Overview
Selecting a research advisor is one of the most important things you will do during your first semester as most learning is accomplished through peer interactions. This decision will affect the next four to five years; therefore, the choice of advisor requires careful consideration.
Every September, most divisions will provide additional activities to expose students to the research of faculty. Information about these activities will be disseminated via e-mail.
Considerations Before Making Selections
- Your interests - The research you will perform is the most important part of graduate school. When selecting an advisor, you should cast a very broad net and consider faculty in many different areas, even those who are peripheral to what you believe are your main interests. The Department currently requires you to talk to at least five faculty members.
- Projects, dynamics, and support of the advisor- You should gather information about potential research advisors and groups. For example:
- Is the advisor accepting new students?
- What projects are available in a particular group?
- What financial and pedagogical support does the advisor provide to individual students?
- What are the advisor's expectations of students?
- How is the group managed?
- What are the group dynamics?
Guidelines
- All first-year graduate students must interview a minimum of five faculty members whom they plan to consider as a research advisor and obtain their signatures on the Research Advisor Selection Form by October 15th.
- Students must turn in a rank-ordered list of choices for their research advisor by October 15th. The rank-ordered list will be kept confidential.
- The assignment process is generally completed by the beginning of November. If you are not accepted by one of your first three choices, the responsibility of finding another advisor will fall back to you. You will need to inform the GSO of a new advisor selection prior to the beginning of the spring semester to remain in good academic standing.
- Under no circumstances will you be placed in a group without your consent. Every effort will be made to ensure you receive your first choice.
- Without the approval from the Graduate Advisor, you are not allowed to be affiliated with a research group until the research advisor selection process is completed.
Making Changes
A small percentage of students reconsider their choice. If it is concluded that you would not be likely to prosper in a particular group, you can change research advisors. Changes should occur early and have a minimal effect on the time it takes to graduate. Because changing research advisors should be done with very serious consideration, it is highly recommended that you contact the Graduate Advisor before beginning the process.