Advising and Mentoring Beginning in their third year, all PhD students will meet with their advisory committee at least once a year, in the fall term, to discuss their progress and expectations. Annual Evaluation of Graduate Students All graduate students are evaluated by January 31 of each academic year by the Graduate Committee, with input from all departmental faculty to determine whether they are making satisfactory progress toward their degree. They will receive notification of this evaluation in writing. Change of Major Professor or Advisory Committee It may become necessary because of retirement, resignation, or leave of absence of the major professor; or because of incompatibility with the student; or because of a change in the student’s academic interests, for a new major professor to be assigned. If any of these instances occurs, the student should discuss the matter with the graduate coordinator, and if appropriate, a new major professor will be chosen. The new major professor will take over all the duties of the former major professor, and in particular must approve the thesis or dissertation topic, even if it was already approved by the former major professor. Similar changes may be necessary for the other members of the advisory committee.
