1. Not clarifying the difference to students between "A" and "B" plans (thesis vs. professional paper).

   Masters programs in many fields may be taken under either of two plans. One plan requires a thesis (Plan A), and the other requires a professional paper or project (Plan B). Plan A is a classical research oriented degree recommended for the students whose educational and professional goals make early research experience desirable. Plan B is designed to serve two types of graduate students: 1) those requiring additional class work en route to a doctoral program may defer original research until they formally begin their doctoral program, and 2) Those in terminal degree programs and in other individual cases where original research is not necessary. See http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_masters_stud.shtml for master's student information and http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_doc_stud.shtml for doctoral student information.

2. Not knowing what is required and can (or can not) be used on a program of study.

The Program of Study is intended to allow graduate students the opportunity to map their route to an advanced degree. This document becomes a contract with the CGS that defines what must be completed for the student to receive the degree they are pursuing. The program may be revised and updated to reflect the availability of classes and shifts in academic foci. There are numerous requirements and limitations that the CGS has defined to ensure that each individual adheres to a minimum level of academic achievement.

See http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_masters_stud.shtml for master's student information and http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_doc_stud.shtml for doctoral student information.

3. Not knowing the requirements of a student’s committee structure

For masters students, three (3) to five (5) committee members are required to represent the student's major and supporting courses or minor. The majority of the members must be from the major department and be comprised of a majority of MSU faculty. Adjunct faculty, faculty affiliates, faculty of other institutions, and non-academic experts may serve as additional committee members, but may not chair a committee. Off campus and non-faculty appointees must submit a curriculum vitae to the Graduate Vice Provostfor approval to be a committee member.

For doctoral students, departments have the choice of appointing four committee members plus the graduate representative, or five committee members plus the graduate representative to represent the student's major and supporting courses or minor. Three (3) or four (4) must be from the student's major and at least one (1), but not more than two (2), must represent the student's supporting course area or minor field of study. The Graduate Vice Provostappoints the Graduate Representative. Adjunct faculty, faculty affiliates, faculty of other institutions, and non-academic experts may serve as additional committee members, but may not chair a committee. Off campus and non-faculty appointees must submit a curriculum vitae to the Graduate Vice Provostfor approval to be a committee member.

See http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_masters_stud.shtml for master's student information and http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_doc_stud.shtml for doctoral student information.

4. Not knowing the deadlines for submitting the Graduate Program of Study & Committee form.

This form should be used as a planning tool for the student and his or her faculty advisor. The Graduate Program of Study & Committee form must be submitted by the end of the second term of study for master's students and by the third term of study for doctoral students. Failure of a student to submit this form on time will result in the student being placed on academic probation for failure to be making satisfactory progress towards a degree.

5. Not knowing the requirements of formatting for theses/dissertations and who is responsible for that formatting.

It is the student's responsibility to see that her or his thesis or dissertation conforms to the requirements set forth in the "Preparation Guide for Thesis, Dissertations and Professional Papers". However, the advisor will be considered negligent if he or she allows a student to submit their work to the Division of Graduate Education with significant formatting errors.

6. Signing an Application for Advanced Degree "too early".

Applications for Advanced Degree, like any other form requiring your signature, should not be signed automatically when presented. Applications for Advanced Degree should only be signed by the faculty advisor when he or she is sure, or has more than a reasonable expectation that the student will in fact complete all of the requirements for the degree (including submission of final copies of the thesis or dissertation to the Division of Graduate Education) by the deadline of the term they are applying to graduate.

7. Not knowing the deadlines each term for submission of Applications for Degree, exams, and final submission of thesis.

The deadlines for submitting the Applications for Advanced degree have been defined as follows: Fall Semester - Sept. 20; Spring Semester - Feb. 5; and Summer Semester - June 10. The last day to take a comprehensive or final exam or submit final copies of a thesis or dissertation is typically two weeks prior to the last class day of the given semester. Students and faculty advisors should check the appropriate dates each semester at http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_dates&dead.shtml. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the student having to register for a minimum of three credits the following semester in order to graduate.

8. Not ensuring students are registered for three (3) credits both the term they take exams/defense AND the term they intend to graduate.

Failure to register for a minimum of three credits during these terms will void the events.

9. Telling undergraduate students that they can enroll in your graduate level course without understanding the minimum requirements necessary to take part in a graduate course or the petition process students must complete for the Division of Graduate Education.

Graduate courses are for graduate students. Exceptional undergraduates may be allowed to enroll in graduate courses pending approval of a petition to do so. The petition process is designed to ensure that graduate courses are not degraded in quality by the presence of students unprepared for that level of work.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 09/21/06