Advising

Advising in the History Department is done on two levels. The first level is that of the Graduate Coordinators, Professors Jessica Elkind and Sarah Curtis, who act as liaisons between the student and the University administration (the Graduate Division, the Office of Admissions and Records, and Student Services). Questions regarding University rules and regulations, forms and petitions, as well as matters of an official nature on a departmental level--such as the Master's Comprehensive Examination--should be directed to the Graduate Coordinators. Students interested in the World History program can also contact Chris Chekuri. Dawn Mabalon is the coordinator for the teaching internships and Philip Dreyfus is the coordinator for graduate assistantships.

The second level of advising is provided by the instructors. Soon after admission to the graduate program the student should choose an academic adviser from among the faculty in her or his area of interest. The student should meet with this adviser to help plan a proper graduate program, and should then meet periodically with the adviser to keep him or her aware of how that program is progressing. Ultimately, each student will select a committee of academic advisers who will supervise the M.A. Comprehensive Examination or the Master’s Thesis. A list of instructors, with their fields, can be found here. Students are strongly urged to consult with their advisers and major instructors at least once each semester.

The following advising schedule should be kept by new and continuing graduate students:

(1) For entering graduate students: In conference with the Graduate Coordinators, students will plan a complete program; that program will be recorded on a graduate record sheet that will be kept in the files of the Graduate Coordinators. Entering students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Graduate Coordinators as soon as possible after they are admitted and no later than the first regular week of school during their initial semester.

(2) For continuing students: Students should meet with the Graduate Coordinators at the beginning of each semester in order to keep the graduate record sheet up to date. Students should also meet with their faculty adviser to report on their progress in the program.

(3) All continuing students are required to submit an annual review of their activities for that year. The review should be a 1-2 page(s), typed and double-spaced statement about their progress in the program and their plans for the future. This statement should report such developments as:

a.) the successful completion of any conditions attached to admission,

b.) the completion of a language requirement or auxiliary skill,

c.) a list of the courses undertaken in the past year and the grades earned in them,

d.) a list of the courses that you hope to take in the upcoming year,

e.) additional training that relates to the historical discipline (such as an internship or working on a credential),

f.) any special accomplishments or honors.

g.) Please also provide a brief statement concerning your plans after the completion of the M.A.

These reports will become part of each graduate student’s file. They will be due annually, on May 1, and they should be turned in to the Graduate Coordinators.

(4) For students taking the Comprehensive Examination: You must submit your GAP (Graduate Approved program) and constitute your committee in the semester prior to your exam. To begin the process, students should meet with the Graduate Coordinators for instructions on how to complete the paperwork. In the semester when the exam is to take place, students will enroll in History 896 and meet periodically with their examining committee in order to discuss their current preparations for the examination.

(5) For students who choose to write a Thesis: You must submit your GAP and constitute your committee in the semester prior to proposing to undertake a thesis. Please see the separate section on the thesis option in this website for additional regulations.

The History Department realizes that many graduate students have jobs and cannot, therefore, meet with faculty advisers or the Graduate Coordinators during regular daytime office hours. Such graduate students are strongly urged to contact their adviser or the Graduate Coordinators by telephone or e-mail in order to set up a special conference time.

Class Registration

Graduate students should register for all classes online. Information about registration (timing, fees, and procedures) can be accessed through “MySFSU” on the campus website. Enrollment material is available for most classes in time for your priority registration date; however, schedule information and permit numbers for courses like Hist. 896, Hist. 898, and Hist. 899 will be made available during the first week of the semester.