DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY
GRADUATE STUDENT MANUAL

Who Needs This Manual?

This manual is written for entering and resident graduate students in the department. It also serves faculty and staff as the main reference on our degree requirements and departmental policies affecting graduate students. Chapters 2-5 contain descriptions of the goals and requirements for our three graduate degrees. Chapters 6-8 contain policy statements, rules and tips on how students can get "the little things" accomplished smoothly in the department. Examples of forms and filing procedures are included in the Appendix.

This manual supplements information provided in the Graduate School Catalog. It is not intended to replace the Catalog. Additional important information can be found in the University of Minnesota Class Schedule, the Graduate Student Handbook, the Handbook for Graduate Assistants, and at various web sites (go to http://www.onestop.umn.edu/ to enter the appropriate system). The Bulletin can be obtained at the Office of Admissions and Records, 130 Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus. The schedule is issued each semester and can be picked up in the Department's office in 219 Hodson Hall. The Graduate Student Handbook can be obtained at the Graduate School office, third floor Johnston Hall, Minneapolis Campus. The Graduate Assistant's Handbook can be obtained from the Graduate Assistant Office in 416 Johnston Hall. The latter office also offers information, help, troubleshooting and an ombud for matters pertaining to Research and Teaching Assistants. Students should be thoroughly familiar with details in these publications and use the present manual for subjects specific to Entomology. Of course, students should feel free to contact the Department's Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), Marla Spivak, for any questions or advice.

Graduate School

During residence in our programs, students should remain in contact with the Graduate School about all of their deadlines as they can change. In addition, the Graduate School should be consulted regarding such matters as transfer of credits, tuition, fees, residency requirements, thesis credit requirements, and taxes on assistantships.

Departmental Missions

The mission of the Department of Entomology is to conduct research and education in the science of entomology, emphasizing the systematics, biodiversity, biology, ecology, and importance of insects and their relatives in relation to human welfare, and the maintenance of a healthy environment. The Entomology Graduate Program offers M.S. Plan A (with thesis), M.S. Plan B(without thesis), and Ph.D. degrees (with dissertation). Students earn these degrees by satisfying the appropriate degree requirements. The graduate faculty defines the requirements, but the Graduate School awards the degrees. While in residence in the Department, graduate students receive advanced training as scholars, as researchers, and as teachers of the discipline. At the same time, graduate students themselves contribute to teaching, research and service in the department.