News
Latest Information from the Graduate School
August 1, 2020
We continue to maintain our COVID-19 information page. Additional information and guidance about modified graduate student and postdoc policies and activities related to COVID can be found there. Other important information about campus protocols is available on the Show Me Renewal page.
Read MoreElectronic Signatures for Graduate School Forms
August 31, 2020
The Graduate School now accepts and encourages electronic signatures on all forms. The preferred way is to sign with an e-signature that has been configured using Adobe. This Creating and Using a Digital Signature provides guidance though that process. Another option is for the individuals signing to insert their signatures as an image on the form.
Read MoreDropped Classes or Approved Section Changes
August 23, 2020
The 100% refund period for dropped classes or approved section changes will be extended until Tuesday, September 8 at 11:59 PM for classes that begin the week of August 24, 2020. (This includes only full-semester and first 8-week classes.) This is a UM System initiative meant to accommodate students (without penalty) who may need to
Read MoreNeed Assistance from the Graduate School?
August 12, 2020
The Graduate School and Office of Postdoctoral Education in 205/210 Jesse Hall is open. Please note, however, some of our staff continue to work remotely. We ask that those needing assistance contact the appropriate staff member to set up a virtual meeting. Below is some additional information to help you get in touch with us.
Read MoreWorking in Research Facilities and Creative Spaces
August 12, 2020
All students doing work in research facilities and creative spaces are required to complete the Return to Work form on eCompliance and receive formal approval before working on campus. This includes students registered for research credit, including independent studies that may involve research or creative works; students receiving a stipend, salary, or research scholarship/fellowship; and
Read MoreAssistantship Guidance for AY 20-21
August 12, 2020
If a student in a graduate assistantship becomes sick, they must not be expected to perform assistantship responsibilities during that time. If they are self-isolating or quarantining and are otherwise feeling healthy, they should work remotely if possible. Units and supervisors should have plans in place to continue classes, research activities, etc. in the student’s
Read MoreAuthorizing Access to Research and Creative Works Spaces
August 7, 2020
Graduate students participating in research or creative activities — as paid staff or in graduate assistantships or in education roles (e.g., research hours, internships, independent studies, volunteers) — are expected to complete the Return to Work Authorization form to engage in research or creative activities on campus. If you have already completed a form, you
Read MoreWritten and Oral Defenses and Graduate Committee Meetings for Fall 2020
August 5, 2020
• Remote written examinations and Zoom defenses and committee meetings should be prioritized (see Zoom Defense Tips) • For some disciplines (particularly in the Arts), it is essential for the defense to be conducted in person and with an audience. In these cases, the advisor and/or DGS should notify the Dean or their designee for
Read MoreWritten and Oral Defenses and Graduate Committee Meetings – General Guidance
August 5, 2020
• Appropriate adjustments may be necessary for students or faculty who are at risk for developing severe illnesses (or caring for those at such risk) and those with poor internet service. • Anyone who requests participation remotely must be accommodated, with no risk of reprisal. • All students and faculty will need access to video
Read MoreDepartment and Program Admissions Considerations for 2021-22
August 5, 2020
The pandemic has slowed some students’ progress for their degrees, especially related to their research, scholarship, and other creative works. As you prepare for 2021-22 admissions and offers of financial support, consider whether your program should admit fewer students in order to provide another year of financial support to students whose work has slowed due
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Dr. Manuel Leal
August 5, 2020
Faculty Spotlight- Dr. Manuel Leal Faculty Member Building a Lab Where Everyone is Welcomed. As a kid, he would play with lizards in his backyard, so it was an easy transition to study them in graduate school. Manuel Leal, Ph.D., grew up in Puerto Rico and was always interested in understanding how the Anolis lizards
Read MoreCity of Columbia Updates
May 6, 2020
If you are wondering how the City of Columbia is responding to COVID-19, click here for information.
Read MoreFood and Other Support Resources
May 5, 2020
We recognize that there are members of our community who are food insecure. The following resources are available to assist. The MU Tiger Pantry is open for delivery and curbside pickup: Veterans United put together a map of free food locations in Columbia: A local restaurant, the Broadway Diner, is offering free meals to children
Read MoreAetna COVID-19 Coverage
September 25, 2020
There are benefit liberalizations for the Aetna student health plan. They include the following: For duration of 20/21 plan year: Expanding plan eligibility to include online students Paying international claims at in-network benefit levels for eligible plan medical services Waiving home country exclusions for international members Until December 31, 2020: Waiving cost-share for COVID testing
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Tigers Supporting Columbia Community
April 15, 2020
Graduate Students Timely Shift to Online Tutoring Supports Columbia Community in Difficult Times By Christina Mascarenas As the world adapts to a temporary new normal with classes and meetings online so has a tutoring program. The ‘A Way With Words & Numbers’ (or AWWWN) non-profit tutoring program housed in the Career Center at the University
Read MoreAnnual Reviews for Graduate Students
August 1, 2020
Programs are expected to conduct annual reviews of graduate students. Keep in mind the challenges students are confronting, including care giving responsibilities; home schooling; pivoting research projects; and moving to classes in a new format, both as student and as instructor. These circumstances should be taken into account when determining whether a student is meeting
Read MorePreparing for International Travel in the Future
May 8, 2020
As of April 6, 2020, all travel for university-related business is on hold until further notice. However, students may be preparing for travel in the fall. The International Center has guidance to assist students in their planning process related to course registration, finances, visa. Needs, safety, health and travel insurance, and other matters. Please refer
Read MoreInternational Student Coursework for Fall 2020
August 1, 2020
In partnership with the International Center, guidance for international students admitted for Fall 2020 is available here. This guidance includes recommendations for students who have been admitted who may be delayed in getting a visa to begin in August 2020. Please note that newly enrolled international students must be enrolled in a face-to-face or hybrid
Read MoreRemote Coursework for International Students for Summer 2020 (from Spring 2020)
April 8, 2020
Because MU will offer all courses this summer online/remotely, current international students may have questions about the implications for summer course-taking as it relates to their visas. The International Center has important information for programs and students.
Read MoreGraduate Assistantship and Postdoctoral Scholar Offers and Eligibility for New Students and Postdocs
August 3, 2020
If a contract has been signed, it should not be rescinded. However, in light of fiscal guidance, any new offers, including as a replacement for a student who did not accept an offer, should be reviewed at the school or college level to determine whether an offer should be made. Postdoc offers that are submitted
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