Administration of Graduate Studies

The Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) is a committee of faculty responsible for oversight of the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs graduate program. The GSC also acts on student requests and petitions and proposes changes in the graduate program.

Generally, proposals for policy changes in the graduate curriculum must be approved by a vote of the faculty. Anyone may submit an agenda item for GSC consideration. Please submit them in writing to the Director of Graduate Studies. The committee formally consists of the Director and at least four faculty representatives, one graduate student representative (non-voting), the Director of the School (ex officio), and the Graduate Coordinator (non- voting).

The Director of Graduate Studies interprets University and Program rules and regulations; advises students until they have advanced to form a program committee; acts as counsel and an advocate for graduate students when individuals come forward with issues; organizes the first-year student orientation; organizes the orientation for Teaching Assistants and Graduate Instructors; updates the graduate handbook each year; coordinates the admissions process; coordinates the allocation of teaching assistantships; coordinates the assignment of T.A.s to classes; coordinates faculty supervision of graduate students teaching independent sections; and evaluates, with committee chair approval, and informs students who are academically deficient.

The Graduate Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Director of Graduate Studies, the administrative details of the graduate program, maintaining graduate files and providing students with information concerning the program, fields, and forms, examinations on file, placement information, and access to handbooks and generating official letters to graduate students.

The Director is assigned the administrative responsibility for the School and serves as the direct supervisor of departmental faculty and staff. The Director acts as the liaison between the School and other parts of the University, most particularly the Dean.