Suggested Responsibilities for Graduate Program Directors
Graduate Program Directors (GPD) play a vital role in making graduate programs successful. While the specific responsibilities vary from program to program, there are a number of “typical” responsibilities associated with this role. Download the suggested List of Responsibilities.
Resources for Your Role
Academic Integrity and Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Designed to benefit graduate students throughout the university, these two courses are an introduction to several aspects of a successful professional career. Graduate students should be encouraged to enroll where required. For course information, visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning website.
The UNC Charlotte Research Integrity Officer is responsible for allegations of research misconduct including plagiarism, falsification, and fabrication of research materials. Additional information can be found on the Dean’s Office web page.
Faculty Global Engagement Toolbox
From the Office of Global Education and Resources, this Toolbox contains resources that may be of interest for you and/or your students. Examples include cultural ambassador international student panel discussions, study abroad classroom presentations, scholarships, programs, speakers, global internships/careers, and more!
Student Tracking and Progress Resources
A major responsibility of the Graduate Program Director or Coordinator is the tracking of student progress. This includes oversight of enrollment each semester, qualifying exam benchmarks, candidacy, research productivity, commencement deadlines and time-to-degree. The Graduate School monitors students that do not meet enrollment guidelines and may fall to non-degree seeking status, as well as time-to-degree. However, the GPD/C should be proactive in oversight of these processes. Best practices include: developing a tracking spreadsheet for the students in the program, holding orientations to assure active communication, and requiring annual progress reports that specify yearly goals and timelines to program-specific benchmarks.
Thesis and Dissertation Resources
All students enrolled in thesis-based master’s programs or Doctoral programs must submit a thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School. The details of the submission process, semester deadlines, FAQs, as well as resources for the writing and formatting of the manuscripts are detailed on the Thesis and Dissertation Manual page. Both Master’s and Doctoral Students have the option of submitting an electronic version of their document so it is critical that program Directors and Coordinators become familiar with the ETD process and discuss the deadlines and processes with students at the beginning of the semester.
Contacts:
- Doctoral Graduation Clearance gradgraduation-doctoral@uncc.edu
- Master’s Graduation Clearance gradgraduation-masters@uncc.edu.
- Certificate Graduation Clearance gradgraduation-certs@uncc.edu
- For all other general inquiries gradgraduation@uncc.edu
The Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life and Learning
The Reynolds CGLL offers a number of programs and resources designed to support the efforts of our graduate students. Whether helping them maintain balance in their lives or developing professional skills to prepare for the job market, the Reynolds CGLL supplements classroom learning and make the most of students’ time in graduate school. The Center for Graduate Life and Learning serves all graduate programs on campus. We invite graduate students, faculty and staff to view their website for a multitude of including advice, funding guidance and and student resources.
