Cacey Stevens Graduate Student, Physics University of Chicago B.S. Physics, Southern University (2008) Colin Campbell Postdoctoral Scholar, Biology Penn State University B.S. Physics, Westminster College (2007) Ph.D., Physics, Penn State University (2012) Graduate Student Concerns Graduate Education in Physics ConferenceJanuary 31 – February 2, 2013

Goal of this Session Discuss areas for improvement in physics graduate education from the perspective of students. Topics 1. Monitoring Student Progress 2. Services to Students: career preparation, work/life balance 3. The Advisor-Student Relationship 4. Other Concerns

1| Monitoring Student Progress How does your department monitor students as they progress toward their degrees? Have any changes to your department recently been considered or implemented as a result? What are the most common causes for a student failing to complete his/her degree? Does your department aspire to graduate every student? How is this communicated during recruitment/admissions? How does your department prepare students for benchmark requirements (e.g., the candidacy exam)?

2| Services for Students How does your department promote appropriate work/life balance for students? Are incoming students assisted with finding affordable housing, childcare, etc.? What career preparation services does your department offer? Are students encouraged to gain experience outside academia? How does department train students in "soft skills,” e.g. teaching techniques, grant proposals, ethics, etc.?

3| The Advisor-Student Relationship How do students select a research advisor? What mechanisms are available for students to switch advisors? How are faculty prepared to be effective mentors? What are the department-wide expectations for each faculty advisor? What policies are in place to address reports of advisor-student abuse and/or discrimination?

What other concerns would you like to discuss? 4| Other Concerns