Graduate Student Advisement (A-61)
Original Implementation: October 31, 2000
Last Revision: October 18, 2010
Academic units participating in graduate course work should ensure that effective academic advising is provided to students. Additionally, academic units that house graduate degrees should assign each student in the program, whether full-time or part-time, to a graduate faculty member who shall serve as the academic advisor. The unit should also arrange an orientation that introduces new students to departmental organization, administration, key personnel, facilities, degree requirements, and procedures.
The responsibilities of the academic advisor shall include, but are not limited to, informing advisees of the following:
- University resources, guidelines, procedures, and policies that relate to the graduate experience
- The program's relationship to the college, university, and external agencies
- The registration process and its key dates
- Degree requirements such as core or required courses, proper sequencing of courses, minimum credit hours, minimum grade-point averages, removal of withheld grades, thesis v. non-thesis option, transfer courses, and time limits for completion of degree programs
- Graduate school requirements, such as maintaining good academic standing, comprehensive examinations, and thesis/dissertation procedures
- Standards of academic honesty in the classroom and in research
- Rights and responsibilities of graduate students
- How to appeal academic decisions
- How to apply for graduation
Departmental orientation and advising programs must be evaluated as part of the annual unit assessment report, including information on how the results of assessment will be used to enhance effective assistance to students.
Cross Reference: Graduate Bulletin, Graduate Student Handbook, Student Handbook
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Dean of Graduate Studies
Forms: None