Advising
Each student will be assigned an academic advisor upon acceptance into a graduate program. Only members of the graduate faculty are authorized to serve as program advisors for graduate students. The program advisor is responsible for helping students understand the expectations and requirements of their academic programs and planning their programs to satisfy all requirements. The program advisor is responsible for assisting students with questions regarding their academic programs such as expectations for comprehensive examinations, theses, or internships, as guided by school, university and Graduate School policies and procedures. The program advisor is also responsible for professional advising and guidance including assisting students with planning for their academic and professional future.
It is the responsibility of the school to notify the Graduate School of the advisor assignment and any change in advisor assignment. Any advisor-approved deviations from published program requirements or plans of study are communicated to the Graduate School, in writing, by the program advisor to assist the graduation check process.
The importance of the program advisor cannot be overstated. Program advisement includes all aspects of students' present and future academic and professional planning. It is often the program advisor who is able to help students conceptualize their academic program within the context of their own professional goals and aspirations. This responsibility is likely to involve extensive discussions of academic or professional goals well beyond the current program.