Tetrad Graduate Program Policy on Student Progress

UCSF is highly dedicated to student success at UCSF, however, obtaining a PhD degree is not guaranteed upon joining a graduate program. Success in the Tetrad Graduate Program is predicated on students making satisfactory progress as outlined in the Graduate Division Policy on Student Progress.

A few points of clarification regarding Tetrad Graduate Program specific expectations for student progress:

  • Passing all courses is a requirement for advancing to PhD candidacy.
    • Every course has a syllabus, which outlines student responsibilities and expectations to pass the course. If a student fails a course, they will receive an incomplete grade and be offered one opportunity to retake the course. If they fail the course again, the student must leave the Tetrad program.
    • A student will be given the opportunity to retake up to 2 courses. However, if a student fails more than two courses, the student must leave the Tetrad program.
  • Passing the qualifying exam is a requirement for advancing to PhD candidacy. If a student fails the qualifying exam, they are given one opportunity to retake the exam. Upon failing the reexamination, the student must leave the Tetrad program.
  • Joining a thesis lab does not guarantee a PhD degree. Students must maintain good standing through their research and academic activities, evaluated by their advisor, program coordinator and program directors, and their thesis committee members. If a student does not maintain good standing, they will not be recommended for a PhD.
  • If a student has passed the qualifying exam and advanced to PhD candidacy but is not making adequate progress, the student may have the opportunity to earn a Master of Science degree and exit the program.

In addition, Tetrad expects students to adhere to community expectations for student professionalism and conduct.

UCSF’s Principles of Community (https://diversity.ucsf.edu/about/principles-of-community) and PRIDE Values (https://www.ucsf.edu/about/mission-and-values) illustrates the expectations for all members of the UCSF community as we work together to fulfill UCSF’s mission. Students are expected to act consistently with the values of the University community and to follow University policies (source).