How do I choose an advisor?

If you have not identified an advisor in the admission process, you should ask your department to assign a temporary advisor in your first semester. Most departments hold mandatory advising sessions as a part of their department orientation. You can also conduct an online search of the faculty websites. Taking a course taught by a faculty member in an area of interest to you is also a good idea. Speak with current students, look for advisees past and present, and ask others in the department about faculty. Set up a meeting with the professor, explore research interests, and ascertain whether the professor is willing to act as your advisor.

How soon should I choose my advisor?

We recommend that you locate an advisor by the end of your first semester.

What if I decide to change my advisor? How do I go about doing that?

If you would like to change your advisor, handle it professionally. Set up a meeting with your current advisor and communicate your new goals and interests to him or her. Tell them about your new advisor and why the association seems more academically compatible.

What is a Graduate Plan of Study?

A Graduate Plan of Study is a required document for listing all coursework and research that you have taken, and plan to take, that will meet the requirements for your degree. You will not necessarily include every course you have taken on the Plan of Study, only those that meet the specific requirements for your degree as agreed to by your graduate advisor and your department chair. You should submit a Plan of Study during your second semester. If needed, you can revise your plan to reflect new courses or research aims.

What happens if I don't achieve a "B" or better grade in a course?

If you receive a grade of a "C" or less in any course, the Office of Graduate Education will contact your department or advisor, who in turn will ask to meet with you. They must prepare a report on your overall academic progress for the Office of Graduate Education, (OGE). A single "C" grade will rarely result in dismissal from the program, though it may prompt your department and OGE to set conditions you must meet in the next semester to continue in the program.

What happens if I don't finish my thesis by the May graduation date and I have run out of funding? By August graduation date if I have run out of funding?

If you don't finish your thesis by a May graduation date you can submit your thesis by the August completion date. You may then attend the graduation ceremonies the following year (ex. Finished August 2003, attend May 2004 ceremony).

If you don't finish your thesis by the August deadline, you will need to register full time in the following fall semester in order to graduate. Full-time students must register for a minimum of twelve credits, and pay full tuition costs and fees. Part-time students must register for at least one credit at the part-time tuition rate and also pay student fees if applicable.

What do I do if I am faced with financial hardship? Am I allowed to have an outside job?

If faced with financial hardship, the Rensselaer Union has an Emergency Student Loan fund where students can request a cash loan. Your bursar account must be in good standing to be eligible.

If there are circumstances that cannot be accommodated by the loan fund, you may seek campus employment in a non-academic position, or work outside of the institution. International students are restricted to only campus employment, and only of a non-academic nature. Under no circumstances can you be employed on a part time basis for work that would normally be performed by a teaching or research assistant.

How do I add classes after registration?

You may add classes by receiving the approval from the instructor and the Office of Graduate Education. You must list the course or courses on a Late Add/Drop form and have it signed by the instructor, and a then by the Office of Graduate Education, (in that order.)

What if I want to switch from an ME to and MS, MS to MBA, etc. How would I do that?

You can obtain a Change of Status form through the Registrar's Office, your Department, or the Office of Graduate Education. This form is used for a variety of academic situations, including change in degree. Your department, OGE, and at times also Health Services or the International Services for Students & Scholars Office (ISSS) must approve the form before the Registrar's Office can update your student file with the new degree information.

Is it possible to take a leave of absence?

You should contact the Office of Graduate Education about taking a leave from your graduate program. Always discuss the leave with your advisor and department beforehand. A leave of absence covers one semester at a time, with a maximum two-year limit. If you take a leave of absence, the Registrar changes your student status to "Inactive." This means that you forfeit your campus privileges, including housing, meal plans, email, and library access. In most cases, the time limit to completion of your degree is not changed by a leave of absence. Your department and the Office of Graduate Education will review your file before readmitting you from a leave, assuring that all admission criteria have been satisfied.