Why are so many deadlines earlier than seems reasonable, and why are committees unavailable at times during the year?
Students are often surprised by the early deadlines for merit waiver applications, thesis/paper proposal submissions, thesis/paper drafts and final copies, application for graduation, and announcing a comprehensive examination. These deadlines are all specified in the handbook. Deadlines must allow for adequate review, deliberation, revision, and to meet deadlines set by the Graduate College or University. Thesis and research paper proposals may not be submitted during the first two weeks or last two weeks of any given term because these are busy times for faculty and administrators. Hence, proposals must be approved before the end of term prior to the term of enrollment. And, because faculty summer schedules do not allow for advisement, committee work is not required of faculty in the summer. Some Program Advisors may be willing to work with students during summer months, but usually enrollment in thesis, research paper, independent studies or internships is deferred until Fall or Spr
