Committees

The executive committee consists of nine members of the Faculty of Genetics in addition to the Chair of the Faculty of Genetics and Genomics. The principal functions of the Executive Committee are to determine and implement Faculty and Graduate Student Operating Procedures for the Faculty of Genetics and Genomics Bylaws; coordinate and update the graduate curriculum in genetics and genomics, including reviewing requests for new courses and course cross-listings; establish Standing and ad hoc committees as needed and develop the budget for graduate-level functions in Genetics and Genomics; represent the interests and welfare of faculty members and students to University leadership and external agencies; and conduct any other business necessary for the proper functioning of the Faculty.

The Graduate Admissions Committee shall consist of at least 12 members and be balanced in terms of college/school affiliation. It shall serve as an advisory committee to the Executive Committee by screening and evaluating the applications of prospective students for acceptance into the Genetics and Genomics program. The committee shall facilitate the processing of files of acceptable candidates through Faculty review and the Graduate and Professional School notification.

The Awards Committee is responsible for reviewing applications for the GGEN travel award, research excellence award, as well as other various awards in the program.

The NSF-SURGE Admissions Committee is responsible for screening undergraduate applicants for admission into the SURGE program, which is conducted during the summer semester.

The Advising Committee shall consist of at least three members. It will be responsible for developing the new student orientation program, advising and counseling students in the selection of rotations, selecting their academic course work, managing their first year experiences, selecting a research laboratory, and continuing advising to ensure satisfactory academic progress and career development. The Mentoring Committee will review the annual report of activities from each graduate student and provide additional mentoring as needed. If student academic progress is identified as being unsatisfactory, the Mentoring Committee will notify the student, the thesis committee, and the executive committee, who will take appropriate action.

The Seminar Committee shall consist of at least 3 members and will also include at least three student members as nominated by the GGSA. It shall coordinate speaker invitations and arrangements for the presentation of seminars and symposia on genetics topics.

The membership committee shall consist of at least three members. It will screen applications for membership in the Faculty of Genetics and Genomics and make a recommendation to the Executive Committee as to the acceptability of each applicant. Membership shall be conferred by approval of the Executive Committee. The Committee on Membership shall also review the active status of all members on a three-year basis.

The Outreach Committee shall consist of at least three faculty members and three members of the GGSA, in addition to the program coordinator. It shall be responsible for developing outreach materials and representing the program in recruiting events and visits to other institutions.