From the degree program form to graduation: Charting a new path

Graduate students currently follow Graduate School procedures to formalize their degree program, propose their committee members, track the completion of milestones like exams and theses, and apply for degree clearance.*

The current "big picture" for tracking degree progress is illustrated in the diagram below. (This diagram is not comprehensive; there are a few more degrees that have different forms or milestones. However, we welcome feedback regarding all graduate degree types, as each will be included in the overall project.)

What should this picture look like for graduate students at the University of Minnesota?

In two recent meetings, staff from Academic Support Resources (ASR) and the Graduate School invited stakeholders from colleges and departments to discuss this question, so that ASR can begin to define the parameters for an online, streamlined tool for tracking the components of graduate student degree progress. More conversations are planned with graduate students and additional stakeholders.

We invite you to review the notes from recent discussions on the project website (look under "discussion and analysis"). Leave your additional ideas in the comments below, or email them to project manager John Vollum. What would you like to see in a system that tracks graduate student degree progress for students, staff, and faculty?

*Remember: Current Graduate School procedures for tracking degree progress and applying for degree clearance will continue to be in effect at least through the 2011-2012 academic year. If you are a graduate student looking for forms and instructions, go to the Graduate School Student Services web page.