Subject: Grad Handbook Question From: "William J. Rapaport" Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:19:51 -0400 (EDT) A student writes [with grammar corrected :-)]: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I've entered PhD fall 2010, so do I need to submit qualifying verification form until spring 2012? ... I [am] just confused how ... we count 1st and 2nd year." Reply: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you entered this semester, Fall 2010, you are a first-year, first-semester student. According to section 4.7 of the Grad Handbook, you must complete your core course requirements "by the end of the second academic year in residence". Normally, that would be the end of the Spring 2012 semester, so you have interpreted it correctly. The student continues: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Also, I've taken 600-level courses from S[UNY] Binghamton. Can I also waive those courses with grade?" That's up to the Graduate Studies Committee. Please read sections 4.1.2 and 3.1.4 of the Grad Handbook to find out how to do this.