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Handbook: Advising

Upon admission, each student is assigned to an adviser or co-advisers. This decision is based on the student’s expressed interests and on the availability of faculty members. Students are encouraged to contact prospective advisers prior to admission to determine research interests and adviser availability.

Changing Advisers

If you wish to change advisers, you will need approval from your current and prospective advisers. Each adviser must email the Director or Graduate Studies and the Graduate Studies Program Assistant indicating they approve the change.

Committee Selection

Both the M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs require students to work with a graduate committee consisting of faculty members who hold graduate faculty status in the Graduate School. A Graduate School faculty roster is updated on a regular basis in the Graduate School and can be found on the Graduate School website.

Changes to the committee membership must be approved by the adviser and communicated to the Graduate Studies Assistant who will forward the information to the Graduate School.

Grievance Procedures for Graduate Students

Grievances related to graduate study are limited to nonacademic matters. The grievance procedure follows the guidelines established by the University of Minnesota. Information on the procedures for filing a grievance can be obtained by contacting the College Grievance Officer.

Before initiating formal grievance procedures, graduate students are urged to seek alternative remedies within the department. (1) Consult with a faculty member in whom the student has trust. Although students could choose to consult with any faculty member, they might consider meeting with their advisor, the DGS, or the Grievance Officer. (2) If the faculty member is not able to resolve the issue, the student should contact the department head or the DGS. (3) If the issue is one that might be better solved by involving more than one faculty member, the DGS will convene a committee. (4) If the issue is still unresolved, the Grievance Officer should be contacted regarding the procedures for filing a formal grievance.

See the documents below for additional discussion of this topic:

Mutual Responsibilities in Graduate Education at the University of Minnesota
Staying on Course: Mutual Roles and Responsibilities in the Graduate School Experience (.pdf) for additional discussion of this topic