Scholars should read the entire handbook. (If you haven’t already done that, take a moment to do that now.)
Big picture: The handbook is easier to reference when scholars have a sense of what it contains in full. Reading and understanding program requirements via the handbook equips scholars to take control of their Emory journey.
- Where to find it: The handbook is linked on the Path to the PhD page of the chemistry website.
- What if policies change? If there is a substantial change to program policy, scholars will generally be offered a choice of adopting the new policy or continuing to follow the handbook for their year of entry. A record of the scholar’s choice will then be placed in the student file.
Also: There are two additional handbooks scholars need to be aware of.
The Laney Graduate School handbook addresses school-level policies. Scholars need to follow the policies and procedures of both the chemistry and LGS handbooks. There are a few cases where chemistry might customize an LGS policy – in this case, the chemistry handbook policy supersedes the LGS policy. If the chemistry handbook doesn’t address something at all, the LGS policy should be followed.
- LGS policies not included in the chemistry handbook: parental arrangements, withdrawals and leaves of absence
- Chemistry policies not included in the LGS handbook: milestone requirements, rotations, change of group
The Professional Development Support (PDS) handbook outlines policies and procedures related to the training, research, and conference support funds disbursed by LGS. Chemistry assists with disbursing approved PDS funding, but this is an LGS program. Reviewing the PDS handbook prepares scholars to take full advantage of this resource.
When the handbook doesn’t cover it: If a scholar believes something is missing from the handbook, or if they are uncertain how to interpret a requirement, they should reach out to any member of the graduate admin team for assistance. The admin team can also help with LGS requirements, either directly, or by referring the scholar to a colleague in LGS.
- Petitions: If a scholar wishes to request an adjustment to a chemistry handbook policy or procedure, they should utilize the PhD program petition process.
- Grievances: If a scholar disagrees with some aspect of the handbook or how it is applied, they may wish to utilize the chemistry PhD program grievance process.