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The vice chair for graduate studies serves as the primary graduate advisor and leads a faculty advisory committee that provides academic guidance. This committee's expertise covers the majority of key statistical disciplines. New students must consult with an academic advisor in their first quarter to develop an appropriate study plan. The advisor also oversees the student's academic progress and approves quarterly course selections. Once a thesis topic is chosen, the thesis committee chair assumes the role of academic advisor.
Current students are required to have quarterly meetings with either the vice chair for graduate studies or their academic advisor, with these consultations documented in their academic records. Annually in fall, the full departmental faculty convenes to assess all M.S. candidates' progress. This group determines whether students are meeting expectations and provides corrective guidance when needed. For thesis students, progress evaluations are usually handled by their academic advisor. The committee may recommend dismissal for students who consistently fail to meet academic standards.