To support student success, the College of Engineering requires completion of Individual Development Plans and Performance Plans and Evaluations (IDEPs) for thesis research MS and PhD students. These processes will clarify expectations, ensure timely progress and graduation, support students in their well-being, and support students’ career aspirations.
| What | Why | When |
|---|---|---|
| IDP | Student self assessment to facilitate carer discussion with advisor |
|
| Performance Plan* | Sets clear expectations for academic, research, and work responsibiities |
Every year: Due by end of Summer |
| Evaluation of Performance Plan* | Accountability: Provides feedback about quality and timeliness of performance | Every year: Due by end of summer, with new performance plan |
*If a student is given an evaluation of needs improvements, due every semester until improvements addressed
Individual Development Plans
The Individual Development Plan is a skills self assessment that looks toward a students’ career goals. It’s purpose is to:
- Facilitate discussions with advisor
- Clarify academic and career aspirations
- Identify skills & opportunities to support student development
Performance Plan and Evaluation
The performance plan clarifies academic, research, & work expectations. The Evaluation provides a formal record of "satisfactory progress," protecting both the student from arbitrary evaluation and the faculty from claims of insufficient guidance. It’s purpose is to:
- Clarify expectations and set goals
- Provide accountability
- Track progress
By formalizing expectations just once a year, research shows that we increase student research productivity, reduce the risk of costly student attrition, and shorten time to degree.
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