Graduate Advisee/Adviser Check List
To facilitate an effective advisor-advisee experience.
Become familiar with the information, policies and resources available through the Graduate School.
Attend all orientation and professional development sessions offered by the program and the Graduate School (and the Office of International Programs for international students). Read and understand the requirements of the program and the Graduate School - www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/graduate_bulletin/.
Note:
It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with and complete the requirements for the degree or certificate being sought.
It is the responsibility of the advisor to ensure that the student accurately understands the requirements for the degree or certificate being sought.
It is the responsibility of the program to ensure that the requirements for the degree or certificate are clear to all.
It is the responsibility of the Graduate School to verify that degree or certificate requirements have been managed and achieved.
Establish clear expectations for your relationship with each other as early as possible and establish a plan for regular interaction and feedback. Understand the rules of the environment in which you work, i.e. office hours and equipment use. For an effective mentoring experience it is recommended that advisors:
Set specific goals and measures of accomplishment
Encourage strategic thinking and creativity
Uphold professional standards and impart skills
Provide networking opportunities and give moral support
Understand that conflict is natural, helps drive progress, but should be managed
Make sure students know about prevention of harassment, and required annual training - www.ndsu.edu/diversity/equity/harassment/
Form a supervisory committee as early as possible and establish a plan for meetings and feedback. It is recommended that you interact with the full committee at least annually.
As early as possible, complete a Plan of Study and submit to the Graduate School.
For research-based programs, develop a research proposal to share with advisor and committee (check with program policies for how this is done), and ensure that regulatory compliances are met for IRB, IACUC and/or IBC. Approvals for compliance are required prior to beginning research. Note information in the Graduate Bulletin and through the division of Research, Creative Activities & Technology Transfer - www.ndsu.edu/research/. Also note the need for training in the responsible conduct of research – see link to CITI training modules (for both STEM and non-STEM) available at www.ndsu.edu/policy/348.html.
Doctoral students must understand requirements and timing for preliminary exams, including submission of scheduling and completion forms on time to the Graduate School (see forms link above).
If a disquisition (thesis, paper, or dissertation) is required for the program, start as early as possible in developing the document. Be aware of the Graduate School’s formatting rules.
Advisors and committee members are very busy people. Don’t assume they will tell you everything you need to know without asking. You must proactively solicit feedback.
Note deadlines for Graduate School items - www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection/dates/. Very important deadlines to be aware of to avoid being derailed for an on time graduation:
Graduate student commencement application deadline
Graduate student initial disquisition submission for graduation
Graduate student final disquisition copies due for graduation
