Program II is not a major, but rather an individualized degree program. Students admitted to Program II examine and explore an area of scholarship by designing their own unique program of study and fulfilling its requirements. Students are guided through a rigorous application process by an advisor (you) and the Program II Director. Read about the six modules of the application.
Advising a Program II student is an exciting and rewarding commitment, but it is just that: a commitment. As an advisor, you will support your advisee from the time of their application until graduation. The advisor's role has three main components:
- Before Approval: Assist the student in designing their program of study
- After Approval: In conjunction with the Program II Director, monitor the student’s academic progress towards fulfilling Program II requirements once their proposal has been endorsed by the committee
- Capstone Duties: Serve as a mentor and committee chair for the student’s capstone project
The Program II Committee has created the following checklist of responsibilities and expectations of advisors working with Program II students. Please ensure that you are able and willing to fulfill each of the responsibilities below before committing to serve as an advisor.
Stage 1: Before Approval
- First meeting with the student: Discuss the student’s ideas for a program and whether you would be an appropriate advisor (based on research areas, course of study, future plans, etc.)
- Second meeting with student: Discuss and revise the courses selected by student, discuss the thematic question, as well as sub-questions underlying their course of study
- Read and provide feedback on the student’s application prior to submission
- Write a letter of recommendation to accompany the student’s application. Please note: If you have concerns regarding a student’s proposal, share these concerns with the student before submitting a letter; encourage them to apply to Program II at a later date after addressing your concerns
- Work with the student in acquiring a DUS letter of approval from your department
Stage 2: After Approval
- Check in with student once a month to discuss their upcoming and current course load and progress in the major
- Assist student in applying to summer and post-graduate opportunities, internships, and grants when appropriate
- Generally, support your Program II advisee with the knowledge that they do not have a department to return to for aid
Stage 3: Capstone Duties
- Junior year: Discuss possible capstone ideas with student and necessary steps for completion (independent study, funding, IRB approval, etc.)
- Senior year: Mentor the student’s progress through their capstone project. A capstone may take two different forms:
- A capstone project, completed through two independent studies with their advisor (you)
- A Graduation with Distinction (GWD) project, either through completing any appropriate department’s two-course thesis sequence, or independently with you as their advisor.
- This role does include serving as a chair on their GWD committee.