A. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AND FACULTY

ANNA NORRIS, Chair

160 OHB, 432-8305 (norrisa@msu.edu)

SANDHYA SHANKER, Acting Coordinator of French Language Instruction

247 OHB, 844-6312 (shankers@msu.edu)

EHSAN AHMED, Graduate Advisor in French (Fall 2009 Only)

217 OHB, 844-6308 (ahmede@msu.edu)

ANNE VIOLIN-WIGENT, Graduate Advisor in French

213 OHB, 844-6304 (violinwi@msu.edu)

B. DEPARTMENT STAFF

The office staff is here to assist you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ms. Joy Franks, 160 OHB, 432-8305 (franksj@msu.edu): Assistant to the Chair.

c. FACULTY AND THEIR AREAS OF INTEREST

EHSAN AHMED, Ph.D., 1987, Princeton University

Renaissance French Literature

CARL A. ANDERSON, Ph.D., 1986, University of Michigan

Classical Studies, Greek and Latin Language and Literature

SAFOI BABANA-HAMPTON, Ph.D., 2005, University of Maryland

Francophone Literature and Culture of the Maghreb, Subsaharan African and the Caribbean, Cultural Studies, Postcolonial Literature, Theory, and Cinema

CYNTHIA C. CRAIG, Ph.D., 1989, University of California - Los Angeles

Italian Literature

JOSEPH FRANCESE, Ph.D., 1990, University of Connecticut

16th & 20th Century Italian literature; Modernity and Postmodernity; Film; Critical Theory; and Cultural Studies

MICHAEL S. KOPPISCH, Ph.D., 1970, John Hopkins University

17^th Century French Literature; Holocaust studies

ANNA NORRIS, Ph.D., 1994, University of Virginia

20^th -Century French Literature; Francophone Literatures; Feminist Studies; Jewish Studies

JOHN RAUK, Ph.D., 1987, University of Michigan

Classical Studies, Latin Literature

WM. BLAKE TYRRELL, Ph.D., 1970, University of Washington

Greek Mythology, Greek Tragedy

ANNE VIOLIN-WIGENT, Ph.D., 2001, Purdue University

French Linguistics; Applied Linguistics

I. Program Overview

The mission of the Department of French, Classics, and Italian is to help preserve the cultural heritage of the Western and the Francophone World from Antiquity to the present; to teach the Greek, Latin, Italian, and French languages, literatures, and cultures; to pursue original research in these areas; to participate in interdisciplinary programs and General Education in the humanities; to guide undergraduate and graduate students to appreciate and study these subjects; and to help future teachers at all levels.

The M.A. and Ph.D. programs are intended to prepare students for careers involving French language, linguistics, SLA, pedagogy, cultural studies, and literature. The faculty includes first-language speakers of French, and others who have earned degrees abroad. The career possibilities on completing the M.A. include but are not limited to teaching in K-12 public education (conditional upon obtaining state certification), private primary and secondary schools, or two-year colleges; translation, publication, program administration, library work, court interpreting, international business, the travel and hospitality industries, and related areas. Most of the successful Ph.D. candidates seek and find careers in college and university teaching, although all the other career options listed above are also open to them. The Department has granted masters and doctoral degrees since 1970. Many of the doctoral dissertations in French have eventually been published as scholarly books, and the rate of placement in tenure stream college teaching positions is high.

By the completion of their M.A. in French, students are expected to have near-native competency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing both French and English. They are also expected to possess a general overview of French language, literature, and culture, which must be demonstrated through preparing original, coherent, knowledgeable essays and answers to examination questions. Students must also be familiar with the most proven techniques for teaching a second language, to understand the theoretical justifications for using such techniques, and to be able to put those methods into practice in a well-organized, focused, and lively class that encourages student participation.

The professional development of students is enhanced by opportunities for them to serve on departmental, college, and university committees. One graduate student representative and one alternate are elected by her or his peers to serve on each departmental standing committee. Graduate students can volunteer to work with or serve as editor of the Romance languages student journal Tropos, indexed in PMLA and attracting scholarly and creative work from throughout North America; a faculty advisor guides but does not control this activity, which provides valuable experience in editing, copy-editing, and in the production and management of a recognized scholarly journal, as well as opportunities to publish in-house. Graduate students regularly organize scholarly conferences or lectures subsidized by the department. The French graduate program at Michigan State University has traditionally contained a diverse group of students from France and Francophone Africa, Canada, and the Caribbean, as well as from Anglophone North America, whose varied backgrounds have mutually enriched them.

Students are encouraged and aided to attend “brown bags” and other departmental lectures, dissertation proposal and defense presentations, and professional meetings. They are advised, carefully mentored, and whenever possible, financially supported in presenting talks at scholarly meetings, submitting book reviews and articles for publication, and in preparing to publish their dissertations. In the past, about half the French studies dissertations completed and approved have eventually been published as scholarly books.

II. PROGRAM COMPONENTS AND OPTIONS

All entering graduate students must participate in a weeklong orientation session organized by the department. The Chair, the Coordinator of French Language Instruction, and the Graduate Advisor will help prepare students for graduate work and for college teaching at Michigan State University, as well as advising them concerning career opportunities and preparation for future careers. Students entering “off-cycle” (at the beginning of the Spring or the Summer Semester) will be given the Handbook at the time of entry and will be required to participate in the next scheduled orientation. The designated Graduate Advisor will counsel applicants and entering students on course selection and degree requirements, until they have selected a Ph.D. Examining Committee and its Chair, in consultation with the faculty, by the end of the term after which they have passed their M.A./ Ph.D. Qualifying Examination or have entered the Ph.D. program.

In January of their fourth semester of residency, or in their second semester, if they enter the Ph.D Program without a Master’s in French Studies, graduate students will take an M.A./Ph.D. Qualifying Examination containing both a written and an oral component based on but not rigidly limited to their coursework and to a standard, basic reading list covering major works in literature, culture, critical theory, and linguistics. Students are expected to be able to demonstrate proficiency both in close readings of a text and in composing coherent essays on more general subjects involving literary works, authors, the history of ideas, culture, linguistics, second language acquisition, and other topics. They will have a choice of questions to answer. At least one long answer must be written in French, and another in English. The oral exam will consist of questions based on areas covered in the written exams and the reading list. The entire tenure stream faculty in French will evaluate the exams. The results are determined by discussion and majority vote, usually less than a week after the date of the exams. A pass with distinction allows candidates to receive the M.A. and to continue for the Ph.D. An ordinary pass allows candidates to receive the M.A. but not continue in the Ph.D. program. Candidates who fail will not receive the M.A. The examination can be retaken in March of the same semester. Students who fail the exam a second time will not receive their degree.

The permanent faculty and departmental chair, or a standing committee elected by the department, must approve the final decisions concerning members of the Guidance Committee that is formed during the first term after completing M.A. studies. The Guidance Committee consists of four Faculty members. The chair must be in the department. At least two members of the committee must be in the department, one in the area of the student’s dissertation topic and two in related areas. Doctoral candidates consult with their Guidance Committees to plan individualized programs and examinations that help them prepare to write a specialized doctoral dissertation in literary studies, cultural studies, linguistics, or a combination of two or more of these areas. They must complete their required coursework and language requirements (a reading knowledge of two languages other than French or English, and relevant to their research plans).

Doctoral candidates must pass a four-part comprehensive examination that corresponds to the student’s emphasis within French studies and linguistics. Preparation for this examination is designed to provide a solid, varied background for research on the doctoral dissertation. See the detailed description below, under Requirements. This examination must be taken at the end of the third year or—at the latest—at the end of the seventh semester of residency.

Students who pass the Comprehensive Examination and who continue in the Ph.D. program will consult with faculty to form a three person Dissertation Committee. The Director of the Committee will be a tenure stream faculty member in the department of FCI with expertise in the student’s primary area of interest. The Committee may have among its members a former faculty member who has retired or who has taken a position elsewhere, but this individual cannot serve as director and the appointment will require the approval of the Chair of the Department in consultation with the French faculty. The Chair of the Department will serve as an ex officio member of the Committee if not already among its members. An outside reader from another unit in the University may also be asked to serve on the Committee, if Committee members, in consultation with the student, agree to this option. The appointment of an outside reader will be in addition to the Committee’s regular members and made only after the Committee has been formed. The student must provide the outside reader a complete copy of the dissertation at least one month before the scheduled date of the defense.

Other graduate students and all faculty in the unit will be invited to the oral dissertation defense, which traditionally lasts between one and two hours. The Dissertation Committee excuses the student and any spectators in order to discuss and vote on whether the dissertation and the defense are passable.

A candidate may be awarded the Ph.D. despite one—but no more than one—dissenting vote. If two or more members of the Dissertation Committee vote against accepting the candidate, her or his candidacy is permanently terminated, without any possibility for a second attempt.

The time limits for completing and defending an acceptable dissertation are ten years from the start of Master’s program, and eight years from the completion of Master’s work and enrollment in the Doctoral program. Candidates who fail to defend their dissertation by this time must apply for an extension if they wish to complete their degree. Application for an extension must be made in consultation with the candidate’s committee

Candidates must correct, revise, and expand their dissertation drafts until the dissertation is acceptable; they cannot demand to defend their dissertation before it has become acceptable to their dissertation director.

III. ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

A) Admission to the M.A. program

1. Minimum admission requirements for the M.A. include a bachelor’s degree in French from a four-year college, or the equivalent; preparation in French equivalent to or more extensive than that required for the B.A. in French at Michigan State University; superior grades in college coursework (normally, at least 3.0 in undergraduate French language and literature courses on the third- and fourth-year level). Three professors who are qualified to assess the applicant’s ability to pursue advanced graduate study in French must send detailed letters of recommendation to the Department of French, Classics, and Italian. A writing sample in French is required, and the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), are strongly recommended. Candidates must verify their preparation in French by having an official transcript or transcripts of all relevant coursework sent to the Department of French, Classics, and Italian, including proof that they have received a B.A. or equivalent in French.

2. Candidates for a teaching assistantship, and who are not first-language speakers of English, must take the TOEFL exam and receive score with the paper-based exam of 550 or 213 with a computer-based exam or above. Any award of a teaching assistantship is contingent on a candidate’s achieving a passing grade on the TOEFL examination.

This is done via a SPEAK Test, which is administered by the English Language Center. (For further information visit http://elc.msu.edu/testing.html) at his or her discretion, or upon the recommendation of the faculty, the Coordinator or a designated replacement will call all candidates for a Teaching Assistantship to verify their knowledge of spoken French and the clarity of their pronunciation, before a Teaching Assistantship can be firmly awarded. Candidates are also required to pass an oral proficiency exam.

B) Transfer Credits

M.A. Program: A maximum of 9 semester credits of graduate course work (excluding research and thesis credits) may be transferred into a 30 credit master's degree program from other institutions upon approval by the student’s advisor and the Chair of the Department. Only courses in which at least a 3.0 grade or the equivalent was received will be considered for transfer.

Ph.D. Program: A maximum of 6 semester credits may be transferred from other recognized institutions or foreign institutions upon approval by the student’s advisor if they are appropriate to a student's program and provided they were completed within the time limits approved for the earning of the degree desired at Michigan State University. Only graduate-level courses in which at least a 3.0 grade or the equivalent was received will be considered for transfer. There is no specific number of course credits required for the Ph.D. degree.

C) Requirements for the Master’s Degree

1. Candidates for the Masters degree must be in residence for at least three semesters.

2. Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 in all courses counting toward the Master’s Degree.

3. The Master’s candidate in French must complete both FRN 850 and ROM 803 or equivalent and at least one course in each of the following four fields (12 credits): Medieval French Studies; Early Modern French Studies; Post-Revolutionary and Modern French Studies; Contemporary French and Francophone Studies. Additionally, four elective courses are required, totaling at least 30 credits at the 400-level or above, over four semesters of the academic year or summer session. At least 18 of these credits must be at the 800 level or above. The electives provide the flexibility to emphasize linguistics, second language acquisition, and cultural studies; interdisciplinary studies; or French literature, depending on the student’s interests and career goals. The Graduate Advisor in French must approve all course enrollments. With such approval, the student may complete a cognate field outside the department, which will include at least two graduate courses for which the student has had suitable preparation. Courses in a language other than French, if taken at the 400-level or above, may constitute a cognate area. Because Teaching Assistants can take 9 credits per semester tuition-free, they can accumulate up to 36 credits during the two years of Master’s candidacy, opening possibilities for a total of four electives outside the department.

4. There is no thesis requirement for the Master’s degree in French.

5. Students in the Masters program have an opportunity to apply for appointment as a teaching assistant. Teaching assistantship appointments typically involve teaching one or two supervised language courses per semester at the 100 or 200 level.

6. Students who have been awarded teaching assistantships and who have not already completed a similar course as determined by the Coordinator, must complete ROM 803, “Current Approaches to Foreign Language Instruction,” or equivalent the first time it is offered.

7. M.A. candidates must pass the M.A./Ph.D. Qualifying Examination in French. Generally, students will take this examination early in the second semester of their second year of enrollment in this program. The examination is offered in January. A student who does not pass this examination may retake it only once, in March. Students who fail the exam a second time will not be awarded a Masters degree.

D) Admission to the Doctoral Program (for candidates who have not earned the M.A. in French at Michigan State University)

1. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement explaining their motivation for enrolling in a doctoral program in French, and their ultimate goals. An academic writing sample in French is strongly recommended.

2. Three professors who are qualified to assess the applicant’s ability to pursue advanced graduate study in French must send detailed letters of recommendation to the Department of French, Classics, and Italian.

3. To be admitted to the program on regular status, applicants must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in their undergraduate language and literature courses in French, as well as a Master’s degree in French or its equivalent. Candidates must verify their preparation in French by having an official transcript or transcripts of all relevant coursework sent to the Department of French, Classics, and Italian, including proof that they have received an M.A. or the equivalent in French.

4. Candidates without a Master’s degree in French or its equivalent must pass the M.A./Ph.D. Qualifying Examination in French, described above, in their second semester of residency. The examination may be retaken only once in the same semester. Students who fail the exam a second time cannot continue in the program. Reading lists for the exam and sample questions are available.

E) Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

1. Candidates for the Ph. D. degree must be in residence for at least four semesters.

2. Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 in all courses counting toward the Ph.D. Degree.

3. The candidate must pass the M.A./Ph.D. Qualifying Examination in French, described above, in second semester of residency. The examination may be retaken only once in the same semester. Students who fail the exam a second time cannot continue in the program. Reading lists for the exam and sample questions are available.

4. Students who have been awarded a teaching assistantship and who have not already completed a similar course as determined by the Coordinator, must complete ROM 803, “Current Approaches to Foreign Language Instruction,” or equivalent, the first time it is offered.

5. The candidate must complete one of the four emphases listed below. Courses completed prior to enrollment in the Doctoral program in French may be used to satisfy this requirement (withing the limits allowed by transfer guideline in section III.B):

a. Emphasis in French Literature. At least two courses at the 800 level in each of the traditional six periods of French literature and culture (Medieval literature and Old French Language; The Renaissance; Classicism; The Enlightenment; The 19^th Century; The 20^th and 21^st Centuries, including the Francophone World).

b. Emphasis in the Romance Languages and Literatures. 1) At least two courses at the 800 level in each of four of the six fields of French literature listed above. 2) At least two courses in each of two of the traditional fields in a minor literature.

c. Emphasis in Interdisciplinary Studies. 1) At least six courses at the 800 level from the six fields of French literature listed above, including a—At least two courses in each of two fields; and b—At least one course in each of two of the remaining fields. 2) At least two courses in a cognate area related to French literature. 3) At least four courses from one or more of the following areas: linguistics, pedagogy, and cultural studies.

d. Emphasis in Comparative Literature. 1) At least six courses at the 800 level or above from the six fields of French literature listed above, including a—At least two courses in each of two fields; and b—At least one course in each of two of the remaining fields. 2) At least two courses in a cognate area related to French literature. 3) At least two courses in comparative literature. 4) At least two courses in critical theory. Additional credits in at least two courses in a second literature, as needed to meet the requirement of at least 12 total courses for this emphasis.

6. The candidate must complete additional courses as required by his or her guidance committee.

7. The candidate must demonstrate reading proficiency in two languages other than French or English that are relevant to the student’s area of specialization, as determined by the student’s advisor. The language proficiency requirement may be met by a grade of 3.0 or above in a fourth semester course, as approved by the advisor, or by examination. The proficiency requirement must be completed at least one month before the students take their comprehensive exam.

8. Candidates for the Ph.D. must teach at least one college-level course in French.

9. The candidate must pass a set of Comprehensive Examinations. The examination is based on the student’s course work, on the reading lists worked out with members of the committee, and on the candidate’s dissertation prospectus document submitted at least three weeks before the first written exam.

The four parts include:

1) A three-hour written examination in the student’s primary field, as defined by the student and the guidance committee in consultation.

2) A three-hour written examination in the student’s secondary field, defined by the student and the guidance committee in consultation.

3) A 25-page dissertation prospectus, plus an extensive bibliography (minimum: 100 items). A rationale for the choice of the dissertation project, a defense of its potential for making an original contribution to scholarship, a description of the problems anticipated during the course of research, and a clear justification for the choice of methodology to be employed shall be included in the prospectus.

4) An oral examination of one hour or more, related to parts 1), 2), and 3). These parts must all be completed before the oral examination may be taken.

The written answers, the oral examination, and the prospectus must demonstrate a sophisticated, thorough knowledge of French language, literature, and culture, and

show promise for the candidate’s being able to achieve an original, coherent dissertation of potentially publishable quality.

Candidates who fail any one of these sections may retake the section once in the same semester. Candidates who fail any two sections, or who fail the one section that has been attempted a second time, cannot continue in the program.

10. All students must be registered as full-time students at the time they take their comprehensive exams. There is only a variance permitted for taking COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS in the summer when a student is enrolled either Spring prior and/ or Fall afterwards.

11. The candidate must submit a book-length doctoral dissertation based on original research that demonstrates sound critical judgment, and mastery of subject matter.

12. All students must be registered for at least 1 credit during the semester they defend a thesis or dissertation.

IV. Assistantship Eligibility Rules

A. Assistantship Eligibility for the MA

1. A MA student is eligible for 4 semesters of a graduate assistantship (not including summer) prior to passing the MA/Qualifying Examination. If s/he does not pass the MA/Qualifying Examination at the end of 4 semesters, s/he is not eligible again.

2. A student who has exhausted her/his eligibility may be given an assistantship if such are available after assistantships have been given to all normally qualified candidates who are eligible according to (A1 and B1).

3. A student who is not making satisfactory progress to the degree is not eligible for an assistantship.

4. College units that assign GAships to students in French will appoint only those who are eligible according to the above rules; the appointing units will ask the student to confirm his/her eligibility status, at the time s/he applies for the position.

B. Assistantship Eligibility for the PhD

1. A PhD student is eligible for 6 semesters of a graduate assistantship (not including summer). If s/he does not pass the PhD Comprehensive Examinations at the end of 4 semesters, s/he is not eligible again until the semester after the one in which the comprehensives are passed.

3. A student who is not making satisfactory progress to the degree is not eligible for an assistantship.

4. College units that assign GA ships to students in French will appoint only those who are eligible according to the above rules; the appointing units will ask the student to confirm his/her eligibility status, at the time s/he applies for the position.

V. FORMATION OF THE DOCTORAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE

The Doctoral Guidance Committee is expected to share responsibility for reviewing the graduate student’s progress and guiding the student toward completion of course and program requirements

The guidance committee shall be formed within the first semester of doctoral study, or within one semester beyond the master's degree or its equivalent.

The student’s director be a tenure stream faculty member in the department of FCI and will consult with other faculty and with the student when selecting members of the Doctoral Guidance Committee. One faculty member from another unit in the University may serve on the Committee upon consultation with the Director, other prospective Committee members, and the Chair of the Department. One former faculty member with whom the student has studied and who has retired or moved to another institution may serve on the Committee upon consultation with the Director and the Chair of the Department.

The student will prepare a petition listing the proposed committee members and chair. The petition will be submitted to the Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee and to the Chair of the Department. No more than one faculty member from another unit may be included on the Committee, in addition to no more than one former member of the MSU French faculty with whom the student has already studied, and who has retired or moved to another institution.

Within one semester after the committee has met, i.e. by the end of the second semester in the program, the student shall file a guidance report with the Graduate Secretary and the Dean of the College, listing all degree requirements. A copy of this guidance committee report shall also be given to the graduate student. This guidance committee report, as changed or amended in full consultation between the graduate student and the committee and approved by the appropriate department or school chairperson or director and the dean of the college, shall be regarded as the statement of program requirements. The program will not be considered binding unless signed by the student. The guidance committee report includes a statement of the student's proposed program, with a timetable and tentative dissertation topic.

A petition prepared by the Director can change the membership of a constituted committee. The student may also initiate a petition to change the composition of the committee by first contacting the Chair of the Department and obtaining the approval of all the members of the newly constituted committee. The Chair of the Department must approve all changes.

Members of the Guidance Committee are responsible for attending meetings with the student called by the Director; for preparing examinations questions in their area and for mentoring students in preparing to answer such questions—typical forms of help are agreeing on a reading list with the student, and offering the student a list of questions to study in advance; and for attending, evaluating, and discussing the results of the student’s oral exam.

VI. SELECTION OF THE DISSERTATION DIRECTOR AND OTHER READERS

The dissertation director must be a tenure stream faculty member in the Department of French, Classics, and Italian. The director will be chosen in consultation with the student and the tenure stream faculty in French.

The director will meet regularly with the doctoral candidate before and during the student’s presentation of the thesis prospectus, counseling the student on the suitability and publication possibilities of the proposed research, suggesting background reading and techniques for compiling a bibliography, helping the student to develop key ideas, suggesting alternative or supplemental approaches to particular problems, and carefully reading the prospectus document before the Comprehensive Examinations to ensure that its form and content match professional standards. During the time when the dissertation is being drafted, the dissertation director will encourage the student’s work, refine it, and prepare the student to present it compellingly at scholarly meetings and at job interviews.

If the dissertation director should leave MSU before the student completes the degree program, the director should confer with the student as soon as possible to discuss the choice of a suitable replacement. With the consent of the Chair and the faculty, who should be notified promptly, the departing director may remain as an ordinary member of the doctoral committee. If the director or any member of the dissertation committee can no longer work with the other committee members or with the student, the Chair of the Department shall help the student to find an appropriate replacement.

VII. THE dissertation defense and final oral examination

The final doctoral examination is the culmination of a student’s graduate education and training and reflects not only on the accomplishments of the graduate student but also on the quality of the graduate program. It is important to maintain expected professional standards in the preparation and oral defense of the dissertation. An approved dissertation accepted by the graduate school becomes a single-author publication and contributes to the body of knowledge in the discipline.

The latest edition of the MLA Style Manual, which is available in the main office, should serve as the guide for preparing the dissertation. See also the Graduate School’s information on completing the dissertation, available at (http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/format.htm).

The doctoral candidate must obtain an official bookplate from the Graduate School. The candidate will present the results of the dissertation in a defense open to the community.

Immediately after the defense, the dissertation committee will excuse the candidate and the public in order to deliberate in private. The committee may accept the dissertation without reservation (while still making suggestions to improve it for publication); alternatively, the committee may provisionally accept the dissertation subject to major revisions. It is the responsibility of the Dissertation Director to verify that these revisions have been carried out, and to then grant formal approval for the degree. Finally, the committee may refuse the dissertation as unacceptable. This unusual and undesirable outcome hardly ever occurs unless the candidate has insisted on presenting and defending the entire dissertation without having agreed to adequate prior consultation.

Immediately after whatever necessary retyping and reprinting may be necessary, and after final approval of the dissertation, the candidate must order at least three full-sized (8 ½ by 11 inches) bound copies of the completed dissertation. One copy goes to the Graduate School for inspection, and from there to the library; the second copy goes to the Dissertation Director; the third copy goes to the Department.

Recent dissertations accepted by the French program are available in room 160 OHB and in the main library.

A summary follows:

1. Approval for Graduation

The student must have completed all department, college, and university requirements to receive the degree.

2. Application for Graduation

An "Application for Graduation" can be obtained from the Registrar’s website (http://www.reg.msu.edu/StuForms/GradApp/GradApp.asp) and is to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the first week of the semester students expect to complete their degree requirements. Students completing requirements during summer should apply for summer by the first week of spring semester.

3. Required Copies of Dissertations

In addition to your personal copy, three copies of the Dissertation are to be distributed as follows:

1) One unbound manuscript to be submitted to The Graduate School, 118 Linton Hall.

2) One hardbound copy of the dissertation for the Dissertation Director.

3) One hardbound copy of the dissertation for the Department of French, Classics, and Italian

VIII. DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES REGARDING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

A. Deferred and Incomplete Grades

A student may not accumulate more than 9 credits of DF or I. Deferrals are not given for credits in 999. If a deferred (DF) grade is given, the required work must be completed and a grade reported within 6 months with the option of a single six-month extension. If the required work is not completed within the time limit, the DF will become U-Unfinished and will be changed to DF/U under the numerical and Pass-No Grade (P-N) grading systems, and to DF/NC under the Credit-No Credit (CR-NC) system.

If an incomplete (I) grade is given, the student has until mid-semester of the following semester to complete the course work and receive a grade or the incomplete will automatically change to a 0.0.

B. Annual Review of Student Progress

For the purposes of providing information to students on their academic progress and professional potential and to the faculty for consideration in their decisions on awarding financial support and in evaluating programs, the faculty reviews annually the progress of all graduate students. The review takes place annually as soon as practicable but no later than April 22.

Each year, the permanent faculty in French meets to review the academic and teaching performance of each graduate student, and to discuss students’ progress toward the M.A. or Ph.D.

As part of this effort, the guidance committee or dissertation committee of each doctoral candidate will review his or her progress in research, as well as his or her plans for work in the coming year (see GSRR 2.4.8). A report on the results of this review will be signed by the members of the guidance committee and by the graduate student. This report will be filed with the Chair of the Department and placed in the graduate student’s academic file, together with any response that the graduate student may attach to the report of the guidance committee.

C. Annual Progress Reports

Once a year, near the close of Spring Term, the Graduate Advisor will complete the appropriate portions of an annual progress report form adopted by the Graduate School. The advisor and student will meet to discuss the progress report. They will each sign the current report, which will be submitted to the Chair of the Department to be placed in the student’s academic file. Students who wish to appeal any part of the Graduate Advisor’s evaluation may do so in writing to the Chair of the Department. This appeal will be filed together with the annual progress report.

D. “Acceptable Academic Standing” and Academic Probation

The Graduate Student Right and Responsibilities document (2.3.3) enjoins departments to outline requirements for acceptable academic standing. For graduate students in the Department of French, Classics, and Italian acceptable academic standing requires that students maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25; complete any DF or I grades in the period required; make satisfactory progress toward degree by completing at least 6 course credits per semester if enrolled in the MA program, and at least 6 credits per semester for the first four semesters if enrolled in the Ph. D. program. For Ph. D. candidates who have completed their comprehensive exams, progress to degree will consist of writing the dissertation at a rate that will see its completion in no later than two years. The Graduate Advisor must inform students if their progress is judged to be unsatisfactory.

E. Guidelines for adequate progress toward degree and student termination

In the semester after passing comprehensive exams, students must turn in:

Bibliographies:

One of what has been read with indications of relevance to the dissertation topic
One of works to be read

Outline of the dissertation
A significant portion of a chapter

In the following year, students should:

Finish the chapter started
Finish at least one other chapter
Prepare a quality paper for conference presentation and/or publication

In the following year, students should:

Complete at least 75% of their dissertation
Keep abreast of scholarly development

In the following year, students should:

Complete their dissertation
Defend their dissertation

Should a candidate not meet the guidelines established for the first three semesters after passing exams, he/she can be terminated. The student will be notified of such decision in writing in a timely manner after the decision has been made (section 2.4.9 of Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, available at https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/GSRRfinal.html).

F. Evaluation Standards for the Qualifying and Comprehensive Examinations

Comprehensive/qualifying examinations are not graded, but instead, globally evaluated by a secret or unrecorded vote of “Pass,” “Abstain,” or “Fail” by each tenure-stream faculty member in French. In all votes, the majority rules. A tie vote is a “no” vote. Abstentions are not counted either for or against the student. It is not the policy of the department to consider appeals by students who fail a candidacy examination or part of such an examination.

Regarding candidacy examinations, explicit criteria used for dismissals due to academic deficiencies are explained in detail above. According to college rules, once a student’s cumulative GPA drops below 3.25, they are automatically placed on academic probation, and have only one term to raise their GPA to or above 3.25 before they lose their Teaching Assistantship. A student whose cumulative GPA drops below 3.25, or who has accumulated two or more outstanding deferrals on courses totaling 9 or more credits will be placed on probation and given only one term to remedy the deficiency without being dropped from the graduate program—which entails the loss of their teaching assistantship

G. Contents of Students’ Files

Up to three times per year students have the right to view their educational records (GSRR 3.2.3) upon petition to the departmental Chairperson, while in the department office, under the supervision of the office staff and with or without a union representative. A student’s departmental file typically includes: 1) the documents they submitted when initially applying for admission; 2) copies of the annual reports filed by their teaching coordinator and their graduate advisor or committee chair; 3) copies of their answers on the written portions of the Qualifying and Comprehensive Examinations; 4) copies of their correspondence with the department; 5) records of awards, complaints by or about the individual student, and records of warnings sent or disciplinary action imposed by the department. A student may challenge the accuracy of information in an academic file by writing a letter, which is then included in the file. An additional “employee file” is kept for students who are TAs as mandated by the GEU/MSU contract.

IX. INTEGRITY AND SAFETY IN RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

A. Scholarly Integrity

Communities survive or die on the basis of shared values. Among the most important of these in a scholarly community is respect for the intellectual enterprise of others. The behavioral reflection of this value is a readiness to acknowledge individuals for their original work, ideas, findings, and creative endeavors. Failure to provide such credit---knowingly representing the work or ideas of another as one's own---is plagiarism. Imitation may be "the sincerest form of flattery," but when it involves imitation of the work of another scholar, it is theft. Integrity in research and creative activities is based on sound disciplinary practices as well as on a commitment to basic values such as fairness, equity, honesty and respect. Students learn to value professional integrity and high standards of ethical behavior through interaction with members of their academic unit and their faculty advisor and by emulating exemplary behavior.

Each faculty advisor and graduate student should be provided with the document Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activities (see Appendix 3) in order to communicate standards of professional integrity appropriate for our discipline. These standards should be discussed during student orientation.

Further information is available in the documents, Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activity (http://grad.msu.edu/all/ris04activities.pdf), and Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Research Mentoring. http://grad.msu.edu/all/ris04relations.pdf. Explicit criteria for dismissal for reasons other than academic deficiencies include but are not limited to plagiarism as defined by MSU’s general regulations, the theft of others’ research, misrepresentation of or tampering with grades or academic records and scholarship, and violations of professional standards. Further information can be found by consulting GSRR 2.4.7, which gives deals with professional standards, and 2.4.9, which discusses grounds for dismissal from a program.

B. Writing Standards

The Department of French, Classics, and Italian requires that students refer to the MLA Style Handbook (latest edition) or to another style sheet as appropriate in the field and recommended by the course instructor, when writing required papers and bibliographies. Any student who has difficulty with the process of writing a paper should contact the course instructor for assistance.

C. Safety and Ethical Behavior in Research

MSU policy related to the use of humans and vertebrate animals for research includes the use of human subjects through interviews, recordings of conversations, polls, surveys, and so forth. Before embarking on any research that involves such methods, students must apply for IRB permission. The application form and additional information are available at http://www.humanresearch.msu.edu/. If a researcher waits to seek such approval until after the research project involving human subjects has begun, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain—and at best, the completion of a dissertation and the award of a degree may be delayed for a full term. Students cannot apply directly and must work with a faculty member.

X. STUDENT CONDUCT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The University has established a judicial structure and process for hearing and adjudicating alleged violations of recognized graduate student rights and responsibilities (GSRR, Article 5). The first venue to resolve such conflicts informally or formally rests within the academic unit.

A. Student Complaints (by Undergraduate Students)

If a student feels their rights have been infringed upon or that they have been mistreated and would like to lodge a formal complaint, the following is the departmentally approved procedure that must be followed for the protection of the rights of all concerned:

1. The complaint would first be made to the Instructor. If the complaint is so delicate that it is excessively difficult for the student to take it to the Instructor, the student should then be referred to the Language Coordinator. If the Language Coordinator is unable to help the student, proceed directly to Step Two.

2. If the Instructor and Language Coordinator have been consulted and the results are unsatisfactory to the student, it is possible to file a written complaint to the Chair of the Department. The Chair will have two business days after receipt of the written complaint in order to interview the instructor concerned, before interviewing the student.

3. If the student believes that Step Two has not brought satisfactory results, he/she may file a formal complaint to be heard by a judiciary. The student will be given a copy of Sections 5.4 of the Bylaws of the Department of French, Classics, and Italian, in which is found a complete description of the grievance and hearing procedure for students.

According to the document, the Chair refers the complaint to the Graduate Student Judiciary or the Undergraduate Judiciary within specified time limits. The Chair of the Department serves as the presiding officer of each judiciary. The student and the instructor are entitled to appear in person to present their cases to the judiciary. After hearing testimony, the judiciary will decide: "Not Proven" (there has been no proven infringement of the rights of the student), or "Proven" (there has been a violation of the student's rights). The student and instructor will be given the decision and reasons for it in writing. A copy of the decision will be filed with the Department, the Dean of the College, and the Dean of the Graduate School, when appropriate.

4. If the student disagrees with the decision of the judiciary an appeal can be made to the decision with the College Hearing Board. The grievance procedures can be found at http://www.cal.msu.edu/portals/documents/Finalcollegegrievanceprocedures-gradonly.pdf

B. Graduate Student Complaints

1. To resolve conflicts between a graduate student and his or her supervisor, instructor, faculty advisor or guidance committee, the student should first speak with that person or committee.

2. If that effort fails, or if the student is uncomfortable during that discussion, an appointment should be made with the department Chair.

3. If the Chair cannot mediate or resolve the issue, the student may consult the University Ombudsman.

4. If one or both of these officials cannot mediate or resolve the issue, the Department’s Committee on Curriculum and Academic Policy may review the matter, as outlined in Article 3.3.3.3 of the Department’s Bylaws.

5. If this committee cannot mediate or resolve the issue, the grievant can seek redress outside the department, with the help and advice of the Ombudsman.

6. In cases of irreconcilable conflict, the Chair shall reserve the right to replace a student’s Graduate Advisor or Committee Chair with another qualified person acceptable to both the graduate faculty and to the student, as ascertained through private discussions. Such replacement shall occur within one week of the meeting at which an irreconcilable conflict has been identified.

7. In cases of conflicts of interest between students and faculty, or between students, the Chair shall decide on a solution in consultation with the graduate faculty.

8. Students may be dismissed from the program if they fail to display professionally accepted behavior, by acting overtly violent, threatening, or abusive; committing felonies or destroying property; displaying proven gross incompetence and negligence in their teaching assignments; and other serious breaches as confirmed by the University grievance officers, University lawyer, or University police.

9. In any event, the Department must check with the Ombudsman’s office to ensure that its grievance and dismissal policies and actions conform to MSU policy.

XI. Work Related Policies

Strong preference for Teaching Assistants appointments in the Department of French, Classics, and Italian is given to graduate students who are actively pursuing graduate degree programs, who are making satisfactory progress toward their degree, and who are in good academic standing. All Teaching Assistants appointments are subject to University policies, including policies stated in Spartan Life, the Campus Teaching Assistant Orientation handbook, and the MSU GEU contract. The text of the GEU contract is available at http://grad.msu.edu/geu/agree.pdf.

To apply for a Teaching Assistantship please go to our website at www.fci.msu.edu. Graduate applications should be received in the Department of French, Classics, and Italian by February 1st in order to be fully considered for admission and financial aid opportunities.

Graduate students in the M.A. program may receive up to 4 semesters of support. A Graduate student in the Ph.D. program may receive up to 6 semesters of support.

All policies related to graduate assistantships must be consistent with GSRR 4.2.1 – 4.2.8. For graduate assistants appointed as teaching assistants, the policy also must conform to the specifications of the current GEU contract

During the course of their initial orientation, which takes place during the week before fall classes begin, former and returning Teaching Assistants shall be informed by the Coordinator of their rights and responsibilities under the current version of the contract between MSU and the GEU. Prior to their arrival, as part of the informational packet sent to all applicants for graduate study, incoming graduate students shall be informed about their health insurance options.

Graduate students with an assistantship are required to take ROM 803 “Current Approaches to Foreign Language Instruction” or equivalent during their first term in residence that it is offered. Students who have previous language teaching experience in the United States may have this requirement waived with the approval of the Coordinator.

A. Responsibilities with the appointment

Teaching Assistants on ½-time appointment in the Department normally teach in the elementary and intermediate language programs. The normal workload for ½ time assistantship is twenty hours (or ten for a 1/4-time) per week, averaged over the length of the eighteen week appointment. All Teaching Assistants are responsible for following the M.S.U. “Code of Teaching Responsibility” (see Appendix 4).

1. Dates You Must Be In Residence

Teaching Assistants are required to be in residence during their period of employment set out in Article 10 of the GEU contract. Teaching Assistants are expected to be in residence from these dates through the end of the common final examination period. This includes the time following the exam required for the correction of exams and for handing in the final grades for their students. Use these dates as you plan winter and spring vacations.

2. Office Hours

Each Teaching Assistant will be provided with office space that is usually is shared with another TA. Language Directors and the departmental office must be informed of all Teaching Assistants' office hours and class schedules each semester. Cards will be provided for this information. University policy requires teachers to schedule a reasonable number of office hours for student conferences and to inform their students of these hours. A minimum of two office hours per week should be scheduled at times convenient to the department, to the students and to instructors, with the additional option of prearranged appointments for students when there is a schedule conflict. Teaching Assistants must be in their offices in Old Horticulture during scheduled office hours.

3. Departmental Meetings

Teaching Assistants are required to attend all staff meetings called by the Language

Director, Graduate Advisors or Chair. When a Teaching Assistant cannot attend a meeting called by a faculty member, that Teaching Assistant must notify the faculty member in advance of the meeting.

4. Policy on Religious Holidays

It has always been the policy of the University to permit students and faculty to observe those holidays set aside by their chosen religious faith. The faculty and staff should be sensitive to the observance of these holidays so that students who absent themselves from classes on these days are not seriously disadvantaged. It is the responsibility of those students who wish to be absent to make arrangements in advance with their instructors.

5. Policy on Employee Leave

A. In the event an employee is unable to meet employment obligations because of illness, injury or pregnancy, the employee will, when possible, notify the appropriate immediate supervisor as promptly as possible so that arrangements for the absence can be made by the employing unit.

B. Employees will receive up to three days of bereavement leave with pay following the death of an immediate family member.

C. An employee who adopts a child or becomes a parent by birth shall be entitled to parental leave up to two months without pay. For additional information of employee leave to see the GEU contract Article 18.

6. W-4 Forms

Graduate students being funded by the department need to complete a W-4 card and have their social security cards verified by the Payroll Office. W-4 cards may be picked up in the Payroll Office, Room 350 Administration Building between 8am and 5pm. Anyone who does not have a social security card or whose card is lost, stolen or destroyed must apply for a card from the Social Security Administration. Their local office is:

Social Security Office

5015 S. Cedar, Room 150

Lansing, MI 48910

377-1942 or 377-1935

If you have any questions, call the Payroll Office at 355-5010

7. Student ID’s

Student ID's can be obtained in room 150 Administration Building.

8. Mail

Please check mailboxes and e-mail messages every day. All mailboxes for Teaching Assistants and Graduate Students are located in room 235 OHB. No personal mail is allowed to be sent from or delivered to the department. Please use your home address for this.

9. Change of Address

If a Teaching Assistant has a change of address or telephone number during the year, Ms. Dawn Janetzke must be informed immediately.

B. Administrative Policies and Procedures

Teaching Assistants must inform their students of the name and office number of their Language Coordinator. Class-related problems (complaints, grades, etc.) that cannot be resolved by a discussion between the student and the TA are to be referred to the Coordinator in French:

Ms. Sandhya Shanker, Acting Coordinator

247 Old Horticulture Building

432-8739 ext. 120

shankers@msu.edu

During the summer the departmental Chair serves as or designates a temporary coordinator. The Chair deals with complaints that cannot be resolved by the Language Coordinator.

1. Room Changes

All classes must meet in the classroom and at the time announced in the Schedule of Courses or any of its official revised forms. Should there be a serious reason for desiring to change the room or the hour, teaching assistants are to confer with their Director prior to making any change. If the room is too small for the number of students enrolled, inform the secretary in 160 Old Horticulture.

2. Class Lists

You are responsible for accessing your class lists on the web and for monitoring student enrollment in your class. Instructions as to how to access the class lists will be distributed at the beginning of the fall semester. According to University regulations, “No person is allowed to attend a class unless officially enrolled on a credit or non-credit basis with the appropriate fees paid”.

3. Tutoring and Translation

Some of our Teaching Assistants tutor students for a fee. Teaching Assistants may not charge the students enrolled in their own section(s) a fee for supplemental instruction. Refer students in need of tutoring to Ms. Dawn Janetzke (160 OHB, 355-8351). If you are interested in being a tutor or doing translation work, please let Ms. Janetzke know immediately.

4. Signing Documents or Forms

Teaching Assistants are not authorized to sign documents such as Foreign Language Proficiency forms, Administrative Action Forms, etc. Refer students to the Language Coordinator.

5. Placement of Students

Undergraduate students who have taken French before coming to MSU and who wish to continue with the same language here must be examined and placed by the Testing Office located in 207 Student Services Building. At times, however, the results of the placement test may not accurately reflect a student's ability. During the first week of the semester, each Teaching Assistant should try to identify any students inappropriately placed by the Testing Office and should also inform the students of the possibility of advancing to subsequent courses if they feel incorrectly placed. Teaching Assistants should remind students that 101 is for those who have had no previous experience with the language and refer the students to the Language Coordinator or Assistant to the Language Coordinator.

6. Final Exams and Grading Procedures

All required class work must be submitted prior to the last class day of the semester. It is the Teaching Assistant's responsibility to state the requirement.

The Language Coordinator must inform Teaching Assistants of the final examination schedule. Teaching Assistants are expected to communicate the schedule to their students in a timely manner. For an explanation of the MSU grading system, read the section "Grading Systems" in the Schedule of Courses and Academic Handbook. Note the few circumstances under which the "I" (Incomplete) grade may be given. Grades of "I" may be given only with the authorization of the Language Coordinator. Arrangements to give an "I" must be made prior to the final examination. Final grades for students of elementary and intermediate language are based on a combination of criteria (quizzes, final examination, written work, participation, etc.) The Language Coordinator will inform the Teaching Assistants of the precise procedures and scales to be used in determining final grades. The Teaching Assistants in turn will pass on this information to their own students at the beginning of each semester.

Before the end of semesters Teaching Assistants will be given and explicit date and time at which final grades must be provided. Further details will be given at least 30 days before such date.

7. Grade Reporting Form

Final grades are to be reported on the web. The instructions will be passed out before final exams. If you do not report your grades by the deadline, you are responsible for hand carrying them to the registrar. If the deadline is missed, grade reports for each student must be printed and attached to an administrative action form stating the reason the grades are late. The Chair of the Department and the Dean of Arts and Letters, and the Dean of the student’s college must also sign the form before it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Copies of all such forms must be made and retained in the main office.

8. Evaluation of Teaching Assistant Performance (SIRS Forms)

An evaluation of the performance of Teaching Assistants is given at the end of each semester by the Language Coordinator. A copy of the performance evaluation will be put in the Teaching Assistant’s employee file.

SIRS Forms. Student Instructional Rating (SIR) forms will be prepared for your class and put in your mailbox approximately one week before the semester ends. Please plan time for your students to fill them out before the end of the last class and have a student return them to the main office on that same day. According to policy, each Teaching Assistant must distribute the SIRS forms in each section they teach. This must be done each semester during the last week of classes. TA's cannot be present in the classroom while students fill out evaluation forms.

9. Termination of Appointment

The assistantship will terminate upon degree completion. A student who wishes to terminate an assistantship prior to that time shall notify the Chair and the Coordinator in a timely, professional manner.

Unsatisfactory employment performance: When employment performance is unsatisfactory, the employment duties may be reduced and employment fraction and pay may be reduced correspondingly, or employment may be terminated. In cases of unsatisfactory employment performance, the matter will first be discussed with the employee prior to any action being taken. If the Employer determines that the existing situation can be corrected by the employee and is of such a nature that correction is appropriate, the employee will be given not less than one calendar week from date of discussion to make the correction. A written summary of such a discussion will be available at the written request of the employee provided the request is received with forty-eight (48) hours of the discussion. When allowed by law, a copy of this summary will be provided to the Union. For more information on job security please see the GEU contract article 12.

Unsatisfactory academic performance: When academic performance or progress toward degree is unsatisfactory a TAship will not be renewed beyond the time of the current appointment.

C. Supplies and Services

1. Supplies

Supplies needed for the preparation of instructional materials (grade books, paper, etc.) are to be obtained from the main office. Supplies are not available for personal use (this restriction includes courses in which Teaching Assistants are enrolled); supplies are issued only for use in the preparation of materials for the class(es) that you teach. Teaching Assistants are expected to type approved supplemental instructional materials (handouts, quizzes, etc.) to be used in the section(s) they teach.

2. Computer

All Teaching Assistants will have access to a computer.

3. Photocopies

Class materials that are to be duplicated MUST be submitted to the main office with a copy request form at least one business day prior to the time they are needed. If the form is not completed, materials will not be copied and will be returned. 400 photocopies per class per term are allowed for each Teaching Assistant.

4. Audio-Visual Equipment

Audio-visual equipment (projectors, videos, recorders, etc.) is available to members of the Department for class use. Equipment Request forms is available in the main office, 160 Old Horticulture Building. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance.

5. Telephone

Students may leave a message for you at 355-8351 or 432-8305 (main office), although we recommend that you tell your students to e-mail you with messages. Personal long distance telephone calls are NOT to be placed on departmental phones. There is a phone in the mailroom that you may use for local business-related calls and an on-campus phone is located near the elevator on the second floor. For any phone calls to students that need to be made privately please contact the chair.

D. Responsibilities of the Assistant to the Language Coordinator

The Assistant to the Language Coordinator works an average of twenty hours per week on a ½ -time appointment (10 hours on a ¼ -time appointment) assisting the Language Coordinator in the following areas:

a) Placement of students in the appropriate language courses according to their levels of proficiency.

b) Preparation of common course materials and resources;

c) Clerical services for the Language Coordinator, and

d) Other appropriate duties assigned by the Language Coordinator.

Assistants to the Coordinator do not supervise, coordinate or evaluate other graduate students or Teaching Assistants.

E. BENEFITS

1. Stipends

Stipends and other compensation received by TAs can be found in the current GEU contract at http://grad.msu.edu/geu/agree.pdf.

2. Tax status of Stipends

Graduate assistantship stipends are not subject to Social Security (FICA) taxes. With few exceptions, stipends are subject to income taxes. Please call the Payroll office for more information at 355-5010.

3. Tuition Waiver

Teaching assistants receive a Nine-credit tuition waiver each semester that they hold an appointment (you only need six-credits to be a full time student). For summer session appointments, the waiver is five credits (although you need only be enrolled for three credits in order to teach in the summer).

4. Insurance

Michigan State University will provide a full twelve months of coverage if your appointment is at least nine months. If you wish to enroll your legal spouse or dependent children, please contact the MSU Benefits office. Questions regarding enrollment, premium payment and coverage should be directed to the Chickering Group at 1-800-859-8452. Questions or issues that cannot be resolved with Chickering Group may be directed to the MSU Benefits office at 1407 South Harrison Road, Room 140 Nisbet Building at 517-353-4434, ext. 536. See GEU Contract article 21 for more information on benefits.

XII. UNIVERSITY RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

For supplemental information, see links to the appropriate documents in the appendix below. These include:

● Academic Programs – current edition

Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR)
MSU/GEU Contract
Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships

● Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activities.

FINANCIAL AID AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

A. Department

The Department of French, Classics, and Italian and the College of Arts and Letters award competitive fellowships predominantly in the spring semester, in amounts ranging from several hundred dollars to over $10,000. To be eligible for fellowships, application to the program must be made by January 15.

Receipt of externally funded fellowships by students who have written their own grant applications that are worth at least $20,000 (direct costs) make the students eligible for in-state tuition rate. The in-state tuition rate applies only to the semesters during which students are supported by the fellowship. This policy applies only to grants funded through a competitive process by a US institution/agency/foundation. Funds obtained through non-competitive processes (e.g., need-based fellowships) or from international sources do not qualify students for in-state tuition rates. For more information contact Melissa Del Rio (mdelrio@msu.edu) in 110 Linton Hall.

B. College

Dean's Graduate Recruitment Fellowship. This fellowship carries a six-credit tuition waiver during each of the two semesters it is held, and will give Fellows the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member of the College during their first year of tenure. In the second and third years of the Fellow's tenure, candidates can expect a half-time teaching assistantship under the requirements outlined above (pg. 9) including a nine-credit tuition waiver and will be doing an important part of his or her teaching in the Center for Integrative studies in the Arts and Humanities. Fellows entering an M.A. program must complete the degree within the first two years and be admitted to a Ph.D. to be eligible for third-year support. College application deadline: Mid-February.

Arts and Letters Research Fellowship Competition. This competition awards up to six fellowships. This award will permit individuals to work unhindered to conduct research for their dissertation project or recital. During the semester a student holds a Research Fellowship, the candidate must be free from all duties associated with an assistantship. College application deadline: March 1.

C. University

University Distinguished Fellowships and University Enrichments Fellowships: (for information visit http://grad.msu.edu/ufellows.htm).

Dissertation Fellowship Competition The dissertation fellowships are intended to aid College of Arts and Letters graduate students who are in the final stages of writing a doctoral dissertation and who expect to defend the dissertation by the end of Summer session, as well as M.F.A. and D.M.A. students completing their final project, exhibitions and recitals. Those who receive these awards should plan to spend the entire spring working full-time on the dissertation, project, exhibition or recital. Awardees may not hold a graduate assistantship. College application deadline: November 1.

Martin Luther King. Jr.-Cesar Chavez-Rosa Parks Fellowships typically provide $8,000 per academic year with a maximum of $25,000 over a four-year period for ALANA doctoral students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Interested students can contact the Graduate School, 116 Linton Hall.

D. Short-Term Loans from The Council of Graduate Students

ASMSU administers a $75 loan program for The Council of Graduate Students (COGS). To obtain a loan, bring a valid MSU ID and a picture ID to 307 Student Services. The loan is interest free for 30 days. Since the loan fund is a limited resource, money may not always be available. Loans are never available during the last 3 weeks of any term.

The Office of Financial Aids administers a COGS-funded $250 loan program. Applications for the $250 loan are available in 259 Student Services, and take 2-3 business days to process. Make sure you write "COGS LOAN" clearly at the top of the application form! This loan is interest free for up to 60 days.

E. Financial Aid Resources

The College of Arts and Letters annually awards a number of fellowships (worth between $2,000 and $10,000 each). Nominations for these awards are made by the departmental Graduate Committee. The latter also provides small departmental fellowships or tuition grants. Usually these awards are given only to students well along in their graduate work. The procedures and criteria for awarding departmental fellowships are much the same as those for awarding assistantships. The College of Arts and Letters also annually provides the department with a modest sum to be used, at the discretion of the Graduate Committee for Recruitment Fellowships.

For more information on student employment and loans at MSU, consult the Graduate School web site or the "Financial Aid" section of the Academic Programs Book.

The Graduate School publishes an annual guide to funding sources such as grants, fellowships, scholarships and awards, called The Funding Guide, which lists a few hundred out of thousands of funding opportunities, and gives information on how to access additional resources on-line and in CDROM databases.

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

A. Directory of Frequently Contacted Offices

1. Department

Department Chair - Dr. Anna Norris 432-8305

Office Assistant - Ms. Joy Franks 432-8305

Graduate Advisor in French
Prof. Anne Violin-Wigent (use e-mail) 844-6304

2. College

Dean – Prof. Karin Wurst 355-4597

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs – Prof. Janet Swenson 355-5360

3. University Administration

Admissions and Scholarships-250 Admin. Bldg 355-8332

Enrollment Services-176 Admin. Bldg 355-3330

Telephone Enrollment 432-3000

Billing Statements-142 Admin. Bldg 355-3343

PAN Numbers-Office of the Registrar, 150 Admin. 355-3300

Bldg Payroll (direct deposit) - 350 Admin. Bldg 355-5010

Degree & Certification - 160 Admin. Bldg. 353-3880

Transcripts - 50 Admin. Bldg. 355-5150

Graduate School - 118 Linton Hall 355-0300

4. Student Services

Graduate Record Examination Sign-Up - 207 Student Services 355-8385

Financial Aid/Student Loan - 259 Student Services 353-5940

ASMSU/COGS Legal Services - 329 Student Services 353-3716

Council of Graduate Students (COGS) 353-9189

Office of Financial Aid-252 Student Services Bldg 353-5940

Div. of Student Affairs & Services-101 Student Services Bldg 355-8303

Career Services & Placement Center-113 Student Services Bldg 355-9510

Counseling Center-207 Student Services Bldg 355-8270

Department of Married Student Housing-1205 S. Harrison Rd 355-9550

Employee Assistance Program-205 Olds Hall 355-4506

5. Computer Center

Computing Resource Center 355-4500 ext. 122

Store-305 Computer Center 355-4500 ext. 204

Scoring Office 355-1819

6. International Center

English Language Center - 1 International Center 353-0800

Director, Office for International Students - 103 International Ctr 353-1720

Office of Study Abroad - 109 International Ctr 353-8920

International Studies, Deans Office - 209 International Ctr 355-2350

7. Library

Information Desk 353-8700

Library Hours 355-8981

8. Student Health Services

Olin Health Center Information Desk 355-4510

Olin Health Center Appointments 353-4660

Olin Pharmacy 353-9153

Student Insurance Questions, Benefits Administration, 140 Nisbet Bldg 353-4434

B. RESOURCES AND SERVICES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

The University provides many services to help students adjust to the rigors and inevitable stresses that go with a rigorous academic life.

1. Student Services

Michigan State University provides extensive student personnel services to assist students and enhance the educational experience. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Services has general administrative responsibility for all student personnel matters, through the offices of Coordinated Minority Student Programs, Counseling, Financial Aids, Intramural Sports, Recreative Services, Placement Services (including Student Employment and the Career Information Center), Student Life, and University Housing Programs.

The Student Life area includes Campus Life Orientation, Health and Alcohol Education, Judicial Affairs, Off-Campus Housing and Commuter Programs, Service Learning, Student Activities, Student and Leadership Development, and Student Withdrawals and Records.

2. Michigan State University Library

A self-guided tour is available at the Information Desk. Study cubicles and a few lockers are available on the 4th floor of the West Wing. Ask for a key and a place on the waiting list for a locker at the Library Administrative Services Office, room 102 West. An escort service is provided to take students safely to their car or dormitory at night. Inquire at the State walk office, on the west side of the rear entrance area.

You have the right and the responsibility to order books to help build up the library's collection. You may leave order requests in a suggestion box in the entrance area, or contact Mr. Talbot Huey (432-3979) to learn the name and office of the bibliographer who concentrates in your area. You may also request books, off prints of scholarly articles, and copies of doctoral dissertations for your research by applying to Interlibrary Loan (part of the Circulation Services at the center of the main floor, between the two entrances).

3. Computer Center

Computing Information Center, 353-1800

Mainframe/Host Access Support Services, 353-1800

Microcomputer Support Services/Store, 353-4599

User Services offers consulting help on canned statistical programs and "helps students help themselves". It refers students elsewhere if User Services cannot offer enough assistance. User Services will help student short of doing the job for them. There is no charge for the consulting service. Graduate student consultants from the Department of Statistics and Probability are available by appointment for about ten hours a week. They consult about design problems, appropriate statistical design, etc. There is no charge for this service at the beginning of the semester. A number of short courses are offered through User Services, including a basic introduction to the computer, and collection and coding of data.

4. Programming Service, telephone, 355-4684

This is a professional group that charges professional fees for computer work. They can offer some statistical help although they are limited in this area. They can do nearly any computer programming work. The student receives an estimate of charges which must be approved before job is performed.

5. Other Computer Facilities

Microcomputer facilities are available on campus, including laboratories 112 and 141 Old Horticulture Building and in the Human Ecology and Union Buildings. Policies regarding use of equipment should be obtained from individual facilities.

6. Bookstore

The MSU Bookstore is located in the International Center on Shaw Lane. Off-campus bookstores are located in the East Lansing area.

7. Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) serves international students and foreign faculty. OISS is a resource center for information and consultation on matters related to the international student and faculty/scholars. The staff is prepared to help in any of the various areas of concern, including academic problems, immigration questions, social health, employment or financial matters. The office also organizes seminars and workshops on topics of interest to the broad university community. These have included immigration regulations, cross-cultural communication, pre-departure programs for graduating students and various training programs. They also publish a very informative handbook called Welcome to Our Community. It answers questions you may have about living and going to school in our community. A copy of this handbook can be picked up in the OISS. The OISS is located in room 103 in the International Center and can be contacted by phone (353-1720) or email: oiex@msu.edu. Before leaving the country for holidays or vacations, you must stop at OISS to check your immigration status.

8. Learning Resources Center, 209 Bessey Hall, 355-2363

This self-paced, individualized learning center offers free assistance to students who want to improve their study skills. Workshops on specific study skills are offered through out the year.

9. Service Learning Center, 26 Student Services Bldg., 353-4400

This volunteer program allows students to learn more about different work environments while providing community service. Staff assists students in choosing a placement that meets their interests.

10. The Writing Center, 300 Bessey Hall, 432-3610

This center offers writing consultation to graduate as well as undergraduate students. One on one consultations are best for small papers or projects like vitas, abstracts and cover letters, while peer response writing groups offer help developing drafts of larger projects such as research and conference papers, and even theses and dissertations. The center also has a library with books on preparing resumes, vitas and cover letters, and examples of all of the above. Call 432-3610 to make an appointment, or email grammar@msu.edu for grammatical questions. You can also see their web site at (http://www.msu.edu/user/writing) for more information.

11. Career Development & Placement Services, 113 Student Services Bldg, 355-9510

This office assists students in career advising and seeking employment upon graduation. Their office is located in 113 Student Services Building and can be contacted at 355-9510. Their staff does workshops, classes and individual advising on topics such as how to interview successfully and steps to creating a well-written resume. You may also interview for internships or full-time employment through the Career Placement office. More information can be found in 113 Student Services Building. This is also where you will initiate your Placement File.

The Career Information Center, in room 6 Student Services Bldg (353-6474), provides up-to-date information on career possibilities, self-evaluation tools, and resource material on career choice, planning and strategy.

For more information of Career and Professional Development is available at http://grad.msu.edu/cpd.htm.

12. Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, 101 Bessey Hall, 353-9642

Staff specialists available to respond to mobility, visual, hearing, alternative learner, and other such populations to enable their involvement in University activities. Other resources are available to students with special needs

13. Counseling Center Main Office, 207 Student Service Building, 355-8270

344 Olin Health Center (for off campus students), 355-2310

Multi-Ethnic Counseling 207 Student Services Bldg., 355-8270

Students should feel free to contact the Counseling Center with personal concerns and crises. Professional counseling and psychological services are offered to assist with personal as well as career concerns. All services are confidential. Initial consultations are free of charge; all services are free to students carrying 7 or more credits. In addition to professional counseling, a self-management laboratory and workshops are offered.

14. Olin Health Center, 355-7573

The Student Health Service is located in Olin Health Center. In an emergency, no matter what time of day, go directly to Sparrow Hospital, St. Lawrence or Michigan CapitalIngham Regional Medical Center if possible. Otherwise go to the nearest emergency center.

15. Women's Resource Center, 353-1635

Coordinates contacts relating to concerns of women and advocates women's issues by developing and implementing programs targeted for women faculty staff and students. They sponsor many workshops on campus.

16. Intramural Sports Facilities, 355-5250

Intramural Sports & Recreational Services-205 1M Sports West.

Students have access to equipment and facilities in the intramural facilities located in the IM-West, IM-East, and IM-Circle. Students must present a current MSU student ID and a picture ID order to be admitted to these facilities and borrow the equipment. Use of most of the facilities is free to currently enrolled students, although there are a few exceptions, such as a small charge for the use of the weight room in the IM-East.

C. COGS (Council of Graduate Students; your student government body)

1. MSU Student Food Bank

COGS and ASMSU jointly established a Student Food Bank to address the problems of students and their families with financial hardship. The SFB is located at Olin Health Center, and hours are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Students may visit bi-monthly. For more information, or to volunteer, stop by the office (320 Student Services) or call 353-2898.

2. Copy Center

Open to all members of the MSU community, the COGS copy center is in 316 Student Services and features the lowest rates available. All 8.5" x 11" copies are 4 cents each. Transparencies are also available for 25 cents.

3. Thesis and Dissertation Copying

Bring the final copy of your document to the COGS office. Copies are 5 cents per page and must be paid in advance. It is copied on 25% rag-bond (the requirement) and takes 2-3 business days for processing.

D. Transportation

1. Parking on Campus

If you own a motor vehicle or a bicycle and want to use it on campus, you must register it with the Department of Police and Public Safety, 87 S. Red Cedar Road, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. To register a vehicle you need the vehicle registration, proof of insurance, driver's license, a copy of your signed appointment form which is given to you by the Graduate Secretary, and, if appropriate, last year's gate card.

If you do not have a graduate assistantship, you may, under special circumstances, qualify for a parking permit. For example, if your vehicle is necessary in performing the duties for a job you hold on campus, you may wish to apply for a parking permit. You will need to go to DPPS and fill out a Special Request form for a parking permit. A member of the staff of DPPS will review your request and if they feel you need a parking permit for campus they will give you the opportunity to buy one.

The Department of Police and Public Safety, Parking Division, can be contacted at 355-8440 to answer any further questions.

2. Buses

CATA buses serve all parts of the campus and connect with CATA routes serving the Lansing and East Lansing area.

3. Bikes

The University maintains bicycle racks throughout the campus. Bikes should be locked to these racks when parked. Bikes are not permitted in campus buildings. Improperly parked bikes are subject to impoundment by the Department of Public Safety. Bicycle registration through the MSU Department of Public Safety or the cities of East Lansing or Lansing is required. A 4-year MSU bike or moped registration may be purchased for $2.00 from the Department of Public Safety. It will help protect you from theft.

E. Organizations

1. The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) is the official graduate student organization at Michigan State University. Officers and departmental representatives (one representative per department for the entire University) are voting members. The primary objective is improvement of the academic, social, and economic position of graduate students at MSU. The organization has official delegates to the Graduate Council, the Academic Council and standing committees thereof, and several all-university and presidential committees. Through membership in these and other bodies, COGS participates in decisions on such matters as tuition and fees, the grading system, traffic regulations, academic and extracurricular programs of the university, graduate assistant stipends, improvements in, on and off campus student living conditions, academic freedom and responsibilities, student representation in university government, and the selection of principal administrative officers. Meetings are open to all graduate students. For further information, contact the department for the name of your representative.

2. Faculty-Professional Women's Association

The purpose of the Faculty-Professional Women's Association is to provide a forum for and support of the various interests of the present and future professional women at Michigan State University. Graduate students are eligible to join the association as non-voting members. The dues for MSU graduate students is about 25% of the full dues. Non-voting members cannot vote in elections or on issues, nor can they hold a regular board position or office. Other than that, they have all the other rights and privileges of regular members. For information contact Etta Abrahams, at 353-3863.

F. Publications:

1. Funding Guide

The Graduate School has produced a Guide for Graduate Students, Graduate Professional Students and Postdoctoral Fellows, to assist students in identifying funding sources such as grants, fellowships, scholarships and awards. Updated annually, the Funding Guide is also available on the World Wide Web, and can be accessed through the Graduate School's home page.

2. Resource Guide

The Graduate Student Resource Guide is published by the graduate school, and contains useful information on networking, transportation, housing, and campus and community resources. It is available in 118 Linton Hall.

3. Academic Programs (University catalogs) are the primary sources for university regulations, policies, procedures, costs, and academic program requirements. The most recent edition is available on-line.

4. The COGS Graduate Student Handbook: is published annually by the Council of Graduate Students and is available in Room 316 Student Services.

5. Spartan Life is produced by the Office of Student Affairs and Services and is available in Room 101 Student Services.

6. Schedule of Courses and Academic Handbook, published each semester, provides selected updated information on courses, university regulations, policies, procedures, costs, and the academic calendar. It is available prior to enrollment periods.

7. The Faculty and Staff Directory is published by the Office of the Registrar. Copies for personal use may be purchased at the MSU Union Central Store or the MSU Bookstore.

8. The Graduate School Guide to the Preparation of Master's Theses And Doctoral Dissertations describes the final procedures for degree completion and manuscript requirements for your thesis or dissertation. It is available from the Office of the Graduate School, 118 Linton Hall.

9. The Graduate Post is a newsletter published every semester by The Graduate School. It highlights activities in graduate education at MSU and elsewhere, to publish opportunities available for professional enrichment through fellowships, scholarships and study programs, to announce important deadline dates, and announce upcoming colloquia and symposia.

10. COGS-NIZANCE

A general information newsletter published at least once a year by the Council of Graduate Student (COGS).

11. MSU News Bulletin

A weekly newspaper geared to University and faculty interest.

12. The State News

A free daily newspaper that contains news and a listing of events of interest.

13. Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities.

This document is published in Spartan Life, and can also be accessed via Michigan State University's Web page at http://www.msu.edu/students/splife/gradrights.html, and contains University policies concerning graduate education

APPENDIX 1a: TIME SEQUENCE FOR FULL-TIME M.A. GRADUATE STUDENTS

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Application Year

Applications for Assistantships, Scholarships, and Fellowships must be received before January 1^st for full consideration.

Applicants whose full dossier has reached the Department by January 1^st will be told by the end of March whether they have been admitted and whether they have been awarded an Assistantship, Scholarship, or Fellowship

Candidacy: 1st year

Third Week in August: orientation for new graduate students and TA’s. On-campus English proficiency testing. Classes begin in late August. TA’s must take ROM 803 (Teaching Methods), and at least 3 other credits.

Annual departmental review of graduate students (each year).

Students should have completed at least 15 approved credits by May, when classes end.

Work on M.A. Reading List over summer.

Candidacy: 2nd year

Complete M.A. Reading List; review copies of earlier Qualifying Exams; arrange review sessions with other students. If your M.A. will be a terminal degree, prepare for job-hunting now: draft a candidacy letter and a c.v. Get help from faculty.

January: take M.A./Ph.D. Qualifying Exam.

March: if necessary, retake Qualifying Exam.

By March 15: reply to departmental offer of Assistantship for next year.

Complete the 30 credits for the M.A.

Financial support for M.A. ends

APPENDIX 1b: TIME SEQUENCE FOR FULL-TIME PhD GRADUATE STUDENTS

	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Application Year	Applications for Assistantships, Scholarships, and Fellowships must be received before January 1^st for full consideration	Applicants whose full dossier has reached the Department by January 1^st will be told by the end of March whether they have been admitted and whether they have been awarded an Assistantship, Scholarship, or Fellowship.
Candidacy: 1^st Year	Form Guidance Committee for Ph.D. They will decide which courses you need to complete course requirements for the Ph.D. Decide on areas of examination. Ask faculty for reading lists and study questions. Choose your two languages for the Ph.D. requirement.	Take Ph.D. Qualifying Exam Take classes and work on your required languages
Candidacy: 2^nd Year		Arrange to take Comprehensive Examinations before the end of April (after which some faculty leave the country), or first thing next fall. Complete your Ph.D. coursework this term or next term. Eliminate all DF grades, if any.
Candidacy: 3^rd Year	Retake one part of the Comprehensive Examinations if necessary. From Dissertation Committee. Begin research for your dissertation.	Continue work on the dissertations. Try to submit one or two parts of it for publication; submit book review; try to give talks at scholarly meeting. Financial support for Ph.D. Ends
Candidacy: 4^th Year	Consult the MLA Job List (October to December) for openings. Prepare your candidacy letter and c.v.; research the places that interest you. Submit your job application by mid-November. Plan to go to the MLA Convention in December for interviews.
Candidacy: 5^th Year		Must have completed Comprehensive Examinations.
Candidacy: 6^th Year
Candidacy: 7^th& 8^th Year		Limit of 8 years granted to complete Ph.D. after this time, you must petition to retake your Comprehensive Examinations to prove that you have remained up-to-date in your field.

APPENDIX 2: SUGGESTED TIMETABLE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

YEAR/ACTIVITY	TEACHING	RESEARCH	SERVICE
Every year	Keep a diary evaluating the materials used in the courses you teach; compare them with competing materials. Suggest improvements and modifications in the courses you teach. Learn one new computer program or computer-aided teaching technique.	Check current issues of periodicals twice a year; browse to discover new books in your fields of interest. Each term and summer, read one work in general literature, and one in critical theory (or cultural studies or linguistics) not required.	Volunteer to help with a departmental or college activity
First	Find out about modes other than our FCI courses: our study abroad programs, our K-12 French outreach, CLEAR, the English Language Center, IAH, LATTICE. Take notes on what works well, and how.	Join a professional association where membership includes a subscription to a scholarly journal.	Volunteer to work for Tropos (our scholarly and creative journal in Romance Studies); volunteer to help with the French plays written and performed by 100-200 students and TA’s; volunteer with MiWLA
Second	With the Coordinator’s advice and consent, introduce some brief original elements to your classes (media, website, ANGEL, information about your own Francophone culture, if possible, visitors). Looking ahead, seek to teach outside FCI.	Attend a meeting of a professional association. Looking ahead to your third year, propose a talk that you would deliver there. Many meetings have sections devoted to graduate students.	Looking ahead to your third year, seek election or appointment to a departmental, college, or graduate student committee, COGS, or your union. Otherwise, seek to address such a committee (perhaps as part of a student delegation) about one of your concerns. Or at least, attend a key meeting.
Third	Ditto; looking ahead, propose a special section of 100-300 (e.g. children’s literature)	Propose a book review. Continue activities above.	Seek appointment as Assistant to the Coordinator
Fourth and fifth	Ditto; looking ahead, draft some course plans for your future job—both in 100-200, and in your field. Provide a rationale for your choice of materials, methods, and activities.	Propose a scholarly article. Continue activities above.	Ditto; volunteer to help with organize lectures and conference sections.

Contents:

A. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AND FACULTY

c. FACULTY AND THEIR AREAS OF INTEREST

A) Admission to the M.A. program

B) Transfer Credits

C) Requirements for the Master’s Degree

D) Admission to the Doctoral Program (for candidates who have not earned the M.A. in French at Michigan State University)

A. Assistantship Eligibility for the MA

B. Assistantship Eligibility for the PhD

V. FORMATION OF THE DOCTORAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE

VII. THE dissertation defense and final oral examination

A. Deferred and Incomplete Grades

B. Annual Review of Student Progress

C. Annual Progress Reports

D. “Acceptable Academic Standing” and Academic Probation

F. Evaluation Standards for the Qualifying and Comprehensive Examinations

G. Contents of Students’ Files

A. Scholarly Integrity

B. Writing Standards

2. Office Hours

C. Supplies and Services

D. Responsibilities of the Assistant to the Language Coordinator

XII. UNIVERSITY RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

A. Department

B. College

C. University

E. Financial Aid Resources

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

A. Directory of Frequently Contacted Offices

C. COGS (Council of Graduate Students; your student government body)

E. Organizations

F. Publications:

APPENDIX 1a: TIME SEQUENCE FOR FULL-TIME M.A. GRADUATE STUDENTS

APPENDIX 1b: TIME SEQUENCE FOR FULL-TIME PhD GRADUATE STUDENTS

APPENDIX 2: SUGGESTED TIMETABLE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

YEAR/ACTIVITY

TEACHING

RESEARCH

SERVICE

Every year

Keep a diary evaluating the materials used in the courses you teach; compare them with competing materials. Suggest improvements and modifications in the courses you teach.

Check current issues of periodicals twice a year; browse to discover new books in your fields of interest. Each term and summer, read one work in general literature, and one in critical theory (or cultural studies or linguistics) not required.

Volunteer to help with a departmental or college activity

First

Second

Third