Research Proposal & SymposiumIdentifying a
research topic and a plan to accomplish the research is a key, early
task in your graduate program. You are expected to do this with the
assistance of your graduate committee, particularly under the guidance
of the chair of this committee. In addition, you need to inform the
entire department of your plans so that you can benefit from their
advice. Deadline You should accomplish this step during your second semester
in the graduate program. If this can’t
be done, then you must finish it during the third semester.
Note that a Permanent Committee must be formed before this
step can be started. Preparations for the Proposal Symposium Graduate Chair/Secretary: Ordinarily done during the first week of
classes each semester - Establish
a date for the Graduate Proposal Symposium
- Reserve
a venue for the symposium
- Announce
the date and requirement to all students who qualify
- Distribute
the deadlines for specific symposium activities
Student: The following tasks must be completed at least one-week prior to the Proposal Symposium. [Check policy for deadlines]
- Prepare
a research title and short (250 words or less) abstract.
- Obtain
approval for the title and abstract from your Committee Chair.
- Forward
the title and abstract to the Graduate Chair.
- Distribute
a 2-5 page research proposal to your Permanent Committee.
- Forward
presentation materials for loading on the computer.
If any of the materials have not been
distributed by the deadline dates, you will not be allowed to present your proposal at the symposium Proposal SymposiumAn all-day symposium is held each semester for presentations of the research proposals. It is expected that all students and faculty will attend this event. Post-Symposium Follow-UpThe preparation of the written proposal and its presentation at the Symposium are just the starting steps of the proposal process. It is essential that you promptly follow-up with your Permanent Committee. This committee will provide a much more detailed critique than you are able to get from questions during the Symposium.
The overall goal is to provide you with the momentum to carry out your research with the best-possible research plan as soon as possible.
Student Responsibilities
Within the
several weeks after the Proposal Symposium, you need to do the following. - Convene
a meeting of your Permanent Committee.
- Discuss
the proposal presentation, comments made at the symposium, and the written
proposal with your committee.
- Discuss
the status of any formal approvals (e.g., Committee on Human Subjects) that you need to satisfy.
- MS
Students: Complete Form II and forward to the Graduate Chair
- PhD
Student: Complete the top of Form II and give to the Graduate Program to hold until after the
Comprehensive Exam is completed
Graduate Chair Responsi
- Endorse
an completed Form II and forward them to the Graduate Division.
- Enter
date that Form II was completed in the student's Program Form.
Policy Statements & Notes | 