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| Home Graduate Student Handbook International Student Handbook |
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| Letter of Welcome |
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Dear Graduate Student, |
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Welcome to the College of Graduate Studies at Lamar University. I am pleased that you are interested in exploring the many opportunities we offer in the graduate school.
The College offers 47 Masters and 6 Doctoral degree programs in a wide variety of areas. Our first-rate faculty are actively involved in research and creative activities, as well as providing excellence in the classroom. In addition, our graduates go on to successful careers in our ever-advancing global community.
I invite you to explore our website and review all that we have to offer. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your interest in Lamar University and I look forward to meeting you on campus.
Sincerely,
Oney D. Fitzpatrick, Jr., Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Graduate Studies.
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| Graduate Students |
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A graduate student at Lamar University is a person who is officially admitted to and is currently enrolled in a department or program of the Graduate School. As a student who is officially enrolled in a program of post-baccalaureate education, each graduate student has certain rights and responsibilities.
Each graduate student assumes responsibility for being thoroughly familiar with the rules and regulations of the Graduate School, which are described in Lamar University's Graduate Catalog. It is also the graduate student's responsibility to be familiar with Each department's special requirements for graduates. unique requirements for graduation. The Graduate Adviser in each department will help the student develop a plan to meet the requirements.
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| Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities |
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| Right to Learn |
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| Lamar University has three purposes: teaching, research, and public service. Each of these is important to the implementation of university objectives. No student has the right to interfere with the learning process, another's research, or a public service program.
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| Professional and Academic Standards |
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| Graduate Students have the right to be informed of the departmental, professional and academic policies and procedures that affect them. Students should be informed of these policies during the initial term in which they enroll in a program. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with the department, program and college policies and procedures, and to ask questions if the information is unclear or not provided.
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| Evaluation |
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| Graduate students can expect to receive periodic evaluations of progress and performance as determined by their major department. Under normal circumstances, graduate students have the right to be evaluated according to the basic requirements of the program under which they initially enter the university. But departments and colleges have the right to change program requirements and apply them to students already admitted, provided adequate notice is given and the requirements are not made retroactive to parts of the program already completed by graduate students.
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| Termination and Withdrawals |
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| Continued registration in the department or program is contingent upon the academic performance of the student. It is the responsibility of the graduate student to meet the standards as set forth in departmental and university publications. Registration may be terminated upon recommendation by the department head or program director to the Dean of the Graduate School.
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| Confidentiality of Records |
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| Some university records are confidential and can only be released to the public with the student's written permission. Information concerning confidentiality may be found in the Student Handbook under the heading "Educational Records and Student Rights."
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| Academic Integrity |
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| University guidelines concerning student academic conduct are discussed at length in the Student Handbook under the headings of "Academic Bill of Rights" and "Academic Dishonesty."
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| Academic Governance |
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| The right to establish policies pertaining to academic programs is vested with the President of the University and the faculty. Graduate students may contribute in the decision-making process through invited participation in committee efforts or through contributions of their own initiative.
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| The Right to Appeal |
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| A graduate student at Lamar University has the right to appeal any judgment or decision made within the university. The appeal procedure depends on the nature of the decision. These are discussed in the Student Handbook. Questions regarding the appeals procedure should be addressed to the Graduate School (880-8229).
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| The Graduate Adviser |
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Each department, school, or program appoints a graduate adviser, who coordinates the department's graduate programs and is the faculty member to whom graduate students direct requests for information about graduate study in a particular program. New graduate students should contact their appropriate graduate adviser:
The graduate adviser's duties include:
- Advising the Dean on admission of graduate students.
Advising graduate students regarding their programs of study and other matters pertinent to graduate work.
- Appointing individual advisers for each graduate student.
- Approving official study programs.
- Acting on the petitions of graduate students.
- Insuring that adequate records are maintained on all graduate students in the department, group, or school, and supplying relevant information as requested by the Dean.
- Assisting the Dean of Graduate Studies in the application of university regulations governing graduate students, graduate study, and graduate courses.
- Advising the chair of the department and the Dean of Graduate Studies about development of the graduate program in the department, groups, or school.
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| The Graduate School |
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| At Lamar University all programs leading to the master's and doctoral degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate Council and are administered by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The Graduate School is directed by the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, who chairs meetings of the Graduate Council. As reflected in the title of its chief administrative officer, the combined responsibility for graduate studies and for research reflects the intention of Lamar University to emphasize the research character of graduate education. Graduate education involves more than the accumulation of credits; although formal requirements exist in each program, the Ph. D. and most master's degrees are the culmination of creative efforts. They attest the ability of the recipient to engage in original inquiry.
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| The Office of Graduate Studies and Research (219 Wimberly) |
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The President of the University appoints the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies who is responsible for graduate admissions; graduate degree programs; the administration of fellowships, graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships, and other graduate student support; thesis and dissertation tutorials and final approvals; the development of new programs; and the maintenance of common standards of high quality in graduate programs across campus. Dr. Jerry Bradley is the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies; Dr. Stuart Wright is the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Carmen Breaux is Executive Assistant. An integral part of the Office of Graduate Studies is the Office of Graduate and International Student Admissions, which is located at 118 Wimberly. The office is managed by Debby Piper and international program officer Sandy Drane. The Graduate Admissions manager may be reached at 880-8988; the International Student Admissions program officer may be reached at 880-8356.
The Office of Research can help the graduate students make their or her way through the maze of rules and regulations regarding research. Achieving a graduate degree from Lamar University involves not only the fulfillment of academic requirements but also compliance with all regulations and guidelines imposed by the University. Modern research is intimately entwined with federal and state regulations that are increasingly complex. Many areas of employment require familiarity with policies pertaining to research programs.
Regulations cover almost every aspect of research including the use of human and animal subjects, the use of biologically or chemically hazardous materials, and the generation of hazardous or toxic waste. If research involves humans, even if only to survey their attitudes or to give pre- and post-tests for an experimental educational method, the researcher must submit a proposal to the University's Human Subjects Internal Review Board for review and approval. Animal research is approved by the Animal Subjects Internal Review Board.
Specific information concerning research and review requirements for use of human and animal subjects can be found in the University's Sponsored Projects Manual, which is revised and maintained by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.
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| The Graduate Council |
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The policy formulating body of the Graduate School is the Graduate Council; it is composed of faculty drawn from the five colleges and is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on all matters affecting University graduate programs. The purpose of the Graduate Council is to promote excellence in all graduate programs. The departments and/or colleges are responsible for the management of graduate programs, and the Graduate Council performs the function of coordination and review.
The responsibilities of the Graduate Council include the formulation of policy for graduate education, which includes such matters as student admission and retention; guidelines and levels of compensation for graduate assistants; course load requirements for graduate level status; admissibility of transfer credits; research requirements; and requirements for comprehensive exams, theses, and dissertations.
The Council also has planning and review responsibilities regarding new graduate programs and periodically reviews existing programs. In addition, it determines requirements for graduate faculty membership; helps promote career growth and development f or graduate faculty; proposes strategies for increasing financial support for graduate education; and serves as a review body for graduate student appeals.
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| The Research Council |
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| The Research Council is a branch of the Faculty Senate. It is chaired by the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. It is charged with discussion and recommendations concerning institutional policy on research grants and funding, with patent policy, with the protection of human subjects in research, with the protection of experimental animals, with publications, with the development of specialized research facilities for intercollegiate use, and with any other matters of policy pertaining to research programs.
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| Financial Assistance |
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Employment on Campus :
Many Lamar students find it possible to earn a large portion of their expenses by working full-time in the summer and part- time during the school year. University employment is an integral part of financial aid available to students. The Office of Student Aid maintains a listing of current jobs available on campus. Students may obtain detailed information in the Office of Student Aid.College Work-Study Program
Qualifying students may work on campus and receive an hourly wage for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Student Assistants
Students may work in various campus offices or facilities for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Financial Aid :
Lamar University's financial aid program is intended to open educational opportunities to all capable students. No student should be reluctant to attend Lamar because of need for financial assistance. Approximately one-half of all Lamar students receive financial assistance.
Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG), State Tuition Scholarship (STS), Student Incentive Grants (SSIG).
Several loan funds are available to Lamar students. Long term loans are offered with repayment scheduled after the borrower graduates or leaves school. Requirements and applications for each of the following loans may be obtained from the Office of Student Aid. The following loans are offered:Federal Perkins Loan, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Hinson-Hazelwood College Student Loan, Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students. Emergency loans are also available to Lamar students on a short- term basis. Application Procedure
Two forms must be completed for all need-based financial assistance:- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Lamar University Supplemental Aid Application.
Application forms may be obtained in the Office of Student Aid, P.O. Box 10042, Beaumont, TX 77710; (409) 880-8450.
Scholarships and Grants :
Awards are determined during the late Spring for the following academic year. Therefore, priority is given to applications received by the April 1 deadline. Applications received after this date are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Applicants who have met the April 1 deadline and are unconditionally accepted into the university will be notified of their eligibility during mid-summer.
Additional consumer information and specific rights and responsibilities of students are available in the Office of Student Aid.
A wide variety of scholarships and various grants are offered to Lamar students. Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic achievement, programs of study, or special skills. Grants are awarded through the determination of financial need. Grants range from $200 to $2,400 per academic year. The following grants may be applied for through the Office of Student Aid:
The Quality Fellowship
Contact Professor Victor Zaloom of Civil Engineering or Professor Huey Lee of the College of Business. Texas Hazardous Substances Research Center Fellowship
Contact the Center for information; restricted to students engaged in writing a thesis related to the subject of hazardous substances. Graduate Assistantships :
Graduate assistantships at the master's and doctoral levels are available in a number of academic departments. All assistantships are intended to be of direct educational benefit to appointees. In order to be approved by the Graduate Dean, an assistantship appointment must relate to the student's academic objective and be supervised by a member of the Lamar University faculty.
Graduate assistants are Lamar University employees who are also graduate students. They are employed by a department or college to instruct in classrooms and labs, advise students, proctor exams, supervise practica, assist in research and creative activity, or perform other teaching, research and creative duties. The term "graduate assistant" encompasses the teaching fellow, teaching assistant, research assistant, and administrative assistant.
Graduate assistants who are employed at least half-time have the option of enrolling in the university's group health insurance programs. Graduate assistants are not eligible to participate in the state employees' retirement program. See the Graduate Assistant Manual for additional information.
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| Career Service |
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| The Career Center is located in Room 102 of the Galloway Business Building. It offers a wide range of programs and services to assist graduate students with their career planning and job search needs. Individual career counseling is available on both an appointment and drop-in basis. In addition, workshops and special events are regularly offered covering such areas as resume writing, job search strategies, and nonacademic employment options. The Career Center also houses a career reference library containing information on employers, job listings, salaries, sample resumes, and publications pertinent to graduate students' career issues. The Career Center may be reached at 880-8879.
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| University Services |
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Academic Services Information Systems (Computing Facilities) :
The University Information Systems Division is responsible for providing the computing services required by the academic, administrative, and research communities of Lamar University.
Computers for student use are located at various strategic locations on the campus, including in some of the dormitories. These labs utilize personal computers, which can be used as terminals to the mainframes and Internet or as workstations. The campus computer systems are connected using a fiber optic backbone, that allows high-speed data transmission and connection to the Internet.
The Media Resource Center, Gray Library :
Lamar University's Media Services Center is located on 7th floor of the Gray Library and may be reached at 880-8537. The Center has computers, TVs, VCRs, overhead projectors, software, a color copier and scanner, and other media resources. In addition, the Gray Library owns a collection of videotapes ranging across all subjects of instruction.
The staff of the Media Services Center can advise the graduate student about making transparencies for overhead projector presentations. The Center is a good source of advice about how to use the available technology.
Library Services :
The Mary and John Gray Library offers graduate students the best possible access to collections and services. Its staff is aware that graduate students are involved in specialized research programs that may require many hours in searching the literature, and in reading and analyzing documents retrieved. The Gray Library offers many other services. For additional information, see the Library's pamphlet entitled "Guide to The Library," that is available at the Reference Desk. For a tour of the library and its services, ask at the Reference Desk, 880- 8128.
Some library regulations and policies have been specially tailored to suit the needs of graduate students. The Library Online System is available at computers on floors 1 through 7. This system provides access to the library online public access catalog (OPAC), current journals list, online indexes such as FirstSearch and TexShare, library information, campus information, and Internet sources such as other libraries' online systems, employment opportunities, subject sources, and even the weather or telephone. Remote access to the Library Online System is possible using any computer with a modem or telnet access; the computer center will provide graduate students with assistance with logging on. Database Searches are easy-to-use computerized information systems that provide bibliographical citations on education, the social sciences, humanities, life and physical sciences, technology and medicine. These services are provided free of charge to graduate students.
In addition, the library has subject specialists in many disciplines. Graduate students should seek them out for assistance. These librarians know how to prepare a search strategy and complete the online search. The librarian can also update the search if necessary.
Interlibrary Loan Books, journal articles, and other materials not available at the Mary and John Gray Library may be borrowed from another library. Forms for requesting books and articles are available at the Reference Desk and must be dropped off there when completed. Items borrowed through the Interlibrary Loan service can be picked up at the Periodicals/Reserve Counter on the second floor.
Once a literature search has been completed, and it is determined that the Gray Library does not have the documents or periodicals needed, Interlibrary Loan will obtain needed items in about two weeks. For service, call 880-8132 or go to the Interlibrary Loan Office, Room 109 in the Gray Library. Special Collections and Archives Special Collections is located on the seventh floor and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The University Archives is located on the fifth floor and is open by special arrangement through the Library Administration Office at 880-8118 or room 719.
The computer lab has PCs available with a wide variety of software and provides assistance in their use. Internet access is available. Laser copies on a variety of papers, scanners, and overhead projectors are also availab le. The lab contains a shareware library for downloading. Classes on various computer applications (such as how to use e-mail, build a web page, or search the Internet) are offered at various convenient times. This area does, however, close one hour before the general library.
Graduate students have the privilege of longer borrowing periods for books. They must have a validated Lamar University identification card for the current term. Information on circulation privileges, fines, and lost books can be obtained by calling 880-8134.
University Note:The programs, policies, statements, and procedures described in this manual are subject to change by the University without notice. This manual should not be construed as a contract, expressed or implied, between Lamar University and any student, applicant, or faculty member.
This handbook is published in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Texas State University System. In the event that any conflict appears in this book with these rules and regulations, the TSUS rules and regulations will prevail. Copies of the TSUS rules and regulations may be obtained through the office of the Vice President for Student Services, 109 Wimberly Student Services Building.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Lamar University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educational institution and employer. Students, faculty, and staff are selected without regard to their race, color, creed, sex, age, handicap or national origin, consistent with the Assurance of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Executive Order 11246 as issued and amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
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©1996 - 2008, Lamar University. All Rights Reserved.
A Member of
4400 MLK Blvd., P.O. Box 10078,
Wimberly Building, Room 219,
Beaumont, Texas 77710
Email:
Tel: (409) 880-8229 Fax: (409) 880-1723
Last Revised: 05/27/2008
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