Moreover, they must complete the conditions for admission, at the latest, within one year, or they will be denied admission into the program. This category of students includes anyone who has not yet formally been admitted into the program, including those whose applications are in a pending status. The Department has limited funds, both scholarships and assistantships, which it awards to a small number of students. The Graduate Committee makes financial awards, purely on the basis of merit, in April for the following year. Students will be notified of award decisions in writing during the first week of April.
Scholarships also last a year.
Neither an assistantship nor a scholarship is assured for more than a single year, and in no case will support exceed two years. The DGS serves as the adviser for all students. All students must meet with the DGS at least once during the semester, and in no case may students register for courses without the DGS's permission. By the end of 18 hours of course work, students choose a faculty mentor, with the approval of the DGS and the mentor. The mentor, along with the DGS, is responsible for coordinating the students' program and, along with the DGS, monitoring the student's progress.