1. Departmental Deadlines for Signatures
Students must submit any forms (such as M1, D2, etc.) to the Graduate Program Director (GPD) at least one week prior to College and/or UGS deadlines.  Deadlines are published at Deadlines.htm and it is the student’s responsibility to know these deadlines and abide by ALL of them (departmental, College, University).  Any additional forms that the GPD must arbitrate/sign must also be submitted at least a week before they are due.

2. Annual Progress Reports
Each student’s progress in the program will be reviewed by the graduate committee on a yearly basis, usually in April. Students will be given evaluations of their progress from the committee.  Copies of annual evaluations will be kept in the student’s file and will be one of several factors examined by the Committee if and when the student applies for TA positions and admittance into the PhD program (following completion of the MA).

3. TA Requests/Renewals
Enrolled students who wish to be considered for TA positions must complete a TA request form as well as an annual report by April 1.  Evidence must always be presented that they are making satisfactory progress in their program.  Additionally, expectations for student progress increase as they progress, as follows:

• Students completing one or two semesters (9-18 credits) must show progress in their degree program.
• Students completing three or four semesters (27-36 credits) must show progress as well as attempts at receiving non-departmental funding (such as RAs, summer opportunities).
• Students completing five or more semesters must show progress as well as attempts to secure non-departmental funding outside as well as inside FIU.

Students serving as TAs who teach their own courses must submit course evaluation forms for course(s) taught with their request.

4. Department Colloquia:

• All students are strongly encouraged to attend department-sponsored pro-seminars and colloquia. These events will be publicized via email, the department webpage and announcements in core courses. Students attending core courses in their first two years (e.g, Methods I & II; ANG 5496) may have, at the discretion of the instructor, one of their requirements be attendance in these seminars/colloquia.  Colloquia will typically be held on the Fridays that the faculty holds its departmental meetings; however, alternative scheduling is welcome.  

Students and SAGSA are encouraged to develop their own ideas for useful seminars/colloquia and the department will, whenever possible, co-sponsor and/or provide other support to ensure they are successful.

5. Submission of Thesis/Dissertation to Committee
Students must provide a final copy of their thesis or dissertation to their committee at least 30 days in advance of the scheduled defense.  Any exceptions to this rule must be made in writing to all members of the committee and must be agreed to by all members.

6.  Post-MA Review
Students who have finished or are about to finish the MA and wish to continue their studies into the PhD program must seek formal admission into PhD program by requesting, in writing, a post-MA review from the Graduate Committee (this is different from applying into the PhD program for admission).  Faculty on the Graduate Committee will evaluate whether or not they believe the applicant can handle advanced study and is capable of writing a successful Ph.D. dissertation. 

Among the criteria for admittance will be:

(1) satisfactory passage of competency exams in theory and research methods,

(2) GPA and overall performance in the program,

(3) good annual performance reviews,

(4) high performance on their proposals and presentations from the 2-course sequence in the second year.

Students may also be asked to supply evidence of analytical writing ability (e.g., major paper(s) from elective courses).

7. Pre-Graduation Exit Interview
All students who are graduating in a given semester must participate in an exit interview by the graduate director prior to having graduation forms signed by appropriate faculty. This is designed to:

(1) get feedback from the graduate and

(2) obtain the future contact information necessary to comply with Florida requirements for assessing their career success after FIU.