Satisfactory Progress

The student is making adequate and timely progress to completing their degree objective (completion of degree requirements, thesis project and/or dissertation)

If a student’s progress is satisfactory, the major professor and/or graduate advisor should discuss with the student the remaining steps to attain the degree objective, and offer additional guidance on meeting individual goals for the upcoming year.

Marginal Progress

The student is making progress to complete their degree objective, however there are marginal issues that slightly impact the completion in a timely manner. This rating serves as a warning to graduate students to begin addressing an issue before it has more significant consequences for their progress.

Faculty advisors/PIs should describe why the student’s progress is marginal and what steps must be taken in the next academic quarter for the student to remedy the issue(s). This can consist of a detailed plan where a specific timeline is provided in the report for the student with the appropriate steps to make satisfactory progress.

Unsatisfactory Progress

The student has not made adequate progress toward completing their degree objective, and something is impeding their progress. If a student is making unsatisfactory progress, the faculty member must provide a detailed explanation that outlines what expectations and objectives were not met.

Furthermore, students will receive a formal letter from the department and/or an Academic Plan to discuss specific actions that need to be taken to return to satisfactory status. Faculty and students are strongly encouraged to schedule a meeting as soon as possible after the submission of an unsatisfactory evaluation, as well as after the issuance of an Academic Plan, to ensure an alignment of expectations regarding next steps.

In Part 3, graduate students will be asked to acknowledge their advisor’s comments (Part 2). It is important to note that acknowledgement of the assessment does not constitute agreement with the evaluation, rather it is a confirmation of receipt. Students will have the option to respond to their advisor in the assessment if they wish.

• Should students have concerns that they do not feel comfortable expressing to their faculty advisor in the Annual Progress Assessment, they can complete the Support Form (after Part 3). This form will not be visible to your faculty advisor and will instead be submitted to your department’s Student Affairs Officer. Your Student Affairs Officer may consult with the Graduate Vice Chair to discuss your concerns and identify possible next steps of support.
• If you would feel more comfortable sharing your concerns with someone outside of your department, please submit an intake form to meet with an Academic Case Manager in the DGE. Information shared with Academic Case Managers will not be communicated with departments without your permission.

• Schedule a follow-up meeting with your faculty advisor/PI to ensure you are both in agreement in terms of expectations for making satisfactory progress. If you are unable to meet in person, a follow-up email would also be appropriate in confirming expectations.
• Prepare for a productive meeting by writing down questions you have regarding the assessment or items you would like to discuss with your faculty advisor/PI, such as your goals. Students may also use their individual department’s program requirement worksheet, if applicable, during the meeting.
• Be sure to send any relevant materials to your faculty advisor/PI in advance of your meeting.
• Students can also contact Jenny Lee, the Director of Mentoring Initiatives, or Kate Aquino, the Mentoring Initiatives Officer, to discuss APA format, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance.