Incoming students will identify a faculty member in the program with whom they would like to pursue their academic program and research endeavors. Every effort will be made to accommodate the student’s first choice of a faculty adviser. If the student is unsure of a research interest and adviser selection, the Admissions Committee will assign an adviser. Within the first two semesters of attendance, a permanent adviser should be identified. The adviser, together with the student, will develop a plan of study for the student’s didactic and scholarly program and will be responsible for guiding the student’s academic progress such that the adviser will supervise the student’s research work and dissertation preparation.

Advisory committee

The student, in consultation with the adviser, will identify faculty members to serve on the advisory committee. The committee shall be appointed no later than the end of the spring semester following matriculation into the program. The student’s advisory committee shall be comprised of five faculty members to include the adviser, two members from the rehabilitation and movement science faculty and two faculty members from other related departments. The student’s adviser, who is active in the field of research the student has selected, will chair the committee.