1. Graduate Student Orientation
Nicholas School of the Environment
ENV Program
2016

2. People Introduction: DGS & DGSA
Director of Graduate Studies (DGS):
Joel Meyer
( tel: ; LSRC A354)
Director of Graduate Studies Assistant (DGSA)
Danielle Wiggins
( ; tel: ; LSRC A106)

3. Outline What is the role of the DGS and DGSA?
Timeline of events (general; note variability within ENV)
Course Work (also highly variable within ENV)
General suggestions

4. What is the role of DGS and DGSA?
We serve as the intermediaries between students and faculty (open door policy, and everything remains confidential unless it involves life-threatening circumstances); advocates for both.
Annual progress reports
Clarify rules, paperwork, etc.

5. Timeline Year 1: classes, research
Year 2: classes, research, certification meeting, ideally prelim
Year 3: research, prelim
Year 4: research
Year 5: research, defend
(some flexibility, and variable by research group)
Throughout--publish, consider career ideas, remember why you are here, have fun!

6. Timeline Year 1: take classes read, attend seminars, etc.
begin research
Who are you as a researcher? What do you want to study?

7. Timeline Year 2: More classes (usually)
More research, work on developing thesis proposal
Choose committee members, begin to get feedback
Certification meeting (form committee, get feedback on classes and research ideas)

8. Timeline Year 2: committee membership details
At least 4 members (full members of the graduate faculty), including chair of the committee (usually, major professor) are needed.
Can add non-Duke faculty members
Forms needed
Logistics for distant members

9. Timeline
Year 2:
if possible, prelim at the end of the second year

10. Timeline Year 3 (by the end): must take preliminary exam
Committee formation and certification meeting must occur at least 30 days before the exam takes place.
Modifications to the committee can be made up to the day before the exam (but graduate school approval is required).

11. Timeline of events
Years 4:
Research!
Publish!
Conferences!

12. Timeline Year 5: Completion of the thesis and defense.
Funding limitation after 5 years
Dissertation must be completed with 4 years of the prelim (extension must be requested from the graduate school).

13. Outline What is the role of the DGS and DGSA?
Timeline of events (general; note variability within ENV)
Course Work (also highly variable within ENV)
General suggestions

14. Course Work—flexible! In ENV you may:
focus your field by focusing on disciplinary topics
integrate multiple themes in your research work
be creative!
The program strives to encourage such research flexibility by not requiring specific core course work.
This puts a premium on you and your communication with your mentor and committee (hence, timeline of committee formation).
Responsible conduct of research requirements

15. Course Work and Registration
Doctoral candidates must register for the equivalent of 6 semesters of full-time tuition plus "Continuation" each semester and summer (if in residence during the summer) until all degree requirements are met and their dissertations are turned in to the Library.

16. Outline What is the role of the DGS and DGSA?
Timeline of events (general; note variability within ENV)
Course Work (also highly variable within ENV)
General suggestions

17. Suggestions
Quickly establish clear communications with your advisor, in particular regarding classes, publication and thesis research expectations.
Work to create and engage in community; work-life balance.
Stay excited!

18. Suggestions
Thing about your career goals, ask advice, and plan appropriately.
Consider writing grants
Teaching opportunities
Collaborations
Attend conferences, local and international
Network