The academic advisor is the first contact if academic problems arise. In the advisor's absence, the student may consult with another faculty member, the Graduate Program Coordinator, the Head of Department, the University of Illinois Counseling Center, a representative of the Graduate College, the Ombudsman for the campus, or an official of the Office of International Student Affairs.
Most issues regarding University procedures including (but not limited to) registration, student records, graduation requirement deadlines, etc. are handled in the Graduate Program Office. Matters involving purchases using University funds are handled by the Business Office.
If in doubt, check with your faculty supervisor.
Students are sometimes admitted for graduate study without an extensive background in animal sciences. Students are admitted on a "limited status" with specific deficiencies to be corrected. After they are corrected, students have full graduate standing. Students may not receive a graduate degree while on limited status.
The Graduate College calendar and the Timetable specify deadlines for adding and dropping courses. These changes may be made using UI Direct if made by the deadlines listed in the Timetable or Graduate College Calendar. Any changes proposed after the deadlines, must be done using a Late Program Change Form which is available from, and must be returned to the Department Graduate Program Office, 436 Animal Sciences Laboratory.
To propose a deviation from the preceding policies and procedures, the student must file an official petition form. These forms are available in the Graduate Program Office, 436 Animal Sciences Laboratory.
Deviations from policies or procedures stated herein or from other applicable regulations must be approved by the Head of Department. If Graduate College policies or procedures are at issue, the Dean of the Graduate College also must approve the deviation.
A student dismissed from the graduate program for failing to satisfy degree requirements may petition the Department Head for conditional reinstatement. Such a petition must include reasons for reinstatement and the recommendation of the academic advisor. In considering a petition for conditional reinstatement, the Head of Department considers, but is not limited to, the following criteria: performance in courses; performance in teaching or research; recommendations of faculty, including the academic advisor; deficiencies existing when beginning the Ph.D. program; and work or personal difficulties that may have interfered with progress toward satisfying requirements. If reinstatement is granted, it is conditional on meeting specific course, grade point average, and timing requirements as determined by the Head and indicated in writing.
If the student believes that he or she has received unfair treatment in any matter involving the Department, the student may file a grievance with the Graduate Student Grievance Committee. Grievance procedures are outlined in the Faculty Bylaws of the Department of Animal Sciences, available in 436 Animal Sciences Laboratory. Additional guidance appears in A Handbook for Graduate Students and Advisors (http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/grad_handbook/) and the Code of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students (http://www.uiuc.edu/admin_manual/code/).