A successful GEMS student participates in class and laboratory for a minimum of 40 hours per week, including their duties as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA). It is at the discretion of the course director whether didactic courses will be attended in person or virtual, asynchronous, synchronous, etc. Regardless of modality, it is expected that the student regularly attend all classes and participate in dedicated research within their concentration.
Unless due to extenuating circumstances, students who do not attend their regularly scheduled courses or are routinely absent from their lab will first be provided warning by GEMS leadership. Should gross absenteeism continue, further sanctions, up to and including program dismissal may occur.
The GEMS program follows the UIC Graduate College calendar. However, it is at the discretion of the lab mentor whether the student will be allowed to take the prescribed break week between terms.