Plan of Study

Normally, by March, the IDAC completes admissions procedures and the Doctoral Program Office sends letters to the Admission offices at participating universities recommending acceptance into the Program. An applicant who receives such a letter (and who pays the appropriate fees to ensure formal acceptance into the university) is required soon thereafter to meet with their assigned pro tem advisor. The pro tem advisor arranges for this entry meeting, designed to develop a preliminary program plan of study and to reaffirm the initial outline of the proposed research area (submitted with the original application process). The plan of study also confirms full-time status. It indicates additional special topics and independent studies that will be taken. The Final Plan of Study form is signed by the student, the committee supervisor and the Doctoral Program Coordinator who then submits it to the IDAC for approval (within a time frame specified by the IDAC). A copy of the form is housed in the Doctoral Program Office. A modified residence plan and plan of study, in rare circumstances, may be permitted by the IDAC.