• Arts & Sciences
• Physics
• Graduate Program
• The Ph.D. in Physics
• Annual Review of Progress

Annual Review of Progress in Research

Upon starting their research projects students will select a committee in consultation with their advisor. This committee will consist of the advisor (and a possible co-advisor) and two others whom the student has chosen from among the physics faculty (at least one of whom is in a different subfield).

Starting from the second year of graduate study, the student is required to have an annual review every academic year, which is typically carried out early in the Spring semester and must occur before April 1 of that year. This review will normally consist of a presentation of recent progress by the student followed by discussion with the committee. (Students in their second year of study are expected to present the direction of their chosen research; the committee may choose to further examine the student's course preparation and give recommendations as appropriate.) The committee will then give a written evaluation to the student and a copy to the Graduate Studies Committee.

Requests for exemption will only be considered for special circumstances (e.g., students in their last year with a defense date already scheduled), and they must be made as a joint petition of the student and adviser to the GSC. The Physics Department expects that students will be able to complete the Ph.D. within six years of entering the program (or four years from passing the qualifying examination for transfer or special students).

Extension of financial support for the sixth and subsequent years requires the endorsement of the student's evaluation committee and the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee and the Department Chair. Extension of financial support beyond seven years will not normally be given.

• At least three days before the review provide the following to your committee
  • A one to two page progress report indicating area of research, advisor, status of course work, research progress made towards your degree in the past year, remaining objectives for the completion of your degree, a proposed time table for achieving them and any remaining coursework. 
  • An updated CV.  CV example (pdf)   CV template (word)   CV template(LaTex) 
  • A copy of last year's action plan (you can get a copy from Paula) 
• For your annual review please bring:
  •  A filled-out copy of the cover page (pdf), 
  • Copies of the evaluation forms for each committee member, (pdf) 
  • One copy of the action plan document for your advisor (pdf), and 
  • A 20-minute talk summarizing progress and plans (could be shorter for 2nd-year students or advanced students who are writing up).