This is intended to be an informal document, not policy. In the case of any discrepancy between this chart and the written policy, the written policy shall apply.
Note: All timing requirements (“N”) are counted as semesters formally enrolled in the department’s doctoral program, whether enrolled as MS/PhD, PhD or DES, referring to the end of the “Nth” semester. Semesters of approved “leave of absence” are not counted.
Graphical flowchart available here.
BY END OF |
MILESTONE |
CONGRATS IF MILESTONE(S) SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED |
REMEDY IF MILESTONE(S) NOT FULFILLED |
N = FIRST SEMESTER |
Advisor(s) established. All “imports” signed off. 2 new breadth areas completed. | Welcome! | Satisfactory progress unless there’s a “severe” problem. Reminder that a mutually-agreed research advisor must be established no later than the end of the second semester. Reminder to complete imports, and that two new breadth areas per semester is required. |
N > FIRST SEMESTER |
“Satisfactory progress” on research, meaning at least 50% time devoted to research, with promising results. | Wonderful, this is what you’re here for! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. First time: expect or require substantial attention to research during upcoming semester and thereafter. Second and subsequent repeats: probation or dismissal from program. |
N = SECOND SEMESTER |
Algorithms prerequisite completed. | Analysis of Algorithms is the core of Computer Science | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Probation or dismissal from program. |
FIRST SEMESTER < N
|
Breadth requirement completed ORtotal 2*N breadth areas completed here (NOT counting “imports”) | Good for you, keep it up! If applicable, apply for your MS from SEAS and advanced standing from GSAS as soon as you’ve completed 4 core breath areas, 2 elective breadth areas and 30 graduate points. | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. First time: expect or require a specified number of additional breadth areas completed the upcoming semester. Second and subsequent repeats: probation or dismissal from program. |
N = FIFTH SEMESTER |
Breadth requirement completed. | Glad that’s over! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion by end of upcoming semester or face dismissal from program. |
N >= THIRD < SIXTH SEMESTER |
Teaching/TAing requirement completed, partially completed, or planned for following semester. | Planning and pacing is important, do not wait until the last minute. | Reminder. Milestone not technically required until MPhil. |
|
Teaching/TAing requirement completed. | Extra teaching/TAing is welcomed, if ok with your advisor. | Reminder. Milestone not technically required until MPhil. |
N = SIXTH SEMESTER |
Candidacy exam passed. | Now you’re a candidate. PhD students should apply for the MPhil as soon as possible after 6 RUs as well as all of the above requirements. | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion by end of upcoming semester or face dismissal from program. |
N >= SIXTH SEMESTER |
Target semester for thesis proposal defined. | You’re on course. | Discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. |
N = EIGHTH SEMESTER |
Thesis proposal passed. | Now you’re what they call “ABD” (All But Dissertation). | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion by end of upcoming semester or face dismissal from program. |
N >= ELEVENTH SEMESTER |
Dissertation distribution and defense “coming soon”. | There’s a light at the end of the tunnel! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require plan for timely completion of dissertation or face dismissal from program. |
N = TWELFTH SEMESTER |
Thesis defense passed. | Congrats! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion within a specified period or face dismissal from program. |
Last updated on April 27, 2022.