Academic Advising
Throughout their time in the graduate program, the Graduate Director will serve as students’ graduate adviser. In this role, the Graduate Director will acquaint new students with the various procedures and requirements necessary for successful degree completion and assist in course selections. If a student decides to write a thesis, the Graduate Director will remain the student’s graduate adviser until a thesis committee chair is chosen.
If a student prefers, they may request that a different faculty member serves as their graduate advisor. If the faculty member consents, they assume the role of the student’s graduate adviser.
In coordination with the Graduate Director, you will receive regular contact from the Graduate Program Staff Assistant, Erin Hetzel. Mrs. Hetzel will assist in course selections, keep you on track by making you aware of timelines and important deadlines. For that reason, it is crucial that you check your Penn State email on a regular basis and respond in a timely fashion to all emails.
