Important Matters for Graduate Students
Vacation time
The following guidelines were approved at the November 19, 2007, meeting of the Faculty Committee on the Graduate School. As discussed at that time, department policy on this issue supersedes the Graduate School’s guidelines, detailed below.
Graduate study is understood to be a full-time commitment on the part of students. During an academic year, defined as September 1 to August 31, graduate student degree candidates may take up to (but no more than) four weeks of vacation, including any days taken during regular University holidays and scheduled recesses (e.g., the Fall- and Spring- term breaks and inter-term break). The specific periods taken as vacation must not conflict with the student’s academic responsibilities, coursework, research, or teaching, and should be discussed in advance with one’s director of graduate studies, adviser, or dissertation committee.
If a student receives financial support for graduate study for only part of the year (e.g., regular term time, September 1 to June 30), then the amount of vacation should be pro-rated accordingly. If a student receives summer support and has taken the allowed vacation during regular term time, September 1 to June 30, then he or she should not take additional vacation time during the summer months of July and August.
If a student holds an external fellowship whose terms may conflict with this guideline, the student should consult first with her/his director of graduate studies or adviser. If questions remain, the student should consult with the Graduate School’s associate dean for administration or for academic affairs.
Honor system
Prelim Exams, and in-class examinations taken by graduate students, are conducted under an honor system similar to the Undergraduate Honor Code. Faculty do not stay in the room while the exam is underway, but typically make themselves available for questions, either outside the exam room or in their office. Students must write and sign the following statement on their exam: "This paper represents my own work in accordance with University regulations." Refusal to write and sign this statement would be considered prima facie evidence that a violation of University regulations has occurred.
Suspicion of cheating, supported either by eye-witness testimony or material evidence, must be brought to the attention of the Graduate School. Cheating is a form of academic fraud and is handled by the Graduate School according to the procedures outlined in Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities.
Important Dates
Experimental orals
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012
Wednesday October 24th, 2012
Thursday October 25th, 2012
Location: McDonnell 101A
Prelims - January
Thursday January 10th, 2013
Friday January 11th, 2013
Location: Jadwin A06
Prelims - May
Thursday May 9th, 2013
Friday May 10th, 2013
Location: A06
Degree Deadlines for 2011-2012
October 26, 2012
January 4, 2013
March 15, 2013
May 7, 2013