Advisory Committee
It is the policy not only of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology but also the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies that all full-time graduate students have an Advisory Committee that meets regularly. Advisory committee members are expected to attend the student’s 9200y/9225y/9250y seminar. We suggest that it is most efficient in terms of effort and time for both the students and the advisory committee members that one of these meetings immediately follow the student's seminar.
Although two meetings per year are the minimum requirement, the student, supervisor or members of the Advisory Committee may suggest additional meetings (formal or informal) as deemed necessary. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule and keep track of all committee meetings. It is also required that the students submit a written report to the supervisors and committee members one week prior to the meeting date. The written report is a progress report. It will generally consist of approximately 5-10 pages and contain a brief introduction, the research question at hand, and a summary of key research results/progress since the committee last met. The written report should contain figures and/or tables with appropriate figure legends.
The Advisory Committee Meetings must be documented by filling out the appropriate form.
At each meeting progress will be assessed as “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory”. If a student receives a second “Unsatisfactory” rating a mandatory meeting will be scheduled with the Graduate Program Chair and the Department Chair. A second unsatisfactory rating could result in a withdrawal from the program for failure to meet Program requirements.
Student-Supervisor Responsibilities
Proposed Advisory Committee Form
Advisory Committee Meeting Report Form for PhD and 2-year MSc
Advisory Committee Meeting Report Form for One-year Project and Course-Based Masters students
Advisory Committee Documentation Form for One-year Project and Course-Based Masters students
**Students not complying with the minimum requirement of meetings will not be eligible for internal awards.
2-year MSc Students
The committee must have formal meetings at least twice each academic year. The first committee meeting should be held within four months of starting the program. The committee must be composed of at least two faculty members in addition to the supervisor. Advisory committee members may be from another department or even another University, but at least one should be a member of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology faculty.
PhD Students
The committee must have formal meetings at least twice each academic year, unless permission to meet once per year is documented on the most recent advisory committee form. The first committee meeting for direct entry doctoral students should be held within four months of starting the program. The committee must be composed of at least two faculty members in addition to the supervisor. Advisory committee members may be from another department or even another University, but at least one should be a member of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology faculty.
One-year Project and Course-Based MSc Students
The committee must meet once before July 1 and for a second time before December 15. The committee must include one member of the 1-year Masters steering committee, as well as at least one additional faculty member. Advisory committee members may be from another department or even another University, but at least one should be a member of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology faculty.
