The Graduate Committee is comprised of MSE faculty members. The department chairperson appoints each member of the committee, and the committee chairperson. In addition, a graduate student representative from the MSE Graduate Student Council will serve with the Graduate Committees. The program chair is John Heron.
The Graduate Committee is charged with the general oversight of the graduate program in Materials Science and Engineering. It also coordinates the recruiting and admission of new graduate students into the department. Primary responsibilities include matters related to graduate degree requirements as set forth by the department and by the Rackham Graduate School. Of major importance are the graduate curriculum and examination requirements for the Master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
CURRICULUM
It is the responsibility of the Graduate Committee to ensure that the minimum course requirements, as set forth by the MSE faculty and as required by the Rackham Graduate School, are fulfilled by each student. The Committee is responsible for evaluating the curriculum and, when appropriate, recommending changes to course offerings and/or course requirements.
GRADUATE COMMITTEE CHAIR
The Graduate Committee Chair and the Graduate Coordinator handle most day-to-day operations related to graduate requirements. There is a moderate amount of paperwork required by the Graduate School as you progress from matriculation to graduation. Most such paperwork is prepared by the Graduate Coordinator and approved by the Committee Chairs. Occasionally, a student will have an unusual situation that requires a petition to the Committee. Such petitions should be directed to the Graduate Chair, who will bring them before the Committee if warranted.
The Graduate Chair serves as an interim advisor for new students until they secure a research advisor. Students should work closely with their research advisor to select courses within the department and cognate courses.
