1. New Graduate Student Orientation
welcomes you to
New Graduate
Student Orientation

2. Graduate Student Success: Navigating Towards Degree Attainment
Dr. Carmen R. Carter
Acting Dean, Graduate Studies
Updated 12/7/2016

3. Welcome to Prairie View A&M University!
Part of a proud family of Panthers
Three campuses – Main, NWHC, Medical Center
Master’s and doctoral degrees across eight colleges and schools
College of Agriculture & Human Sciences
School of Architecture
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts & Sciences
College of Business
Whitlowe R. Green College of Education
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology
College of Nursing

4. Office of Graduate Studies
To provide opportunities for advanced study to qualified candidates seeking an intellectually challenging and stimulating environment at the master's degree level of study. At the doctoral level, our mission is to produce experts and scholars.
We will do this by:
Oversight (leadership)
Collaboration
Programming
Support (funding and administrative)

5. Mapping the Journey
Every journey you take requires planning, preparation, and execution.
Planning – how do I get there?
Preparation – what do I need to be successful once I get there?
Execution – staying the course until the goal is reached.
Tools and tips along the way.

6. Journey to the Master’s Degree
Admission to Graduate Program at Prairie View A&M University
New Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration
Post Transfer Credit (If Applicable)
File Approved Degree Plan Within First Semester of Enrollment
Participation in Academic and Professional Development Opportunities through Academic College and Office of Graduate Studies
Advancement to Candidacy
Selection and Approval of Thesis Committee
Successful Completion of Comprehensive Examination
(If Applicable)
Thesis Proposal Approval and Successful Defense
Successful IRB Process
Successful Completion of all Required Coursework and Non-Academic Requirements for the Degree
Application for Graduation
Successful Defense of Thesis
Submission of Fully Edited Thesis Manuscript to Graduate Studies by Posted Deadline
Commencement
Final Submission of Bound Copies of Thesis to Graduate Studies

7. Journey to the Doctorate Degree
Admission to Graduate Program at Prairie View A&M University
New Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration
Post Transfer Credit (If Applicable)
File Approved Degree Plan Within First Semester of Enrollment
Participation in Academic and Professional Development Opportunities through Academic College and Office of Graduate Studies
Selection and Approval of Dissertation Committee
Completion of Required Coursework
Successful Completion of Comprehensive Examination
Advancement to Candidacy
Dissertation/Doctoral Project Proposal Approval and Successful Defense
Successful IRB Process
Successful Completion of any Non-Academic Requirements for the Degree
Application for Graduation
Successful Defense of Dissertation
Submission of Fully Edited Dissertation/Doctoral Project Manuscript to Graduate Studies by Posted Deadline
Commencement
Final Submission of Bound Copies of Dissertation/Doctoral Project to Graduate Studies

8. Graduate Student Policies and Procedures
Policies are meant to provide guidance and direction during your journey.
It is a graduate student’s responsibility to be familiar with, and abide by all academic policies outlined in the Graduate Academic Catalog, Graduate Student Handbook, Student Conduct Code, and any other official document of Prairie View A&M University. The Office of Graduate Studies provides policy related to graduate studies at PVAMU. Your program, department, and college can have additional policies which also govern graduate your graduate studies.
College, departmental, and program specific websites and handbooks
Adherence to policies, submission of appropriate forms, knowledge of deadlines, and timely payments are essential to your timely academic progress.

9. Highlight of Important Graduate Student Policies and Procedures
Enrollment
Graduate students are expected to be continuously enrolled in courses until degree completion.
Academic Standing
Graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. If the GPA drops below a 3.0 a student may enroll on probation. If the GPA continues below a 3.0 after the probationary period a student will be dismissed from the program. Please note many programs have specific policies in regards to the number of low grades that may be earned to remain in good academic standing.
Probation, Dismissal, and Appeals
A student dismissed from graduate studies at PVAMU has the opportunity to appeal. An appeals committee will consider extenuating circumstances for return to an academic program.
Time to Completion of Degree
Master’s students must complete the degree within six years of enrollment. Doctoral standards may differ by program.

10. The Thesis, Dissertation, and Doctoral Project Process
The thesis/dissertation/doctoral project is the culmination of your graduate academic experience. Some programs do have a non-thesis option.
Original research project that is expected to contribute to the base of knowledge for your respective field.
Important aspects of the process:
Choosing a research topic
Committee selection
Ethical research
Standards and requirements
Oral examination/defense
Submission and review

11. Tools and Tips to Stay the Course
See your faculty advisor regularly! Get your advice from the experts, not necessarily from a peer who did it a certain way when they got their degree.
Seek diverse options for funding your graduate education.
Understand that pursuing the graduate degree is different from the pursuit of your undergraduate degree.
Take time to develop your soft-skills in addition to hard skills learned in the classroom.
Take advantage of academic support on campus.
Develop relationships with faculty early on in pursuit of mentoring and research opportunities.
Develop a network among your peers.
Become a part of the research community; take advantage of opportunities to present your research – e.g. conferences, symposiums.
Take initiative and be the driver on this journey.

12. Graduate Student Resources
College, Department, Program, Faculty Advisors
John B. Coleman Library
Office of Distance Learning
Office for Career Services
Office of Graduate Studies
Office for Disability Services
Student Counseling Services/Health Services

13. Questions and Contact Information
Prairie View A&M University
Office of Graduate Studies
Wilhelmina Fitzgerald Delco Building, Suite 120
Phone: (936)
Fax: (936)
Website:
Carmen R. Carter, Ph.D., Interim Dean
Lorie Proctor, Director of Graduate Student Success
Pauline Walker, Administrative Associate IV