For Students Entering Fall 2007–Present

In consultation with the Graduate Program Committee and his/her advisor, a student will select a Research Advisory Committee by the beginning of the third semester in residence. The purpose of this Committee is to discuss the student’s progress annually and provide additional guidance on research and overall professional development. This committee will comprise the membership of the examination committee for the research progress report and original research proposal, although the Graduate Program Committee may add another member if additional expertise is needed in a specific area. In addition, after the student reaches ABD status, the Advisory Committee will meet with the student annually in Dissertation Progress Meetings to support timely completion of their Ph.D.  A typical Advisory Committee will consist of the Research Advisor and two other Chemistry faculty members, normally from the Tenure Track or Research Track. When it would be advantageous for the student’s research, one of these members may be from outside the department. Note that each faculty member may serve on a limited number of these Advisory Committees to ensure that he/she can provide the appropriate amount of attention to each student. Therefore, students are typically advised to have committees with three faculty members; students with co-advisors should have four members.  Note that advisory committees may need to change when a student plans his/her dissertation defense in order to conform to MCS Policy on Dissertation Committees which requires a “visiting” member not affiliated with the department (see link below).

The student will also select a Chair of the committee, different from the Research Advisor, whose role is to oversee and provide feedback on the oral exams for the research progress report and original proposal, to provide general guidance regarding the original proposal, and to help in preparing for dissertation progress meetings.