The Graduate School (GS) has compiled a list of the most frequently asked DARS questions. If you have a question about graduate DARS not listed here, please contact us at graddars@pdx.edu.
What is DARS?
DARS is the acronym for the Degree Audit Reporting System – an automated system that compares a student’s coursework to the requirements for a degree and produces an audit which shows the requirements that have been met, those that are still outstanding, and any course issues that may prevent the student from completing the degree.
These audits are very beneficial to departments and students, as they can be used as advising tools. Additionally, DARS allows us to store all current degree requirement information in one place so audits are always processed with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How do I run my DARS audit?
Students - log in to myPSU and select "Academics". In the "Academic Planning" section select "Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS)" and then follow the prompts to run your DARS audit.
Faculty - log in to Banweb and select "Faculty Services" to run DARS audits for your students.
What catalog year should I use when running my DARS audit?
When running a DARS audit, you must select a catalog year. If you are unsure which catalog to use, GS recommends running an audit with the current term first. If that doesn't give you the expected results, then run an audit with the student's term of admission. If you still aren't getting the results you expect, contact the appropriate GS processor (see below) for help.
To earn a graduate degree, students must meet the degree requirements published in a single, valid PSU Bulletin (catalog). The requirements in a catalog are valid for seven years; for example, the 2015-2016 Bulletin can be used through summer 2022 graduation. Students can only use a catalog year during which they were both admitted and enrolled. (At the time a graduate program has a change to their curriculum approved, they may set more restrictive limits about which set of requirements can be used.)
How often should I run my DARS audit?
GS recommends that students run their DARS audit each term after grade roll and run a new audit before each departmental advising session. This will allow issues to be discovered and addressed as they occur rather than in the term of graduation. It's also recommended that students run a DARS audit after registering for classes in their term of graduation to ensure all requirements have been met and no outstanding problems still exist.
What are “DARS exceptions”?
Any change to the approved degree requirements is an “exception.” Common exceptions are substituting one course for another or allowing PSU pre-admission credits. Exceptions to the DARS audit can only be requested by the appointed people in the department. Students can never submit exceptions.
What if I see a problem with my DARS audit?
If you see a problem on your DARS audit, you should first bring it to your adviser’s attention. If your adviser, graduate committee chair, or department chair is unsure of what to do, the department should contact your GS processor (see below) with their questions.
What if I don’t appear to be meeting any requirements but believe that I should be?
If you are following an eligible set of requirements and your audit doesn’t appear to be accurate, you will need to consult with your adviser. If you had a course substitution, course waiver, or C-graded course approved, your department will need to request DARS exceptions to your DARS audit for these exceptions to the approved degree requirements.
Why is the "Academic Standing Warning" appearing on my audit if I am not on academic probation/disqualification?
The academic standing warning requirement will appear on your DARS audit if you are on academic probation or disqualification OR if you do not yet have a graduate GPA. Most students in their first term of graduate study will not have a graduate GPA. This warning will be removed if you come off of probation, are readmitted after disqualification, or for new students, after grade roll in your first term provided you earned a 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA or higher. If you feel this message is on your DARS audit in error, please contact our office.
All of my course requirements are met, so why does the status bar say “You’re making progress: at least 1 requirement remains unmet”?
The DARS audit checks for requirements other than course requirements. For example, on the DARS audit, it must be recorded that you have submitted the Application for Awarding of Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, or Graduate Certificate. You cannot graduate without that form. Other requirements the DARS audit checks for that must be “satisfied” before graduation, if applicable, are the thesis committee appointment, comprehensive exams, doctoral milestones (comps, advancement, etc.), second language requirement, cumulative graduate GPA, degree program GPA, and academic standing. Students also cannot graduate with M grades on their record in potentially letter-graded courses.
The status bar of my DARS audit says, “All requirements completed – in-progress courses used” or "All requirements identified below have been met." Does this mean I’ve graduated?
Not necessarily! The best way to check if your degree has been awarded is to view your unofficial transcript in myPSU.
My adviser and I are confused about my DARS audit. Who in GS can we contact with questions?
You can contact either your GS processor or the Graduate DARS Coordinator.
All doctoral students - Roxanne Treece (treece@pdx.edu)
Student ID ending with 00-49 – Brenda Fugate (fugateb@pdx.edu)
Student ID ending with 50-99 – Andrea Haack (ahaack@pdx.edu)
Graduate DARS Coordinator – Beth Holmes (holmesb@pdx.edu)