Responsibilities of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)
Run a student orientation for incoming graduate students and ensure that students know how to access policies and procedures and are informed of any updates. Distribute information to individual student cohorts regarding relevant milestones and opportunities. Ensure student cohorts and their advisers understand expectations and process for completing these milestones.
Identify whom students can turn to (DGS, ADGS, Chair, GSAS Deans, etc.) if challenges arise in working with their adviser and be familiar with other University resources for student support (Dean’s Designees, Title IX office, Office of Institutional Equity and Access, etc.).
Know who the student leaders of the program are and meet with them regularly. (A leader may be the student representative for the Graduate Student Assembly [GSA] or other appointed or elected student[s] in the program.)
Offer guidance to students about the process of identifying a new adviser if the adviser and the student have irreconcilable differences, the student’s focus has changed, the adviser leaves Yale, etc.
Reach out to students when problems between them and their advisor(s) become apparent. Address the students’ concerns and try to develop equitable channels of communication between them and their advisor(s), ADGS, or dissertation committee members.
Explain to students what happens if they are not demonstrating adequate progress toward a degree or do not pass qualifying exams.
Explain the Dissertation Progress Report (DPR) and its usefulness to advisers and students. Make sure students, advisers, and the DGS complete their portions of the DPR by the required deadline.
If a student is not making sufficient progress toward the degree or producing quality work, make sure that this information is communicated in writing to the student, along with necessary steps to remain or return to good academic standing, including deadlines and consequences for failure to meet these requirements.