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 be aware of and understand the expectations and requirements of their academic programs (e.g., degree requirements, deadlines, program and University policy). Program advisors are responsible for assisting students with questions regarding their academic programs and professional guidance. These responsibilities include explaining Graduate School policies and procedures, expectations for comprehensive examinations, theses, capstone, or dissertation, and internships, as guided by program, department, school, university and Graduate School as well as professional conferences and publications. Any 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. It is the responsibility of the school/department to notify the Graduate School of the advisor assignment and any change in advisor assignment.
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.