I. Course Grades
Almost all graduate level courses are offered on a graded basis. According to Graduate School regulations, a grade of B- is the lowest satisfactory grade for graduate credit. Furthermore, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 each academic year in order to be considered by the Graduate School as making satisfactory progress toward a degree.

All students should be aware that although the grade of B- is adequate for general academic credit, it is considered a marginal grade for predoctoral students in the Department of Biology. Thus, the grade of B- (or lower) in one or more courses, especially in the first year, will be viewed as an indicator of less than satisfactory progress in the doctoral program.

II. First Year Evaluation
The Graduate Committee evaluates the overall performance and progress of each beginning student at the end of the first academic year. The Committee considers: l) performance in formal course work and laboratory rotations, 2) performance in the first year Introduction to Research course, and 3) participation in seminars, teaching and other general academic activities of the Department. The Graduate Committee then advises the Biology Faculty concerning each student's overall performance. The Faculty considers the recommendation of the Graduate Committee and decides by formal vote the continuing status of each student. The decision of the faculty is transmitted to each student by letter.

A student whose overall performance has been judged satisfactory may proceed into the second year of study.

A student whose overall performance has been judged unsatisfactory will be required to do one of the following: (l) Successfully complete additional course work; (2) Pursue a program leading to the Master's degree; (3) Leave the Department.

III. Residency
Each student must satisfy the residency requirement and any other requirements imposed by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, as outlined in the Graduate Record (http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/records/gradrec//).

All requirements for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years of study in the Department.