Glossary of Important Terms

Graduate Adviser for the Department represents the department with the Vice President and Dean of Graduate Studies and facilitates the administrative processing of admissions, matriculation, and graduation.
Graduate Coordinator or Graduate Program Administrator for the Department performs the administrative processing of admissions, matriculation, and graduation.
Area Coordinator is the faculty member who oversees the administrative functioning of a specific area of concentration within the department.
Academic Adviser is the faculty member in your area of concentration who works directly with you to advise you as you plan your doctoral studies and complete the coursework required for the degree.
Thesis or Report Supervisor (Master's Students) is the faculty member who guides you through your thesis or report and serves as the chairperson of your committee.
Research Mentoring Supervisor (Doctoral Students) is the faculty member in your area of concentration who works directly with you as you complete your research mentoring requirements.
Dissertation Supervisor (Doctoral Students) is the faculty member who guides you through your dissertation and serves as the chairperson of your dissertation committee.
Dissertation Committee (Doctoral Students) is comprised of a supervisor and at least three readers.

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