Community Engagement
Activities reflecting engagement include seminar attendance, participation in new student recruitment and orientation activities, attendance at student-organized journal clubs, participation in Biostatistics Clinics, meeting with seminar speakers and other guests, and attendance at department events such as the annual Biostatistics Research Day. Wednesday seminars are an opportunity to sharpen critical thinking skills, to learn how statisticians communicate and exchange ideas outside the classroom, and to stay informed on research in the field. Seminars provide exposure to current topics and are an essential tool for maintaining professional growth. Students are required to attend 鈮�80% of seminars/post-seminar discussions each year. This requirement can be reduced with written approval from the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Students must complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training and BIOS 6004 (Ethical Principles and Practices for Biostatisticians).
GPA Requirements
Per Graduate School policy, a student whose GPA falls below 3.0 is placed on academic probation. If performance does not improve within one semester, and/or if the cumulative GPA is still <3.0 within two semesters of being placed on probation, a student may face dismissal from the program.
Grades for Didactic Credits
Per Graduate School policy, grades of 鈮鈥� are required for credit. There are no exceptions to this policy. Students matriculating in 2025 or later are required to receive grades of 鈮鈥� in core courses; failure to earn a grade of 鈮鈥� in a core course on a second attempt may result in dismissal from the program. This requirement may be waived with written approval from the DGS (e.g., in the event of strong subsequent comprehensive exam performance suggesting ultimate mastery of the material).
Grades for Research Credits
A grade of LP (low pass) or U (unsatisfactory) for research credits (i.e., BIOS 6999, 7999, 8999, and 9999) will result in a constructive action plan, created by the research mentor and student in consult with the DGS. Accumulation of three such grades may result in dismissal from the program.
Submission of a Publication Plan
Students are highly encouraged to publish their research, both during and after their studies. Students are required to create a post-graduation publication plan collaboratively with their advisors. This non-binding document must establish intentions, options, and plans for publication of each of the eligible products (e.g., manuscripts, software). For students moving into careers that prioritize publication, plans may include continuing regular committee meetings while manuscripts are being prepared for submission. For others, plans may include options for handing off manuscript drafts, code, and data. This form (see Appendix A - page 22 of the ) must be submitted to the Graduate Program Manager (GPM) prior to graduation.