Administrative Rules for Graduate Students Status of Shanghai Maritime University

Chapter I General Rules

Article 1: The rule of maintaining the normal education and teaching order of our school, guarantee the physical and mental health of postgraduates, and promote the comprehensive development of students' moral, intellectual, physical, and beauty, according to the "Regulations on the Management of Students in General Higher Education Institutions" No. 41 of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China is formulated in accordance with the requirements of the state for the reform of postgraduate comprehensive education and the actual situation of postgraduate education development in our university.

These rules are intended to help maintain order and discipline in our university, to ensure the physical and mental health of postgraduate students, and promote the comprehensive development of students in four aspects; moral, intellectual, physical, and beauty. These rules are also formulated in accordance with Article No.41 of “Regulations on the Management of Students in General Higher Education Institutions" provided by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, they reflect the university’s adherence to State Requirements for the reform of postgraduate comprehensive education and the actual situation of postgraduate education development in our university.

Article 2: These rules apply to Master’s and Ph.D. students who are admitted for academic education in accordance with national enrollment policies and enrollment regulations.

Chapter II Admission and Registration

Article 3: Freshmen admitted in accordance with the national admission regulations shall hold admission notices and go to the school to go through the admission procedures in accordance with the school's relevant requirements and the prescribed time limit. If you are unable to enroll on time for some reason, you must request leave from the college counselor in advance with the relevant certificate as proof of absence, and period of extension shall not exceed four weeks. Failure to apply for leave or overdue leave shall be deemed to be abandonment of admission qualification except for force majeure and other legitimate reasons. New students must pay the relevant fees according to the regulations when registering.

Article 4: The school conducts a preliminary review of the admission qualifications of new students at the time of registration, passes the formalities for admission, and registers the student status (students who pass the review shall be granted permission to proceed with registration procedures); in case the candidate’s admission documents and other information do not match with the actual situation of the student, or there are other violations of national admission rules, the admission qualification shall be cancelled.

Non-oriented freshmen may voluntarily move their household/ residence registration into the school's collective residence registration when they register for admission, and will not change their household registration in all other cases. When graduating and dropping out of school, the student’s household/residence registration will be cancelled from the school’s collective register and applications for household/residence migration are not allowed during the period of study.

Article 5: New students may apply to the department in charge of student status at the Graduate School for retention of admission qualifications under the following circumstances:

• Join the Chinese People's Liberation Army (including the Chinese People's Armed Police Force)
• Self-employment (with relevant certification materials);
• Failure to enroll on time due to illness requiring recuperative treatment and unable to be cured in a short period of time shall be confirmed by the school hospital or designated hospital.
• Other special circumstances shall be approved by the school.

There is no student status during the period of retaining the admission qualification. Retaining admission qualifications is for a period of one to two years for recruited freshmen and may be cancelled after two years.

Freshmen should apply to the school for admission before the expiration of their retention qualifications. After passing the school review, they will go through the admission procedures. In case of failure, the admission qualification will be cancelled; if the admission procedures are not completed within the time limit and there are no legitimate reasons such as force majeure delay, the admission qualification will be deemed to be abandoned.

Article 6: After the admission of new students, the school organizes relevant personnel to review admission documents in accordance with the national enrollment regulations within a period of three months. The review content mainly includes the following aspects:

1. Whether the admission procedures and sequence comply with the national enrollment regulations.
2. Whether the admission qualifications obtained are true and meet the relevant regulations.
3. Whether the information on the identification document of the student is consistent with that of the admission notice and other relevant files.
4. Whether the physical and mental health status conforms to the medical examination requirements for the major or professional category, and whether it can guarantee the student’s normal study and life in school.
5. Whether the professional level of art, sports and other special admission students meets the admission requirements.

If the students are found to be fraudulent or cheating during the reexamination, they shall be deemed as unqualified and the student status shall be cancelled. During the re-examination, if it has been found that the student’s physical and mental conditions were not suitable for studying at the school or if the he/she was diagnosed by a hospital designated by the school as a second-level or higher hospital and believed that he could go to school after treatment, then the student can apply to cancel the school status and retain the admission qualification. In case of failing to do so, the student will lose his/her qualification.

Article 7: At the beginning of each semester, graduate students shall complete the registration procedures by themselves within the prescribed time. If you cannot register as scheduled, you must ask for leave in advance to suspend the registration procedures. The time required for leave should not exceed four weeks. If you are still unable to enroll at the expiration date, you should apply for the suspension of school. Those who do not register after the deadline will be dropped out unless they cannot submit the application due to force majeure and other legitimate reasons. Failure to pay tuition fees in accordance with school regulations or other conditions that do not meet the registration requirements, the student cannot register.

 Graduate students with financial difficulties in their families can apply for student loans or other forms of subsidy, and register after going through the relevant procedures.

Chapter III Assessment and Record

Article 8: Graduate students shall participate in the assessment of the courses and various educational and teaching weblinks (hereinafter collectively referred to as courses) specified in the school's education and teaching plan.

The assessment is divided into two types: exams and evaluation. Students are only given one chance to take make up examinations for failed courses, and those who fail make-up examination shall apply to retake the courses.

Article 9: The assessment and appraisal of the ideological and moral qualities of postgraduates shall be based on the following contents, taking the form of personal summaries, democratic assessment of teachers and students, etc.

1. Support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, in depth study of  the theoretical system of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, and socialism with Chinese characteristics, in-depth study of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important speeches, and the new concepts, ideas, and strategies of governing the country, and strengthen the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics Self-confidence, theoretical self-confidence, institutional self-confidence, cultural self-confidence, and establish the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
2. Establish patriotism, with a spirit of unity, peace, love, hard work, courage and self-improvement.
3. Strengthen the concept of the rule of law, abide by the Constitution, laws and regulations, abide by the moral standards of citizens, abide by the school management system, and have good moral qualities and behavior habits.
4. Study hard, dare to explore, actively practice, and strive to master modern scientific and cultural knowledge and professional skills.
5. Actively exercise the body, improve physical and mental health, improve personal cultivation, and cultivate aesthetic interest.

Article 10: Graduate students can apply for other majors or elective courses in other campuses belonging to the university and participate in online courses recognized by the school, and get the course results (credits) only after school approval.

Article 11: The school encourages, supports and guides graduate students to participate in social practice, innovation and entrepreneurship activities, and at the same time establishes innovation and entrepreneurship files and sets credits for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Article 12: Graduate students are mandated to participate in all academic assessments prescribed by the school. Student's assessment results shall be recorded in the student's evaluation booklet and archived in their student status file. All academic achievements of graduate students, as well as scores obtained through re-sit and re-examination, shall be recorded truthfully and per international ethics and practice according to the university regulations.

Any violation of the academic assessment through an act of cheating or otherwise shall render the obtained results invalid with the students issued disciplinary sanctions depending on the magnitude of the violation. Students who have been issued an oral or written warning(s) depending on the severity of the issue and have fulfilled the punishment given, may have the opportunity to make up for the course or retake the course after signing a bond to be of good behaviour.

In case of suspension or withdrawal of study/in case a student suspends or withdraws from study, courses credits earned during the student’s period of study will be recorded with the relevant departments in the University/ a record of course credits earned by the student during his/her period of study will be kept by the university. The student may be re-admitted into the program if he/she re-sits an entrance examination within two years after suspending his/ her academic status, and meets the admission requirements of the institution. Also, course assessments and credits obtained from the University before the interruption of student's studies will be determined, converted, and recorded according to the relevant rules and regulations of the institution.

Article 13: Graduate students shall participate in all activities specified in their academic plan. Students who cannot attend an activity on time shall seek permission and approval from the teacher-in-charge in advance. Additionally, a student who absents him/ herself from activities without authorization will be penalized under the relevant laws of the University. If the circumstances are severe, they shall be given disciplinary action.

Article 14: Graduate students shall strictly observe academic integrity and ethics in their studies. Concurrently, the University shall educate students on academic integrity and ethics. More so, the institution shall record, warn, and punish students for any inappropriate/ dishonest behaviors relating to academic ethics and misconduct; Such disciplinary punishment may affect students who violate such law from obtaining their degrees, academic titles and honors.

Chapter IV Course and Program Transfer

Article 15: Postgraduate students who are interested in changing majors and have expertise in the major they wish to change/transfer to during their period of study may apply for transfer to other majors. Those who temporarily suspend their studies to start a business or resume after suspension and wish to change majors will be given priority because of their own circumstances, and school will take the following factors into consideration before allowing them to transfer to other majors: development and change of the social demand for talents, and the need to adjust/transfer majors.

I.       Applicants applying for transfer must provide a published paper(s) related to the Major they are applying for (thus, the applicant must be the first author; article (s) must be published in authoritative journals, subject to the category C journal catalog published by the University Graduate School at the time of application), and also provide the following materials:

II.     The following circumstances cannot be applied for transfer:

1. Orientation or commission training students
2. Exceptional admission of students.
3. For students admitted in the form of special enrollment, the state has relevant regulations, or there is an explicit agreement with the University before admission;
4. Interdisciplinary action.
5. Not applicable to the same type of graduate students (academic master or professional master).
6. The basic score point of the original professional re-examination is lower than the transferred major re-examination and this is (based on the primary cut-off point announced by the school in the current year)

III.    Application time for transfer/change of major:

1. The time limit for applying for transfer is after registration and re-examination, a student can apply before the university graduate thesis period commences;
2. One month before the end of each semester.

 IV.    Procedure for Change of Major:

1. The student must apply in writing, with his/ her supervisor and degree sub-committee comment(s) and signature of affirmation;
2. Comments from the supervisor (from the college/major the student intends to transfer to, degree sub-committee, degree committee, the team in charge of re-examination and re-examination results.
3. The graduate school comments, signs and publishes them.
4. After the public announcement, the Graduate School reports to the Graduate Admissions Leading Group for approval, and forwards the processing comments related to the transfer of majors and training funds to the relevant colleges and functional departments.
5. Relevant colleges and functional departments handle the transfer of postgraduate information on time according to the division of functions.

Article 16: In principle, graduate students must complete their studies at Shanghai Maritime University. If you are unable to continue studying at our school due to illness, particular difficulties or special needs, you may apply for transfer to another university. Permission for transfer shall not be granted under any of the following circumstances:

1. The enrollment is less than one semester or one year before graduation;
2. Changing from a low education level to a high education level;
3. Admitted by targeted employer.
4. Admission control standards for graduates who intend to transfer to schools and majors are higher than those of their schools and majors.
5. There is no justification for transfer.

If the graduate student needs to transfer due to changes in school training conditions and other reasons, the school will issue a certificate and transfer to the school at the same level by the local, provincial education administrative department.

Article 17: The application for the transfer of graduate students shall be explained by the students, and the transfer school shall be responsible for reviewing the transfer conditions and related certificates with the consent of the host school and the school to be transferred. The final decision for students to transfer majors is taken by the Office of the Chancellor and the Council. The transfer should also be approved by supervisor of the new major the students intends to transfer to.

Chapter V Suspension and Resumption

Article 18: Graduate students may complete their studies in stages. Unless otherwise specified, they shall complete their studies within the prescribed maximum length of study (including suspension and deferment). Postgraduates having one of the following circumstances, and those

who are expected to be unable to study in the school for more than four weeks within a semester

should be suspended:

1. The physical and mental conditions are not suitable for studying in school, and after being diagnosed by the school's designated hospital, it is indeed necessary to recuperate and cure in a short time.
2. Going to other institutions for exchange and study;
3. In the case of entrepreneurial practice, with the relevant proof.
4. For other special reasons, it is necessary to interrupt the study, based on the college investigation materials.

Graduate students enrolled in the Chinese People's Liberation Army (including the Chinese People's Armed Police Force) can apply to defer his/ her school status for two years after their retirement. The graduate students in the school participate in the inter-school joint training project organized by the school. During the study period of the joint training school, the school also retains the school membership for it.

Article 19: A school suspension shall not be less than one semester. If it is still not possible to resume school after the expiration of the period, a relevant certificate should be issued, and the student can continue to apply for suspension. The cumulative time of suspension of study within the study period shall not exceed two academic years.

Article 20: If a graduate student applies for suspension, the graduate student himself shall submit the "Application Form for Postgraduate Student Status Change" and relevant certification materials. After obtaining the consent of his/ her supervisor and the college, he shall report to the graduate school for approval.

Article 21: Graduate students must go through the formalities of leaving school, and the school retains their registration. However, they will no longer enjoy various treatments for students during the suspension./ they are not entitled to any student benefits during the suspension period.

Article 22: Graduate students who have completed their period of suspension must apply for re-entry before the beginning of the semester in which they will resume, that is two week before the end of the previous semester and submit the Application Form for Postgraduate Student Status Change" and related certification materials to the graduate school. Graduate students who are suspended under Article 18 (1) must submit a certificate of health recovery issued by a hospital at or above the county level before resuming their studies, and review it at a hospital designated by the school.

Those who do not apply for resumption of school or a certificate of restoration of health after the due date will be withdrawn unless they cannot be submitted due to force majeure and other legitimate reasons; they will continue to remain on suspension until, after a review by the designated hospital of the school, the period of suspension must not exceed two years in total. Cumulative time of suspension has been summed up to two school years. If the hospital thinks it is impossible to continue studying in school, the student will have to drop out.

Chapter VI Extending the Length of Study

Article 23: A flexible learning system shall be adopted for postgraduate study. The training plan for master’s students shall be formulated based on the basic academic system for 2 to 3 years, and the maximum length of study shall not exceed 5 years (including suspension and deferment of school records). The training plan for doctoral students shall be based on the basic educational system 3 Formulated by the year. The longest learning period is not more than eight years. (including suspension and retention); graduate students who are suspended from entrepreneurship can be extended for another year. Postgraduates who cannot complete the study within the basic academic system should submit an application for extending the study period 1 month in advance. After the tutor signs the application, the chairman of the degree evaluation sub-committee agrees and the graduate school approves, the study period can be extended, but the maximum study period cannot be exceeded. Each extension of the study period is counted as one year.

Article 24: For postgraduates who have extended their study period, the school will no longer award scholarships or dormitory accommodation during the extension period. The extension of the length of study is not counted in the basic academic system, and the extended graduation time is subject to the date on the graduation certificate.

Chapter VII Withdrawal and Cancellation of Student Status

Article 25: Withdrawal/ drop out measures apply in accordance with the provision of Articles 6, 7 and 22 of these rules, the measures are applicable to graduate students who may find themselves any of the following situations:

1. If a Master’s student fails two or more degree courses (degree courses refer to public degree courses, basic degree courses, major/specialization courses) in one semester even after taking make-up examination (this applies to all types of courses), also if a student fails one degree course or two non-degree courses even after taking make up examination and repeats failed courses, missing final examinations as well as make-up examination and having more than two failed courses in one semester, or being disqualified for examinations in more than two courses. If a Doctoral student fails one course even after taking a make-up exam, or fails more than two courses in the overall assessment
2. Students who are not suitable for continuing training after the mid-term assessment or who obviously show poor scientific research ability in the dissertation work;
3. If there are no special circumstances, those who have not completed their studies within the maximum period of study prescribed by the school;
4. Diagnosed according to the hospital designated by the school and suffering from illness or accidental disability and unable to continue their studies.
5. Failure to participate in the teaching and scientific research activities prescribed by the school for two consecutive weeks without approval.
6. Any other circumstance that the school deems necessary to terminate studies

Article 26: If a graduate student applies for withdrawal of studies, the graduate student himself shall submit the "Application Form for Postgraduate Student Status Change", and report to the Graduate School after obtaining consent from the supervisor and college. For students who are expelled under Article 25 (1), the relevant college shall submit a written letter requesting for withdrawal of studies to the Graduate School, thereafter the Graduate School shall submit the application for withdrawal and other relevant materials to the Office of the Chancellor, the final decision on the application of withdrawal is made by the Chancellor’s committee or a group of leaders authorized by the Chancellor. Students who have dropped out shall receive an official letter from school to confirm the decision to withdraw/terminate studies. If the letter cannot be collected in person, it can be sent by post or announcement, also a report shall be sent to the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission for record.

Article 27: Graduate students who withdraw or cancel their student status shall stop receiving relevant scholarship benefits and grants from the month of approval for withdrawal, and shall complete the procedures for leaving school within one month. Graduate students who have dropped out can be employed according to their existing academic qualifications and employment policies, and the school shall report to the local provincial graduate employment department to handle the relevant procedures; those who have not found job placement within the prescribed period of study shall also go through the withdrawal and school leaving procedures.

The files of students who have dropped out of the school shall be returned to their place of residence, and the household registration shall be moved back to the original place of residence or the place of family registration in accordance with relevant national regulations.

Article 28: If a student has any objection to the withdrawal process, he/she may file a written complaint and appeal to the school committee responsible for handling student complaints within 10 days after receiving an official letter confirming the decision to terminate studies. For further details, please refer to "Shanghai Maritime University Interim Measures for Student Appeal Handling”.

Article 29: For students who violate laws, regulations and disciplines, the school shall give critical education or disciplinary sanctions according to the specific circumstances. For specific handling methods, please refer to “Shanghai Maritime University-Regulations on Punishment and Discipline of Students

Chapter VIII Graduation and Completion of Study

Article 30: Graduate students shall complete all the prescribed courses and other compulsory activities in accordance with requirements of the cultivation plan/curriculum within the stipulated period of study, pass the examinations as well as other forms of assessment in ethics, intelligence and physical, pass the thesis defense, qualify for graduation. Those who meet the requirements for degree conferring will be granted a degree and graduation certificate; those who do not meet the conditions for conferring degree will not be granted a degree, and students may not apply for degree again.

Article 31: Postgraduate students who complete courses in the cultivation plan as well other forms of assessment in ethics, intelligence and physical education, submit a complete thesis but fail the thesis defense will only be issued a certificate of completion

Article 32: If a graduate student does not pass some of the courses or fails to meet the requirements of the cultivation plan, or studies for a period of less than one year, the school will only issue a certificate as proof of study.

Article 33: Postgraduates who complete the provisions of the education and teaching plan in advance and obtain the required credits for graduation can apply for early graduation. Master students applying for early graduation must also meet the following conditions:

1. Applicants should have both academic merits. Anyone who violates the law or discipline may not apply for early graduation;
2. The duration of the master's degree student applying for early graduation is 3 years (except for the master of law)
3. Applicants must have a score of not less than 80 points (including 80 points) in each of the public courses, basic degree courses, and major degree courses (required for the scores of graduate students selected as excellent students);
4. The achievements obtained by the applicant have reached the scores twice or more as specified in the Requirements for the Award of Graduate Degree Awards of Shanghai Maritime University.
5. The applicant must have completed the opening of the thesis for more than one year.
6. The time of graduation in advance must meet the relevant provisions of Xuexin.net regarding electronic registration.
7. All tuition fees must be paid when applying;

Article 34: Procedures for reviewing early graduation applications:

1. Graduate students who meet the conditions stipulated in Article 33 shall submit materials one semester before graduation. The specific application acceptance time and rules shall be formulated by the degree evaluation subcommittee. Applicants are required to fill out three copies of "Shanghai Maritime University Graduate Application Form for Advance Graduation" (students, colleges and graduate schools, each holding one copy), and submit relevant academic supporting materials to the Graduate school;
2. After the Graduate School reviews application materials, a list of students who qualify for graduating in advance will be announced on the graduate school website within five working days and subject to supervision.
3. If there are no objections raised after the announcement, the necessary graduation procedure will be followed once the chancellor and the superior department approves Students who receive approval to graduate in advance are managed according to the current year of graduation. Those who qualify for going through early graduation procedures are required to submit their graduation thesis for external review.

Article 35: the graduate student must submit the Registration Form for Graduating Postgraduates before leaving school, and the relevant department must carry out graduation appraisal work. Graduation appraisal is done based on the following aspects: ethics, intelligence, physical, etc; focus on political awareness, ideology, moral quality; business learning and scientific research ability, affirm the results, find gaps, clear direction of efforts.

Articles 36: Graduate students must follow all the necessary school leaving procedures within the time specified by the school. Students shall bear the consequences if they fail to follow the procedure within the specified time.

Chapter IX Management of Academic Certificates

Article 37: The school is responsible for issuing academic certificates including degree certificate and other related certificate in strict accordance with the type and form of study determined at the time of admission, as well as the personal information of students filled in at the time of admission.

If there are any changes made regarding name, date of birth or other information needed for certificate purposes, a student is required to have a valid reason and provide legally approved supporting documents.

Article 38: The school shall implement the electronic registration management system for higher education academic qualifications, improve the method of management of academic qualification information, and complete the electronic registration of students' academic qualifications in a timely manner in accordance with relevant regulations.

1. Obtaining admission qualifications in violation of the admission provisions of the State or school.
2. Violation of school rules and regulations, being expelled from school.
3. obtaining a certificate (graduation certificate, certificate of completion) by improper means.

Chapter X: Archive of Student Materials

1. Postgraduate admission registration form.
2. Graduate transcripts of Shanghai Maritime University.
3. Graduate registration form.
4. Materials such as student status, awards, and punishment.
5. Notice of degree award.
6. National employment notice for graduate students

Chapter XI Supplementary Provisions

Article 44: These rules shall be implemented from the date of promulgation, and the “Rules for the Administration of Graduate Student Status of Shanghai Maritime University” (Shanghai Research Institute [2019] No. 25) shall be repealed at the same time.

Article 45: These rules shall be interpreted by the Graduate School.