Clarifications and Corrections:
General Note: This version of the handbook has been edited throughout to improve clarity and precision. In particular, instances of “work” have been revised to more specific terms when referring to research activities (as distinct from ASE appointment activities). Additionally, “ensure” has been replaced with more appropriate wording where needed.
Section: Year 2
Subsection: General Examination
Note: Corrected “Autumn” quarter to “Spring” quarter in the section addressing dissertation advisors planning sabbatical.
Section: Satisfactory Academic Progress
Subsection: Actions for Unsatisfactory Performance and Progress or Academic Misconduct
Note: Corrected typos and added language for clarity.
Section: Lab Rotations
Subsection: Fourth Rotations & Changing Labs
Note: Clarified and formalized program policy; revised language for clarity.
Section: Satisfactory Academic Progress
Subsection: Actions for Unsatisfactory Performance and Progress or Academic Misconduct; Academic Notification – Missed Milestone; Academic Alert
Note: Consolidated language across related sections to reduce redundancy. Clarified program policy as follows:
- Students who do not secure a lab in the first year cannot be guarenteed funding.
- For students in Year 2 and beyond, up to two consecutive quarters of Academic Alert (Academic Alert and Final Alert) will remain funded.
- Students who resolve the conditions outlined in an alert letter will return to satisfactory academic progress.
- In cases involving repeated Notifications or Alerts, or where ongoing laboratory performance poses risk to community members or partnerships, the program may advance a student directly to Final Academic Alert or, in rare cases, Academic Drop.
Section: Leave
Subsection: Single Quarter; Extended Leave of Absence (Continuous & Multiple Quarters)
Note: Clarified program policy to indicate that leave requests are reviewed carefully by program directors and are not automatically approved; requests may be denied if significant concerns are identified.
Section: Leave
Subsection: Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program (PFML)
Note: Added new subsection to provide additional resources.
Section: Course Registration
Subsection: How to Register
Note: Added a link to Disability Resources for Students (DRS) to remind students of the option to request classroom accommodations during registration.
Section: Financial
Subsection: Requesting Workplace Accommodations
Note: Added a link to Disability Services Office (DSO) to remind ASEs of the process for requesting employment-related accommodations.
Section: Year 2
Subsection: General Examination
Note: Updated to align with Graduate School Policy 1.1.1.3 (Culminating Experiences). Students must now opt in to having their exams advertised and open to the public.
Section: Final Years & Graduation
Subsection: Final Examination
Note: Updates to conform with updated GS Policy 1.1.1.3 Culminating Experiences. Students must now “opt in” to having their exams advertised and open to public.
Section: Appendix I. General Exam Timeline
Subsection: N/A
Note: Added this appendix to provide a visual timeline of tasks for students and committee faculty throughout the second year. This visual can also be found on the program Canvas page.
Policy Changes:
N/A