There is some flexibility in these numbers, e.g. in the final term of the program, the student need register only for those credit hours needed to complete the program. International students must appear on official University records to meet the requirements placed upon them by their visa status. Further, the fact of registration affects a student's eligibility for some University services, e.g. the Library and the Student Health Service. International students are invited to apply for aid. However, they should be aware that most university aid and all departmental aid is in the form of teaching assistantships.
Competition is intense for the limited number of teaching assistantships.
International applicants must offer evidence of work and background in English language and literature comparable in depth, breadth and intensity to that of American-educated applicants. Only then will international applicants be considered and placed in contention for the available awards. A student readmitted after the lapse of an extended period may be required to follow the rules in effect at the time of readmission.