Annual Academic Progress Review
The Annual Academic Progress Review is a required process for graduate students enrolled in degree-seeking programs at Oklahoma State University. The review supports timely progress toward degrees, clarifies expectations, and ensures that students remain in good academic standing.
Annual reviews also help departments determine eligibility for assistantships, summer funding, fellowships, and other awards for the upcoming academic year. This process aligns with Graduate College policy, which requires that graduate students make satisfactory academic progress to hold an assistantship.
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Purpose of the Annual Review
The annual review serves several important functions:
- Monitors progress toward degree completion
- Identifies strengths and accomplishments
- Clarifies expectations for the coming year
- Identifies areas needing improvement
- Documents academic milestones and professional activity
- Supports assistantship and funding decisions
The review provides both accountability and structured mentorship through written feedback and discussion.
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Who is Responsible?
The annual review process is conducted and overseen by the academic unit.
Responsibilities typically include:
- Graduate students complete the self-report portion of the review.
- The student’s adviser reviews the information and provides a written evaluation.
- The Graduate Program Coordinator, Graduate Secretary, or Review Committee oversees the process, ensures completion, and maintains documentation.
- The signed original review is placed in the student’s file, and a copy is provided to the student.
In cases of unsatisfactory progress, written documentation outlining deficiencies and required remediation must be provided. The Graduate Dean is copied on this correspondence.
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How Often Does the Review Occur?
The review is conducted annually for all enrolled degree-seeking graduate students.
Departments establish specific internal timelines, but the process generally includes:
- Distribution of the review form or request for a CV
- Student submission of required information by a stated deadline
- Adviser evaluation and goal setting
- Review committee discussion of student progress
- Written feedback shared with the student
- Placement of the signed review in the student file
Ideally, graduate programs provide the Graduate College with an aggregate summary of completed reviews.
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Required Documents
The following official documents support the Annual Academic Progress Review process:
→ Annual Academic Progress Review Instructions
This document provides procedural guidance for departments conducting annual reviews, including:
- Policy context
- Suggested timelines
- Roles and responsibilities
- Review committee procedures
- Documentation requirements
- Procedures for addressing unsatisfactory progress
Download the Annual Academic Progress Review Instructions (Word)
→ Annual Review Template Form
This form outlines the required elements of the student self-report and adviser evaluation, including:
- Coursework completed
- Degree milestones
- Research and thesis/dissertation progress
- Teaching and research assistantship service
- Professional activity and recognitions
- Adviser evaluation of strengths and areas for growth
- Estimated graduation date
- Signatures and documentation
Graduate students and faculty are encouraged to review these documents carefully and adhere to departmental timelines. The Annual Academic Progress Review supports student success, program accountability, and compliance with Graduate College policies.
For questions regarding the annual review process, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator or the Graduate College.