the GRE General Test, GMAT or English language fluency tests?
The GRE now provides at-home testing using the same GRE General Test. Test monitoring is conducted using live remote proctors by ProctorU. Scores available in 10–15 days.
The GMAT now offers and online exam. Scores will be available within one week of the exam appointment.
The TOEFL iBT also now provides at home testing using the same TOEFL iBT Test. Test monitoring is conducted using live remote proctors by ProctorU. Scores available in 6-10 days.
The Duolingo test can be taken online, anywhere and at any time. Scores provided in 48 hours.
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Should I wait to graduate so I can participate in an in-person commencement?
There is a difference between graduation and participating in a commencement ceremony. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on your official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated. The student can choose a later commencement date in which to participate. If you are eligible to graduate, you should proceed with filing the necessary forms in order to do so. If you are eligible to graduate and do not complete the proper paperwork, it could result in fees the following semester or possibly loss of student status.