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COVID-19 FAQ for ECSE Graduate Students

  • Grad Experience Remote Update
  • I am supposed to graduate this semester, will I still be able to defend? I have a job lined up…
    • Yes. Your exam will need to happen online, preferably on WebEx.
  • How much does it cost to use WebEx?
  • What do I need to do to move my candidacy exam online?
    • If you already have a time scheduled for your candidacy, all you need to do is 1) schedule a WebEx meeting for the scheduled time, and 2) email your committee and provide a URL link to the WebEx meeting. 
  • What do I need to do to move my PhD defense online?
    • If you already have a time scheduled for your defense, all you need to do is 1) schedule a WebEx meeting for the scheduled time,  2) email your committee and provide a URL link to the WebEx meeting, and 3) email Priscilla the defense info (name, advisor name, title, abstract) AND include the WebEx link. The scheduled WebEx link should be public since a defense is public. Public means no password is needed to join the meeting (or create a password but share it in the announcement).
  • How do I get forms (eg DSYR, record of exam, etc.) signed by my advisor or the committee? How do I submit them to the registrar or OGE?
    • The registrar and OGE are accepting digital or scanned signatures on forms submitted via email. You should email your filled out forms to your advisor or instructor for signatures, then email the completed and signed forms to either the registrar’s office (registrar@rpi.edu) or to Priscilla.  
    • For fill-able PDF forms, go to our ECSE Useful Links and Forms page. Some forms are also available in fill-able form on the Registrar's website.
  • Is the Fall 2020 registration timeline still the same?
    • Yes, Fall 2020 registration is still moving forward as planned. Registration will begin on March 23rd.
  • How can I meet with ECSE Graduate Student Services?
  • How can I continue my research with my advisor?
    • You can communicate with your faculty advisors over email and find their preferred way to meet with you and discuss your research. They will likely want to communicate via email, WebEx and/or phone.
  • Do I need to come to the lab?
    • RPI encourages all graduate students to work remotely whenever possible. You need to discuss this with your advisor and come up with a plan that follows the social distancing rules.
  • What if the campus shuts down?
    • Discuss this possibility with your advisor and come up with a contingency plan.
  • What should I do if I develop symptoms of COVID-19?
    • ​​​​​​​You should immediately self-isolate and contact the Student Health Center at (518) 276-6287.
  • Where can I get the most recent information related to RPI and COVID-19?
  • I'm an International Student - how are online classes affecting me? What is my status? How can I meet with an ISSS advisor?
    • The ISSS office has a Coronavirus FAQ page - check there for the most up-to-date information for International Students at RPI.
  • Will I still have access to Medical and Counseling Services?
    • See here for important changes to Medical and Counseling Services at RPI.
  • I am admitted to ECSE for Fall 2020, but I'm concerned I will not get my visa in time. Can I defer my admission offer and begin in the Spring 2021 semester?
    • At this time, administrators are working to modify our policy in order to be flexible with the challenges presented by COVID-19, such as visa delays.  The information on the modification will be provided as soon as it is available.  In the meantime, please let us know immediately if you are experiencing visa processing delays by emailing gpd@ecse.rpi.edu or kritzk@rpi.edu. 
  • What is the process for submitting P/NC request for Graduate Students?
    • Please submit Pass/No Credit form directly to the Registrar's Office (registrar@rpi.edu).
  • I have concerns about the fact that I'm an International Student.  Where should I go to get information and updates?