UIUC Graduate College Policy Handbook

Academic policies for the Graduate program in the Department of Geology are partially defined by the Departmental Handbook but are largely set by the Graduate College and the University. The three guides that set out most of the basic policies and procedures are (click to see electronic versions):

You can also find information about many university-wide policies at http://www.vpaa.uillinois.edu/policies/

These guides are available on the WWW or at 202 Coble Hall. The Graduate College Home Page address is http://www.grad.illinois.edu/. There are many useful items on this page, including:

  • Grad Times Newsletter (Graduate Student Newsletter)
  • Services for Graduate Students
  • The Ideal Graduate Student
  • How to Choose a Thesis Advisor
  • Academic Services Opportunities
  • Mentoring Graduate Students
  • What Do We Teach When We Teach: Ethical Values in the Classroom

Please note that Graduate College or University policies take precedence over Geology Department policies. Please notify the Grad Studies Committee, If you notice any discrepancy among policies set by various units.

Handbook for Students and Advisors

The Graduate Handbook of Policy for Students, Faculty and Staff (click here to see the electronic version), published by the Graduate College, describes rules and regulations pertaining to all graduate students. You should consult it for the following topics which will not be repeated in the Departmental Handbook.

  • Credit Loads
  • Credit/No Credit
  • Time Limit
  • Travel for Conferences
  • Travel for Dissertation Research
  • Stipend Payments
  • Payroll Forms
  • Tax Status
  • Health Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave
  • University Resources for TA's
  • Mediation of Conflicts Between Faculty Supervisors and TA/RA
  • Resources and Procedures Outside of Department (Grievance)
  • Ethics: Academic Integrity
  • Professional Codes of Conduct
  • Academic Misconduct Policies (e.g., plagiarism, discrimination, sexual harassment)

Deviations from Policies

Deviations from policies are allowed under appropriate circumstances, upon approval of a student's petition by the Department Head or by the Dean of the Graduate College as appropriate. Petition forms can be obtained on-line or from the Geology Department office. It is strongly advised that you file a petition before a deviation from policies occurs.

Policy Changes

If major changes in Departmental requirements occur, students may choose to fulfill either the requirements in effect when they began graduate study or the new requirements. Prior to major changes in policy, a meeting usually takes place among graduate advisors, the Department Head, and continuing graduate student to discuss proposed changes, timing of their implementations, and choices that continuing students have in fulfilling either the old or the new requirements.

Academic Misconduct

Please be sure that you understand university policy concerning plagiarism and cheating. If you have questions, talk to your advisor or the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee . The most common mistakes that students make involve using inadequately referenced source material in a report or thesis (e.g., direct quotes must be bounded by quotation marks and must be attributed to their source; concepts and paraphrases must also be attributed to their source), or using completed problem sets by others to help you finish your own problem set.