New students meet with Graduate Advisors before fall semester. The Graduate Advisor evaluates whether each student completed the courses, or equivalents, required for an undergraduate major in Microbial Biology. With a broad admissions policy, we expect that some students may need to take specific undergraduate courses in the first semesters to expand their knowledge.

Mid-way through the first semester the student meets with a three-member Guidance Committee, chosen by the Head Graduate Advisor based upon the student's research and academic interests. At least one of the student's rotation research advisors serves on the Guidance Committee. This Committee evaluates the student's long-term plans, to recommend courses to prepare the student for the Qualifying exam. The student must address any deficiencies noted before the Qualifying exam. The Guidance Committee evaluates the student at the end of the first year and until advancement to candidacy when the Dissertation Committee assumes this role.

Although the Guidance Committee generally meets with the student only during the first year of study, the student may ask it to assemble as needed.