Academic Advisor
An Academic Advisor is assigned to each student by the program’s Executive Committee, generally a member of the Committee. This individual oversees and tracks all program milestones for the student, and include the following responsibilities:
- Support the student in developing the Supplemental Coursework Plan (see 3.1.2 Supplemental Coursework), which is carried out in consultation with the Research Mentor. The Academic Advisor is also responsible for presenting the plan to the Executive Committee for approval.
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Monitor student performance, along with the Research Mentor, in coursework and progress toward developing a viable research direction that will lead to a dissertation (see 3.1.6 Dissertation).
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Assess the student’s progress at the annual presentation each student delivers about their research in the Research Seminar course and Dissertation Progress Meeting. The Academic Advisor is required to report to the Executive Committee on the status/progress of the advisee each semester and to communicate directly with the Research Mentor about any concerns.
- Oversee the process of the Qualifying Examination (see 3.1.4 Qualifying Examination for Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree). May also serve on the Examination Committee if this is approved by the Executive Committee.
- Serve as Chair of the Dissertation Committee to ensure that all policies and procedures are adhered to – the Research Mentor bears primary responsibility for directing the student’s dissertation research (see 3.1.6 Dissertation).