The progress made by each graduate student is evaluated by his/her advisory committee once a year (between February 1st and February 15th). For this purpose the student should arrange a meeting of his/her advisory committee during this period. The first meeting will take place in the Spring semester of the second year of graduate-study. All graduate students, whether on an assistantship or not, are required to have this evaluation. Only students who will get their diploma in May of that year are not required to have this review.

The Student submits a 3-4 page report to his/her advisory committee, in the format of the Annual Progress Report Form, about 3 days before the scheduled meeting. In the meeting, he/she makes an oral presentation of his/her progress toward the degree and his/her future plans. After reviewing the candidate's progress, the committee advises the student of its evaluation and also recommends to him/her any coursework he/she should take during the next year, and gives directions on the future program of research. The committee also reports its evaluation to the Graduate Affairs Committee on the Advisory Committee Report Form. If the student is a candidate for reappointment, such as a Graduate Assistant, the advisory committee also makes a recommendation on the reappointment.