Graduate Student Handbook

The Graduate Handbook is your essential guide to the policies and procedures of graduate programs in English. Please read it carefully and discuss any questions you have with your advisor or the Graduate Director. As in most large programs, there is much lore among students and faculty about requirements and procedures, and this lore is sometimes not current or entirely accurate. This handbook is the official word on these matters, and the Graduate Director will answer any questions that you have. You may also wish to visit the Graduate School's website at http://www.grad.ilstu.edu/

English Studies at Illinois State
The Department of English embraces an English studies model that explores interactions among Literary and Cultural Studies, rhetoric, linguistics, critical theory, writing, and pedagogy. We offer three advanced degrees, the Ph.D. in English Studies, the Master's in Writing, and the Master's in English. There are some 40 graduate faculty and some 130 graduate students, a mix that allows us to offer 30-35 graduate courses each semester and to support a wide range of specializations and interests. In addition, there are several hundred undergraduate English majors and some 200 minors.

Program Advisor
All students are advised initially by the Graduate Director. As they complete 18 hours, students choose a permanent advisor from the graduate faculty. The permanent advisor might, if you wish, also direct your internship, comprehensive examinations, and your thesis or dissertation, as appropriate to your program. Each semester, you must meet with your advisor to select courses for pre-registration and to discuss your academic and career goals.

Dates and Deadlines
For current dates and deadlines, refer to the Graduate Catalog and the Graduate School handout, "Important Dates and Deadlines," available through the Graduate School Web site and printed in the Course Description booklet for each semester. Note that most of these deadlines are for the formal graduation ceremonies.  However, students can complete theses and dissertations at any time. If you complete your degree before or after the official graduation date and need to show a prospective employer or graduate program proof of your completion, the graduate director will be happy to write a letter vouching for your completion of all requirements.

Complete 2007-2008 Handbook (Word Version-Printer Friendly)

Dr. Roberta Trites
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of English
Illinois State University
seelinger@ilstu.edu