Selecting a Research Advisor and Supervisory Committee

Research Advisor

It is the student's responsibility to find a Human Genetics faculty member who is willing to serve as the director of his/her thesis research. It is strongly urged that these arrangements be completed by the end of the spring semester of the first year. Upon selecting a Human Genetics faculty member as their advisor, the student joins the Human Genetics Department. The student’s graduate records and personnel forms are transferred from the Molecular Biology or Biochemistry Program to the Human Genetics Department office, Room 2100.

Selecting the Committee Members

The Supervisory Committee should be selected during the first year in the Human Genetics Department. The student, in consultation with their research advisor, will choose a committee of five members with the Research Advisor as head. Of those five, at least 3 and no more than 4 members must be from the Department of Human Genetics (i.e. from 1-2 must be from another department on campus). All University of Utah faculty members are eligible to serve as supervisory committee members.

A form entitled, "Request for Supervisor Committee" available in the Human Genetics Graduate Records Office (see Graduate Secretary, Rm. 2100) should be completed and filed with the Department.

Program of Study

The student should fill out a "Program of Study" form at a Supervisory Committee meeting by the end of the second year of graduate work or after 75% of course work has been completed. All members of the Supervisory Committee will sign this form and the student will submit it to the Graduate Secretary.

Annual Committee Meetings

Once the Preliminary Exam has been passed, and until the thesis is completed, the Supervisory Committee must meet with the student at least once a year. Students must meet this requirement in order to receive their tuition waivers. Committee meetings provide an ideal opportunity for students to gain new perspectives and directions in their research. These meetings also help students progress through their research in a timely manner. Students are encouraged to seek the advice of their committees as often as they feel necessary, either in individual or group settings. Furthermore, committee meetings must be held every four months during, and after, the seventh year of graduate study (sixth year in the Department). It is the student's responsibility to schedule these meetings. If there are scheduling difficulties, remember that not all committee members have to be present at each meeting (or you can select a temporary replacement). The "Report of Progress" form should be picked up from the Graduate Secretary (Room 2100) before each meeting and returned with the signatures of the committee members. The Report of Progress will be kept in the student's personal file in the graduate office (Room 2100)