We are currently updating this handbook. The main changes are in section 3, as they relate to changes to the qualifying exam and qualifying process. Please contact the chair of the qual program change committee, Prof. Jorge Sofo (sofo@psu.edu), if you have questions about these changes.
This handbook is for the use of current and future graduate students in the Physics Department of the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), University Park campus. Although designed as a reference, graduate students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the contents of the entire handbook. Sections 2, 3 and 4 provide comprehensive information on the graduate program in Physics. University course administrative procedures and guidelines for teaching assistants appear in Sections 5 and 6. Section 8.6, and the appendices, should be consulted when necessary on departmental and university policy matters. This handbook outlines the department and university’s expectations of a graduate student, the students’ rights and responsibilities, and explains the procedures to be followed in various situations. All incoming students should read carefully the information for new students in Section 2 and, especially for Ph.D. candidates, the description of the Ph.D. program in Physics in Section 3.2.
This handbook is also for the use of the faculty who have responsibility for guiding and advising students, and for fairly and consistently administering the graduate program in Physics at Penn State. The handbook can only give a brief summary of the relevant university rules and policies. But it is the definitive statement of Physics Department rules and procedures.
The department strongly values student feedback on possible improvements to the graduate program. Students are encouraged to communicate openly with their peers and the faculty, both on physics, and on issues of common concern to the graduate program. Such issues may include TA workloads, graduate student benefits, computing and office facilities, departmental degree requirements, advanced course offerings, or future job opportunities. Announcements of interest to graduate students are routinely sent out by e-mail. Women and minority graduate students are encouraged to meet together regularly, as needed, providing an opportunity for informal peer support.