Graduate School Bulletin

Program Rules

All PhD programs must have a set of program bylaws or rules that establish the governance structures for the program as well as the rights and responsibilities of faculty and students. These rules should be available in one or more documents to current and prospective faculty and students. Programs are free to craft their own bylaws/rules, but they are expected to be consistent with University policy, Graduate School policy, and the Guidance on PhD program bylaws/rules .

Since it is a privilege to be a member of the graduate program faculty, this privilege should be reserved for those that are actively engaged in scholarly activity, graduate teaching/mentoring, and/or programmatic activities. It is essential that guidelines, policies, and practices be in place for: 

• Program faculty selection and review;
• Revocation of program faculty status, which may include probationary periods;
• Faculty grievance procedures;
• Ethical treatment of graduate students.