Head Graduate Advisor
During the first two years of the program, the Head Graduate Advisor (HGA) provides primary faculty advising on curriculum, progress toward the degree, and professional development. The HGA meets with each student at least once per semester during this period.
During the third year, primary advising related to Qualifying Examination preparation shifts to the student’s Qualifying Exam (QE) Chair and field examiners. The HGA continues to oversee progress through program milestones and remains the primary contact for program questions and formal requests for exceptions to policy.
Faculty Advisor
At the time of the M.A. Review (see below) the student is encouraged to identify a faculty mentor/adviser to oversee Ph.D. coursework, and in most cases, to continue on after the Qualifying Exam as director of the dissertation. The chosen adviser assumes responsibility for monitoring that student’s curriculum and progress on a regular basis, including the beginning of each semester.
Progress Evaluations
At the beginning of each fall semester, the Film & Media faculty reviews every student’s progress in the program, including participation in the intellectual life of the department, seminar work, timely completion of papers and degree requirements, and professional development. Students who are not making satisfactory progress will be notified and advised on how to address any deficiencies.
After advancing to candidacy, students must meet each spring with their dissertation adviser and at least one other dissertation committee member. Students must also submit the Doctoral Candidacy Review (DCR) as an eForm through CalCentral. The review reports progress to the Department and Graduate Division and, when necessary, updates the student’s timeline for completing the dissertation.