FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits should I register for each semester?

Most graduate students should register for approximately 9 credits during the fall and spring semesters, although this may vary depending on your assistantship, academic progress, and stage in the program.

During the summer semester, students typically register for 1 credit, unless additional credits are required or approved by their major professor and funding source.

How do I request travel support for research-related travel?

Contact the Director of Graduate Education (DOGE) to discuss available funding opportunities and the process for requesting travel support.

What is a Graduate Committee?

Your Graduate Committee is a group of Graduate Faculty members who help guide your academic program and research progress. The committee provides feedback on your research, evaluates your progress, and approves your Academic Plan and degree milestones.

What are the responsibilities of my Graduate Committee?

Graduate Committee members:

  • Provide guidance on academic coursework and research.
  • Review and approve your Academic Plan.
  • Offer feedback on research progress and professional development.
  • Participate in annual committee meetings.
  • Evaluate preliminary examinations, final oral examinations, and thesis/dissertation defenses as applicable.

How do I set up my first Graduate Committee meeting?

By the end of the first year in their major professor's laboratory, a Ph.D. student in Immunobiology should establish their Graduate Committee and complete an initial committee meeting.

To prepare for the meeting:

  1. Work with your major professor to identify appropriate committee members.
  2. Submit your Graduate Committee membership through Workday.
  3. Schedule a meeting with committee members. At least three committee members for Ph.D. students and two committee members for M.S. students should be present.
  4. At least one week before the meeting, provide committee members with a written research plan.

The written research plan should include:

  • Educational and research background.
  • Major research questions to be addressed.
  • Proposed research approaches and strategies.
  • Expected impact and future directions of the research.

During the meeting, students should present their research plan and discuss committee feedback. Students should also meet individually with committee members who are unable to attend the meeting.

Tips for Scheduling Graduate Committee Meetings

Faculty schedules can fill quickly, so plan ahead.

  1. Consult with your major professor regarding potential dates and the amount of time needed.
  2. Identify dates when all committee members are expected to be available.
    • Initial and annual meetings generally require 1 to 2 hours.
    • Preliminary exams and final defenses generally require 2 to 3 hours.
  3. Determine available meeting windows for committee members.
  4. Once availability is identified, reserve a meeting room or virtual meeting space and confirm the time with all committee members.
  5. Complete scheduling within a short timeframe so available times do not disappear.

Email remains the preferred method of communication for scheduling committee meetings.

Annual Graduate Committee Meetings

Immunobiology students are expected to meet with their Graduate Committee at least once each year.

  • Ph.D. students should have at least three committee members present.
  • M.S. students should have at least two committee members present.
  • The student is responsible for scheduling the meeting and providing progress updates to committee members.

Who do I need on my Graduate Committee?

Ph.D. students

  • Minimum of five Graduate Faculty members.
  • At least three members must be Immunobiology faculty.
  • One member must be designated as the outside member. This individual provides specialized expertise or a different perspective to support the student's program and research.
  • Ph.D. students must complete 72 total credits.

M.S. students

  • Minimum of three Graduate Faculty members.
  • At least two members must be Immunobiology faculty.
  • One member must be designated as the outside member.
  • M.S. students must complete 32 total credits.

Committee membership and Academic Plans are submitted and approved through Workday - Workday Student: Manage Your Graduate Committee (Submit, Update, or Add a Substitute)

I need to drop a course; where do I find how to do that?  Workday Learning Quick Reference Guide: Drop Courses

8/25/2026