Annual Graduate Student Review Policy/Procedures


The Department of Sociology has a long-standing tradition of conducting an annual review of all graduate students during the spring semester. This policy is intended to serve as a simple and effective mechanism for informing students about their progress on a regular basis. It is good for students to know when they are doing well. If they are not, it is crucial that they know clearly what is expected of them in order to improve. This review is an intensive process where the central graduate committee will review the student’s program checklist and will assess academic performance, research and progress towards the degree.

Procedure

The central graduate committee is responsible for reviewing all graduate student records and letters as well as the Department of Sociology program checklist. This checklist is completed by the Graduate Academic Advisor and contains information on the major task the student has completed at the time of the review such as core courses, area exams, and thesis/dissertation committee formation. Timely completion of these tasks is essential for receiving a graduate degree in Sociology

Review Decisions

Each student will receive a letter that summarizes the review committee’s decision regarding progress towards the degree. After careful evaluation the committee will render one of the following decisions:

Acceptable Progress- the decision of the committee members is that the student is making timely progress towards the degree with the required grade point average and is meeting the goals for the current stage of graduate study

Acceptable Progress with Concerns- the decision of the committee members is that the student is making acceptable progress but there are some potential roadblocks that may hinder future progress. An example would be core courses not being completed in a timely manner or excessive incomplete grades. The decision letter will detail the committee’s concerns for the student as well as indicate that he or she should work immediately to address such issues.

Unacceptable Progress- the decision of the committee members is that the student has serious problems that may prevent completion of the degree. If the problems are not immediately corrected the student would be in danger of being dismissed from the program. Problems that may cause the committee to issue this decision include there being no appointment of thesis/dissertation committee, a poor GPA which falls below minimum requirements, there being no program of study on file, and a lack of continuous enrollment.

Dismissal- this is the gravest decision the committee can issue to a graduate student in the Department of Sociology. At this point the student as received at least 1 letter from a previous review detailing what problems needed to be addressed to complete the degree in a timely manner. Since there was a failure to correct the problems and no information or intent to address the issues has been evidenced, the graduate student will be removed from the program. This is not a decision the Department of Sociology takes lightly. All dismissed students will be notified of the loss of standing in the graduate program. Letters will be sent to the student, department chair, Graduate College and recorded in the student’s graduate file.

Once removed from the program the student has the option to correct the problems and reapply. This will require a new full application to the Department of Sociology for fall admission.

Appeals

Graduate students have the right to appeal a decision from the central graduate committee. This will require a written notice to the department chair and graduate program director. A special committee will be formed of members from the Sociology department and at least one member from outside the department to review the case. The student may present evidence or other mitigating factors to support why they believe the decision was inappropriate. The decision from the review committee will be issued in writing.

Department of Sociology

Western Michigan University

 

 

Application for Admission

Those interested in applying for admission to graduate study in the Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University can use one of three processes. The process that one uses depends on convenience and/or nationality and residency status.

A. U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens

U.S. citizens and resident aliens may apply using either the self-managed application process or the online application process. Those seeking admission should apply by February 15. Please see our Graduate Application Timeline for important dates.

1. Self-Managed Application

With the self-managed application process, students take responsibility for gathering all admission materials and submitting these materials to the appropriate office before the admission deadline. Instructions for completing the Graduate Self-Managed Application and submitting materials are detailed on the application form. This form is available from the Office of Admissions and Orientation by calling the office’s request line at (800) 400-4WMU. One may also submit an electronic request for this form . Please contact Ms. Susan Standish , the graduate advisor in the Department of Sociology, for additional materials required by the department.

2. Online Application

With the online application process, students complete the application form available on the world wide web: Online Application. This site provides instructions for completing the online application and submitting materials. Please contact Ms. Susan Standish , the graduate advisor in the Department of Sociology, for additional materials required by the department.

B. International Students

Graduate applications and admissions for international students are processed by Western Michigan University’s Office of International Student Services, which assists students in compiling their application files. Those seeking admission should apply by February 15.

Applications for admission and instructions are available from the Office of International Student Services. Students are asked to apply by downloading and completing the International Application available on the world wide web or to request admission materials by fax or mail. The fax number at the Office of International Student Services is (269) 387-5899. The mailing address for the Office of International Student Services is A411 Ellsworth Hall, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5326, USA

Doctoral Program

 

Doctoral Degree Program Requirements

For admission to the Ph.D. program in sociology, students must satisfy all of the requirements identified in Western Michigan University’s Graduate Catalog Sociology Graduate Catalog Pages. Applications are evaluated based on the following departmental requirements. No one requirement is sufficient to guarantee admission or dictate denial of admission:

• Have a master’s degree in sociology or a closely related field (applicants with degrees in fields other than sociology may be required to make up deficiencies)
• Submit three letters of recommendation from persons able to judge the applicant’s ability to complete a rigorous doctoral program (Please obtain reference forms from the world wide web at www.wmich.edu/grad/forms/)
• Submit a biographical statement
• Submit a sample of academic writing
• Submit GRE scores
• International students must submit TOEFL scores of 550 or above
• Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended

 

Area Examinations

Each doctoral student is required to select two areas of concentration and to complete an examination in each area by the 45th credit hour in the doctoral program. Successful completion of the area examinations is required before one may defend a dissertation prospectus.

A doctoral degree in sociology is granted only to those who have achieved a level of mastery that is necessary to become a professional in the field (i.e., one who is able to contribute to the knowledge base of sociology through research and teaching). The area examinations, therefore, are qualifying exams, and one’s performance on both area examinations must demonstrate a level of mastery that is sufficient for becoming a viable professional in the field of sociology. Thus, the area examinations have two purposes:

• To allow one an opportunity to demonstrate expertise (in terms of both breadth and depth of knowledge) in theory, research methods, and special topics within two selected areas of sociology

• To allow the faculty an opportunity to assess one’s progress toward becoming a professional sociologist and to identify areas that may need improvement before one completes a doctoral degree

The Department of Sociology offers seven doctoral areas of concentration. Each of these areas has a doctoral program committee which is responsible for general supervision and policy formation in its area. To learn more about each of the areas of concentration and their examinations, please follow the links that appear below:

• Applied Sociology
• Comparative Sociology
• Criminology
• Gender and Feminism Area Examination.
• Race and Ethnic Relations
• Social Psychology
• Social Theory