Tracking and evaluating progress each year helps scholars to mark progress towards the PhD. Each year, scholars complete an annual check-in with the committee and complete an annual survey to check in with the graduate program.
The Annual Survey is completed via the Facet system managed by the Laney Graduate School.
- Deadline: Scholars will be notified when the survey opens in the spring and must submit the survey no later than April 30 each year or prior to their graduation, whichever comes first.
- Take note: The chemistry graduate program has a supplemental survey that scholars must complete – once the survey is complete in addition to entering their annual activities in Facet.
- Also: Occasionally, other surveys may be required during the year to collect information related to running the graduate program.
Failure to complete the survey requirement may result in probation.
The Annual Committee Evaluation is a check in with the research committee that is required each year in addition to the completion of any milestones.
The annual meeting can be scheduled at any time, but it cannot be scheduled earlier than any required in-person meetings for annual milestones (Second Year Qualifying Exam, etc.) The meeting may take place at the same time as the evaluation of milestones with the permission of the committee.
In addition to a discussion of milestone requirements completed in a given year, scholars should be prepared to discuss the following:
- What did you accomplish this year?
- What are your future plans and goals?
The 1-page research summary required in year three and above should address these questions and should be provided to the committee for review when requesting a signature on the evaluation form.
- Deadline: Scholars should obtain signatures on the Annual Committee Evaluation during an in-person meeting scheduled on or before April 30 each year.
- Take note: First year scholars are only required to submit the signature of their primary research mentor.
Failure to complete the annual committee check-in requirement may result in probation.
Note: Scholars entering the program in Fall 2024 or later are required to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) requirement as a replacement for the Annual Committee Evaluation. The IDP requires the scholar to complete a self-assessment and to meet with the primary research mentor and obtain a signature. The scholars must submit a signed IDP form no later than April 30 to successfully complete the IDP requirement. Scholars are encouraged, but not required, to share the IDP with the research committee as well as the primary research mentor. Scholars in earlier program years may elect to replace the Annual Committee Evaluation requirement with the IDP.