Academic and Research Advisors

The academic advisor is determined by the major track of the student, and is particularly important for assistance in course planning at the beginning of a student’s Ph.D. program.

Each major track has at least one faculty member advisor, who will have extra office hours at the time of registration for classes and will be available to the student to help plan for course registration and to answer academic questions.

As the student progresses and becomes more involved with research, the research advisor will play a greater role in choosing courses and advising the student, but the student should continue to see the academic advisor to make certain that all degree requirements will be met

Student Advisor Relationship

The relationship between a faculty advisor and student should be based on mutual respect and open communication. Advisors and students should discuss the nature of their working relationship early and continue this discussion throughout their period of collaboration to ensure mutually agreed upon and compatible expectations. These discussions should be frequent and open, and should include not only work, research goals, and performance reviews, but also change of status, time for personal and family responsibilities, time off, and concerns about academic or work situations. Both the student and advisor have the obligation to meet as necessary to ensure the success of the relationship.