Timing of Support Decisions - Appeals Procedures

Support decisions for the coming academic year are made during the spring semester. Notices to thesis advisors asking for reports on thesis students are sent out in February; these are returned to the Graduate Studies Director by March 1. The Graduate Studies Director decides, by March 31, whether or not the student will be supported for the coming academic year, and informs the student of his or her decision. The student will receive a copy of the thesis advisor's report, and a copy of any relevant material concerning the student's performance of duties.

The student has until April 15 to appeal this decision. The appeal, which must be made in writing, is to the Graduate Studies Director. The Graduate Studies Director will then meet with the student and the student's advisor, or other faculty members, as appropriate, and try to work out an agreement that will be satisfactory to both the student and the Department.

If no agreement has been reached by April 30, the student may then carry the appeal to the Department Chairman, who together with the Graduate director will make the final decision.