Get the guidance you need
The success of every graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences depends in part upon the role of the student’s advisor. Whether they work together in a lab or a research team, meet in a seminar, or consult periodically in office hours or online, the advisor and the student together establish a plan for the graduate student’s research, work to identify and remove obstacles to success, and ensure that the student has opportunities to develop professional experience.
Academic advising at the graduate level happens within your graduate program. Each graduate program has a Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). Until you choose a faculty advisor (a process that varies across programs), the Director of Graduate Studies will serve in that capacity. Your DGS will be a resource throughout your career, in addition to your faculty advisor.
The DGS is also your primary contact for questions about academic procedures, parental accommodation, leaves of absence, and other matters related to your academic program. Most programs also have a staff member (graduate staff or graduate coordinator) who can provide general information about program requirements, policies, and practices.