2025 Graduate Student Handbook

Back to Current Graduate Student Handbook

[Applies to 2025-2026 Cohort]

Overview

Statement of Purpose

Within the Department of Anthropology, we strive to be responsible, responsive advisors who enrich students’ university experiences through student-centered advising and mentoring excellence for prospective students, active students and program graduates. Our responsiveness is evidenced by providing timely, quality assistance to students and creating advising relationships that are supportive and empowering.

This handbook is a tool designed to aid Anthropology Graduate Students as they successfully navigate the various expectations and policies within the Anthropology Graduate Programs. This is only one tool at your disposal. More detailed information can be found in the list of resources in the final section of this handbook.

People you should get to know

When you first arrive in Pullman you should introduce yourself to Andrew Duff, the Department Chair and Jo Bonner, Administrative Assistant. Their offices are located in the department’s main office in College Hall Room 150. They are here to help you get a good start and aid you with any issues regarding the graduate program. Also, if you have a TA or RA assignment you will need to meet with Annette Bednar, our Budget/Finance Manager, to get your paperwork in order. Annette’s office is located in Johnson Tower 401.

Also, familiarize yourself with other faculty members and their research and teaching interests by stopping by their office and talking with other graduate students. The more you know about the on-goings of the faculty, the better you will be able to take advantage of research or other professional growth opportunities.

Places you should know

• Crimson Service Desk: They can help with Account and Email Assistance/Network ID and myWSU/Password resets/Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) resets/Class registration Windows re-installation and more. Call: 509-335-HELP(4357) Email: crimsonservicedesk@wsu.edu
• Bookstores: The “Bookie,” located in the CUB, and “Crimson and Gray,” located on Bishop Ave, are where you will buy most of your textbooks.
• The CUB: On Terrell Mall, you will find many places to eat, relax, and hang out in between classes.
• Ferdinand’s: If you need an ice cream break, Ferdinand’s has some of the best ice cream on the Palouse. They also offer coffee and sell the famous Cougar Gold Cheese.
• French Administration Building: “French Ad” is home to the various University Administration Offices, including: The Graduate School, Financial Aid, The Registrar’s Office and Personnel Offices (e.g., for information on paychecks, insurance, etc.).
• Health & Wellness Services: Washington building, NE Washington St. includes counseling services.
• Libraries – Holland/Terrell Library is the library most often used by the students in our department.
• Lighty Building: Connected to French Ad; this is a good place to get a quick snack, lunch and Starbucks Coffee.
• Social Sciences Service Center: Located in Johnson Tower Rm 401, here you will find Annette Bednar, Dori Emerson, and Neil Baksi, our budget finance team. They will help you with the paperwork for assistantships, grants, travel, and just about anything financial.

Getting Involved

One of the best ways to make the most of your graduate experience is to get involved! Students who gain experience on committees, working with research projects, teaching in the classroom, and generally socializing with other graduate students will benefit most from the opportunities available to them and the intellectual exchange of ideas surrounding them.

Notice of Non-discrimination

New Student Information

Automatic Payroll Deposit/Deductions

It is highly recommended that you set up automatic payroll deposit. This task is completed in Workday.

Graduate students on assistantships may authorize Payroll Services to deduct the total amount of their tuition and fees owed over eight (8) pay cycles beginning the second pay date of the semester. Deductions may be authorized for:

• full operating fee or residual operating fee,
• service/activity/ building fees, and
• spouse and/or dependent medical insurance (fees vary).

Payroll deduction is an optional service provided at a fee of $8.00. This is also done in Workday (set up payroll deductions in Workday). This must be completed each semester and must be submitted before the last date to pay tuition before late fees accrue (to avoid paying late fees).

The payroll deduction service is not offered for summer appointments. For more information or assistance with any part of theses processes contact Payroll or use the link below.

Contact Payroll Office

• Phone: (509) 335-9575
• Email: payroll@wsu.edu
• Fees eligible for payroll deduction at Payroll website

Copier and Printer Information

The copier in room 154 (mailroom) is for office and faculty use. Copy and print work must be related to assigned research or teaching assistantship projects. Office staff will assign a number code for TA’s that allows you to operate the copy machine. The copier is not to be used for copying class notes, articles, or books used for study purposes. Under no circumstances should the copier be used to duplicate your thesis or dissertation. There are copy machines available in the library, at Cougar Copies, and at FedEx, or the UPS store in Moscow.

The graduate student computer is located in College Hall Room 150 (the main office). All students can log into this station using their WSU username and password, between the hours of 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday. Jo Bonner, Administrative Assistant, will assign a printing code to each student. Please use your code and follow instructions by the computer to print directly to the large copier/printer in room 154.

Cougar Card

A Cougar Card is required to gain entrance to a number of buildings on campus, charge items to your student account, access Pullman Transit for free and many other things. New students may obtain their Cougar Card in the Cougar Card Center, located in the Compton Union Building (CUB), room 60. Returning students will continue to use their previously issued card. The Cougar Card Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A $20.00 replacement fee is charged for replacement cards. For any information or to report lost or found ID cards, call 1-509-335-CARD or visit their website.

Counseling Services

The WSU Counseling Services office offers free and confidential assistance to students with personal, social, and vocational problems. Stop by the Washington Building, NE Washington St., call (509) 335-4511, or visit the Cougar Health website . If you have a crisis situation after regular office hours, call: (509) 335-2159.

Insurance

Graduate students on a paid assistantship who maintain a 3.0 grade point average and are enrolled for a minimum of 10 credit hours are entitled to the Graduate Student Health Insurance Medical Plan. Graduate students not on assistantships who are not eligible for this plan may enroll in the Student Medical Insurance Plan, but they must pay the premium. The insurance policy is effective beginning August 16th. However, because it takes a little time for it to reach the insurance company and be keyed into their system, it is suggested that you create an online account starting around September 1st .

Dependents such as spouse and/or children may be added to the insurance policy but the student is responsible for the additional premiums. Coverage from spring semester runs through August 15th. If premiums are being paid for a dependent, spring semester rates will be higher than fall semester rates because of the summer coverage. No premiums are deducted during the summer months if the policy was in effect during spring semester.

Cougar Health Services administers the WSU graduate student health insurance plan. For student health needs covered by the plan, an appointment can be made by calling 1-509-335-3575. Cougar Health Services facilities are located in the Washington Building on the WSU campus (intersection of Stadium Way and Nevada & Washington Streets).

International Programs/SEVIS Information

The International Programs Office (International Students & Scholars): office is located in Bryan Hall, room 206, phone (509) 335-2541, or email them at: ip.admin@wsu.edu. Students are responsible for maintaining their legal status within the country. All SEVIS information, including required entry and departure documents, is available through the International Programs office.

There are changes in policy for the academic year 2024-2025 regarding English Language Assessment for International Teaching Assistants. Many of the new standards will exempt international students from ITA exams. The international graduate assistants will be required to meet the Graduate School test scores for TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

Students who do not meet either the Graduate School or graduate program score thresholds may be required to pass an ITA exam before being appointed as a TA.

Mail (United States Postal Service [USPS] and Federal Express Mailing)

Students are assigned a mailbox here in the department. Please check your mailbox frequently as the office staff puts phone messages and important notices in your mailbox as necessary. Mail is picked-up and delivered on weekdays by approximately 11:00 a.m. Please bring outgoing interdepartmental mail and USPS mail to the front desk. When sending interdepartmental mail, you must use a four-digit campus zip code which can be found in the online WSU zip code directory, our four-digit code is 4910.

No personal mail should be sent to or from your university address. There is a USPS mail drop box across the street in front of the French Administration building. Personal mailboxes are available only at the Post Office located on Grand Avenue. The U.S. Postal Service sorts mail electronically. For the quickest delivery, the complete address should be in capital letters with no punctuation. Mail sent to you at the department should be addressed as follows:

YOUR NAME
DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE HALL ROOM 150
PO BOX 644910
PULLMAN, WA 99164-4910

*NOTE: Any packages shipped via Federal Express or UPS must have a completed Shipping Request form that is completed on-line and approved by Annette Bednar. If you have a hazardous material shipment you must speak with Jo Bonner.

Office and Building Keys

Whenever possible the Department of Anthropology works to assign an office to each of our graduate students. All of our offices are located in College Hall. Upon arrival, students will be issued both an office key, a building key, and a mailroom key. During a student’s academic career, they may be issued lab keys or other office keys based upon their research and who they are working with. All keys must returned to the office at the completion of a student’s program.

Office Assignments

Whenever possible the Department of Anthropology assigns each of our graduate students to a specific office. Please come to the Anthropology Main Office (College Hall 150) for your office assignment. Do not trade or move offices without first speaking with Jo Bonner. If you would like to change offices please contact Jo and she will work with you.

Setting Up Your WSU Email

Upon your arrival at WSU you will need to set up your wsu.edu email account. WSU has partnered with Microsoft to provide Microsoft Exchange Outlook e-mail accounts for students. Once you have paid your enrollment fee you will be able to download the Office 365 Suite free. When you are admitted to WSU your Outlook e-mail account and your official WSU e-mail address is automatically set up. Please visit the Crimson Service Desk for assistance with your student e-mail account.

Once you have established your email account, contact Jo Bonner (jobonner@wsu.edu), with your new email address.

Email-Network Safety

In order to keep your new email account and your personal information safe you will need to be diligent with regards to phishing emails and scams. All unsolicited emails you receive that originate outside of the university should be treated with caution. It is good practice to not click links unless you have verified it is safe and you know the sender. Emails may look official and can present as potential employers or banks requesting account verification. Even email addresses from accounts originating within WSU could be sent from compromised email accounts of staff or students. Please forward any suspicious emails to abuse@wsu.edu.

Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training

Part of being a world-class university is providing a workplace environment where all individuals feel safe, valued, and respected. Accordingly, Washington State University’s core values include a commitment to being an institution that demonstrates trust and respect for all persons and cultivates individual and institutional integrity in all that we do. Sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination compromise the integrity of the University and destroy the trust and respect expected in the workplace.

Eradicating discrimination and sexual harassment requires an ongoing, demonstrated commitment from all members of the University community. A truly respectful workplace involves cooperation and support from each and every employee of the institution. To achieve this goal, Human Resource Services (HRS), in collaboration with the Compliance and Civil Rights [CCR] office, has developed the required online sexual harassment and discrimination training specific for WSU. You may also obtain answers to common questions and resource information at this site.

Travel Information

A travel authority is required for any travel and must be completed prior to travel. Please contact Dori Emerson or Neal Baksi for assistance with travel. If you have a grant a travel advance may be requested in order to help with anticipated expenses. An advance should be requested at least 2 weeks before travel begins. Conference registrations will be paid directly by the university if received at least 2 weeks before the registration due date. If registration payment requests are not received in time for the university to pay directly, the traveler will have to make the payment and will be reimbursed for the expense. Once your travel authority is approved, you can make airline reservations using local travel agents. Ask the agent to call the service center office at 1-509-335-0534 for approval to purchase the tickets. The university pays the airfare directly for you. Tickets for approved travel may not be purchased through online sites.

Travel Expense Voucher (TEV)

Expenses are reimbursed up to a set amount for the travel destination. This is called the per diem rate. Check with the office for these rates prior to travel so you can plan your expenses. You will need original, itemized receipts for all lodging and any other expenses. If you share a room with WSU personnel, you will be reimbursed one-half of the room rate. A travel expense voucher (TEV) should be submitted by the fifth of the month following travel. If a travel advance is received, the TEV must be completed immediately upon return from travel.

Reimbursements are generally received within three weeks of completing the TEV.

Dori Emerson or Neil Baksi can answer your travel questions, they are in the finance office.

Visitors

The Anthropology Department hosts several visitors throughout the year. Students are expected to actively participate and attend receptions, meals, and seminars for these visitors to the department. These events may be hosted in the evenings and on weekends.

Description of Graduate Programs

The Department of Anthropology at Washington State University is proud to offer Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the following streams: Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Evolutionary Anthropology. Graduate students specialize in one program area, but are expected to acquire a background in the other two streams as well. To ensure this, all graduate students take a core sequence of introductory courses.

Please note: more detailed descriptions of each Graduate Program can be found on the: Department of Anthropology’s Graduate Programs page.

General Learning Outcomes of Graduate Programs

MA Degree Program Learning Outcomes

Creative and Critical Reasoning

All graduate students completing a Masters in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Formulate their own research question or problem effectively
2. Present a written discussion of the role of their area of specialization within the broader historical and contemporary field of general anthropology
3. Demonstrate knowledge of, and able to form personal opinions about non-anthropological and/or non-academic social issues/concerns related to general anthropology as well as their area of specialization
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of ethical standards within the profession generally and/or of their area of specialization in particular
5. Have original ideas about their research topic, and are they able to relate these ideas to those of other scholars in the relevant literature

Information and Data Gathering

All graduate students completing a Masters in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical background, current trends, and major leaders in the field(s) of research relevant to their area of specialization
2. Provide an explanation for their selection of data and analytical techniques
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between, and appropriate uses of, both qualitative and quantitative data
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply systematic techniques in their data collection
5. Demonstrate understanding of appropriate ethical and methodological treatment of the informants and/or affected communities

Communication Skills

All graduate students completing a Masters in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Write a clear and concise statement defining their research topic
2. Write a contextual statement for their topic
3. Present a clear statement of their research methods
4. Write a well-reasoned interpretation of their analysis
5. Write a unifying conclusion
6. Demonstrate a mastery of their area of specialization’s style and citation standards
7. Make a clear and concise verbal presentation that includes a statement of their topic, the context of their question, a description of their data and analysis, and a summary of their interpretations
8. Respond to questions from an audience

Analytical Reasoning

All graduate students completing a Masters in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply systematic techniques in their data analysis
2. Discuss the strengths, weaknesses, limitations, etc. of their data selection and collection techniques (sample bias)
3. Select appropriate quantitative or qualitative assessment techniques to evaluate their research question
4. Make reasonable interpretations from their analyses
5. Discuss reasonable alternative interpretations

Specialization of Study

All graduate students completing a Masters in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of their topic and the broader academic and non-academic contexts of their area of specialization
2. Formulate a reasonable question that is compatible with current trends in the field
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of types of data and analytical techniques appropriate to their area of specialization and their research question
4. Effectively consider how subjective and objective aspects of data identification, collection, and analysis may have shaped current thinking and their own interpretations within their area of specialization

PhD Degree Program Learning Outcomes

Creative and Critical Reasoning

All graduate students completing a PhD in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Present a professional, peer-to-peer level, written discussion of the role of their area of specialization within the broader historical and contemporary field of general anthropological theory
2. Present a professional, peer-to-peer level, written discussion of the relevance of their specific research project to the goals of their area of specialization
3. Present a professional, peer-to-peer level, written discussion, including reasoned opinions about, non-anthropological and/or non-academic social issues/concerns related to general anthropology as well as their area of specialization
4. Understand and to discuss the relevance of, ethical standards within the profession generally and their area of specialization in particular
5. Have original ideas about their research topic, and are they able to relate these ideas to those of other scholars in the relevant literature

Information and Data Gathering

All graduate students completing a PhD in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate expertise in knowledge of the historical background, current trends, and major leaders in the field(s) of research relevant to their area of specialization
2. Provide a well-reasoned explanation for their selection of data and analytical techniques
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between, and appropriate uses of, both qualitative and quantitative data
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply systematic techniques in their data collection and analysis

Communication Skills

All graduate students completing a PhD in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Write a clear and concise statement defining their research topic
2. Write a contextual statement for their topic
3. Present a clear statement of their research methods
4. Write a well-reasoned interpretation of their analysis
5. Write a unifying conclusion statement
6. Demonstrate a mastery of their area of specialization’s style and citation standards
7. Make a clear and concise verbal presentation before a professional audience that includes a statement of their topic, the context of their question, a description of their data and analysis, and a summary of their interpretations
8. Respond to questions from a professional audience

Analytical Reasoning

All graduate students completing a PhD in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced systematic techniques or theory in their data analysis
2. Select appropriate quantitative or qualitative assessment techniques in-line with their research question
3. Discuss the strengths, weaknesses, limitations, etc. of their data selection and collection techniques (sample bias)
4. Make reasonable interpretations from their theoretical perspective and/or analyses
5. Discuss reasonable alternative interpretations

Specialization of Study

All graduate students completing a PhD in Anthropology will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop a student’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of their topic and the broader academic, and non-academic contexts of their area of specialization
2. Formulate a reasonable question that is compatible with current trends in the field
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of types of data and analytical techniques appropriate to their area of specialization and their research question
4. Effectively consider how subjective and objective aspects of data identification, collection, and analysis may have shaped current thinking and their own interpretations within their area of specialization
5. Develop expertise in at least one area of methodology within their area of specialization
6. Develop expertise in the environment, history, traditional and/or contemporary culture(s), and contemporary anthropological issues of a geographic region
7. Demonstrate competence in working with a specific theoretical focus

Course Requirements for the MA and PhD Program in Archaeology

MA students complete a minimum of 30 units, while PhD students complete a minimum of 72 units. Lecture and seminar courses provide 3 units, and laboratory/methods courses typically provide 4 units. Students complete at least the indicated number of units from the groups below:

Group A – Required Courses: Take 3 for a total of 10 units

• ANTH 530 Theory in Archaeology (3 units)
• ANTH 53# (591 Fall 2024) Indigenous Research Methods and Knowledge (3 units)
• ANTH 537 Quantitative Methods in Anthropology (4 units)

Group B – Thematic Courses (see note about scheduling): MA requires 2 (6 units); PhD requires 4 (12 units)

• ANTH 535 Cultural Resource Management (3 units)
• ANTH 539 Archaeology of the Southwest (3 units; see scheduling note)*
• ANTH 540 Archaeology of the Northwest Coast (3 units)
• ANTH 543 Archaeology of the Plateau and Great Basin (3 units; see scheduling note)*
• ANTH 545 Political Economy (3 units)
• ANTH 548 Hunter and Gatherers Past and Present (3 units; see scheduling note)*
• ANTH 549 Environment and Culture Change in Complex Societies (3 units; see scheduling note)*

*Scheduling Note: Thematic courses previously offered, but not currently in scheduled course rotation

Group C – Laboratory/Methods Courses: MA requires 2 (7 units), PhD requires 4 (15 units)

• ANTH 513 Lithic Technological Organization (4 units)
• ANTH 514 Ceramic Analysis (4 units; see scheduling note)*
• ANTH 570 Sediments in Geoarchaeology (4 units)
• ANTH 571 Stable Isotopes Analysis in Anthropology (4 units)
• ANTH 573 Zooarchaeology (4 units)
• ANTH 576 Paleoethnobotany (4 units)
• SOIL_SCI 568 GIS Spatial Analysis (4 units)

*Scheduling Note: Lab/methods courses previously offered, but not currently in scheduled course rotation

Group D – Electives: MA requires 1 (3 units), PhD requires 3 (9 units)

Electives other than thesis, dissertation, and research units, as appropriate for individual student programs and chosen in consultation with the supervisory committee.

**Breadth Requirement (PhD only) – PhD students must take one approved ANTH (500 level) course outside the archaeology stream. Courses that fulfill this requirement are listed below:

• ANTH 507 – Advanced Studies in Culture Theory
• ANTH 564 – Advances in Evolution and Human Behavior
• ANTH 554 – Anthropological Field Methods Seminar
• ANTH 5## (TBD) – Seminar in Anthropological Applications
• ANTH 591 – Special Topics** (when taught by non-archaeology faculty)

Group E – MA Thesis: [MA requires minimum 4 units]

• ANTH 700 Master’s Research, Thesis, and/or Examination

Graduation requires a written thesis based on original research, as well as a successful oral defense.

Preliminary examination

All PhD students will take a preliminary examination upon the completion of their coursework. The preliminary examination consists of two parts: written and oral.

Group F – PhD Dissertation: [PhD requires minimum 26 units]

• ANTH 800 Doctoral Research, Dissertation, and/or Examination

Dissertation

There are two options for the fulfillment of the dissertation requirement. The traditional option consists of writing a dissertation. Alternatively, a student may choose the professional paper option (described on page 27).

Defense of the dissertation

After completing the dissertation a student must present an oral defense of the dissertation.

Coursework planning grid

Group A — Core Courses

Group A — Core Courses	MA (3 courses; 10 units)	PhD (3 courses; 10 units)
Archaeological Theory (ANTH 530)	3	3
Indigenous Research Methods and Know ledge (ANTH 532)	3	3
Quantitative Methods (ANTH 537) – 4 units	4	4
Sub-total	10	10

Group B — Thematic Courses

Group B — Thematic Courses	MA (2 courses; 6 units)	PhD (4 courses; 12 units)
(Insert chosen course)	3	3
(Insert chosen course)	3	3
(Insert chosen course)	not applicable	3
(Insert chosen course)	not applicable	3
Sub-total	10	10

Group C — Method/Lab Courses

Group C — Methods/Lab	MA (2 courses; 7 units)	PhD (4 courses; 15 units)
(Insert chosen course)	4	4
(Insert chosen course)	4	4
(Insert chosen course)	not applicable	4
(Insert chosen course)	not applicable	4
Sub-total	8	16

Group D — Elective Courses

Group D — Electives	MA (1 courses; 3 units)	PhD (3 courses; 9 units; **breadth requirement – see above)
(Insert chosen course)	3	3
(Insert chosen course)	not applicable	3
(Insert chosen course)	not applicable	3
Sub-total	3	9

Total units required for MA or PhD degree

Course Types	MA Total Units	PhD Total Units
Course work total units	26 required	46 required
Group E/F — Research units	4 required (ANTH 700)	26 required (ANTH 800)
Total units	30 required	72 required

Course Requirements for the MA and PhD Program in Cultural Anthropology or Evolutionary Anthropology

The cultural and evolutionary programs offer students a comprehensive curriculum in the theoretical and methodological approaches of anthropology. These approaches include cultural theory and evolutionary theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, and field-based data collection, preparing them to conduct research. Our programs also train PhD students in archaeological theory so they can teach a broad spectrum of anthropology courses. They will also gain expertise in applied anthropological work, and learn the essentials of successful grant writing, all transferable skills that are useful across the academic, government, nonprofit, and industry sectors.

Our curriculum also emphasizes the unique expertise of our WSU faculty. Each year, we offer at least one special-topics course, highlighting a faculty member’s expertise from cultural and evolutionary perspectives. Faculty members each bring their own approach to teaching our courses, and also offer individual training to students in collaborative readings and research courses. In consultation with their MA or PhD committee, students may take additional courses, retake core courses with different faculty members for a different vantage point on a subject, and take courses from other WSU departments. These additional units will also count toward their degree.

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MA in Cultural Anthropology or in Evolutionary Anthropology

Total credits: minimum 30 credits, of which 22 must be graded

Required (take all seven courses, 22 units)

Theory (6 units)

• ANTH 507 – Advanced Studies in Culture Theory
• ANTH 564 – Advances in Evolution and Human Behavior

Methods (7 units)

• ANTH 537 – Quantitative Methods in Anthropology (*see noted requirement)
• ANTH 554 – Anthropological Field Methods Seminar

Applications and Special topics (9 units)

• ANTH 5xx – Seminar in Anthropological Applications (will be offered as Anth 591 while course number being approved)
• ANTH 591 – Special Topics (*see noted requirement)
• ANTH 591 – Special Topics (*see noted requirement)

*Faculty requirement: must be offered as part of the core curriculum by a faculty member in the cultural or evolutionary programs.

MA Thesis: (MA requires minimum 4 units)

• ANTH 700 Master’s Research, Thesis, and/or Examination (*see noted requirement)

*Scheduling requirement: Two units must be taken the semester of thesis completion.

Graduation requires a written thesis based on original research, as well as a successful oral defense.

Remaining coursework to meet the 30-credit minimum to be decided in consultation with the student’s thesis committee as per the Program of Study form. These courses may be graded or ungraded and taken from anthropology or another program. Courses taken pass/fail or audited do not count toward the minimum.

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PhD in Cultural Anthropology or Evolutionary Anthropology

Total credits: minimum 72, of which 15 must be graded coursework

Section A. PhD students who earned an MA in the Department of Anthropology at WSU

Note that graded MA coursework transfers to PhD minimum requirements, such that PhD students with an MA from WSU Anthropology need to take only two additional courses.

Required (take both courses, 6 units)

• ANTH 530 – Theory in Archaeology
• ANTH 568 – Research Design and Grant Writing

PhD Dissertation Hours (minimum 20 credits)

• ANTH 800 Doctoral Research, Dissertation and/or Examination

All full-time doctoral degree students must register for one research credit of 800 each semester (excluding summers) to track faculty advisor effort.

Remaining coursework to meet the 72-credit minimum (46 units) to be decided in consultation with the student’s dissertation committee as per the Program of Study form. These courses may be graded or ungraded and taken from anthropology or another program. Courses taken pass/fail or audited do not count toward the minimum.

Section B. PhD students who did not earn an MA in the Department of Anthropology at WSU

Total credits: minimum 72, of which 15 must be graded coursework

Required (take both courses, 6 units)

• ANTH 530 – Theory in Archaeology (*see petitioning note)
• ANTH 568 – Research Design and Grant Writing

Required – Electives (three courses from the following list, 9-10 units)

• ANTH 507 – Advanced Studies in Culture Theory
• ANTH 5xx – Seminar in Anthropological Applications
• ANTH 537 – Quantitative Methods in Anthropology (**see faculty requirement)
• ANTH 554 – Anthropological Field Methods Seminar
• ANTH 564 – Advances in Evolution and Human Behavior
• ANTH 591 – Special Topics (**see faculty requirement)
• ANTH 591 – Special Topics (**see faculty requirement)

Petitioning note: student may petition to count an equivalent course from their MA institution toward this requirement with permission from their PhD committee

Faculty requirement: must be offered by a faculty member in cultural or evolutionary and must be offered as part of the core curriculum.

PhD Dissertation Hours (minimum 20 credits)

• ANTH 800 Doctoral Research, Dissertation and/or Examination

All full-time doctoral degree students must register for one research credit of 800 each semester (excluding summers) to track faculty advisor effort.

Remaining coursework to meet the 72-credit minimum to be decided in consultation with the student’s dissertation committee as per the Program of Study form. These courses may be graded or ungraded and taken from anthropology or another program. Courses taken pass/fail or audited do not count toward the minimum requirements.

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Preliminary examination

All PhD students take a preliminary examination upon the completion of their coursework. The preliminary examination consists of two parts: written and oral.

Dissertation

Students may choose between two options to fulfill the dissertation requirement: the traditional dissertation option or the so-called three-papers dissertation option. The three-papers dissertation option is described toward the end of the Graduate Program Timelines section. Please consult with your advisor to choose the dissertation option that best suits your research project and career goals.

Defense of the dissertation

After completing the dissertation (by means of either option), students must present an oral defense of the dissertation.

Graduate Program Timelines

Please be aware that the timelines outlined below are general overviews of the MA and PhD Programs. Each individual graduate student’s program timeline will vary depending on multiple factors such as: changes in study, research completion, thesis/dissertation writing, life changes, funding options etc.

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Timeline for MA Students

Semester one

Select an advisor.

An academic advisor/committee chair will be key in helping you navigate through the policies put forth by the Graduate School and your department. Check with your prospective department chair or the faculty Web pages to find an advisor whose research interests match your own. Begin working with your chair to develop a program of study.

Begin to Select Your Committee.

By now, you’re probably settled in and have some idea of the type of research you would like to conduct. But first, you should select your M.A. committee, which will help guide you through the research. A master’s committee consists of three WSU faculty members: two must be graduate faculty from your department. One member is identified as the committee chair and is your primary contact.

Establish ties in Washington.

Since graduate tuition at WSU is considerably less expensive for Washington residents than for out-of-state graduate students, you should establish residency at the beginning of your second year. Non-resident waivers are only guaranteed for one (1) year. To learn more about establishing residency, please see the Policies and Procedures section.

Semester two

Finalize Your Committee.

The graduate committee of each student shall have a minimum of three members for MA and three members for Ph.D. A majority of committee members shall be active Anthropology Graduate Faculty members. Additionally, a minimum of two members of MA and two members of Ph.D. committees must be both permanent WSU tenured or tenure-track faculty and Graduate Faculty in Anthropology. Only Anthropology Graduate Faculty members who hold current tenure track appointments within Washington State University may chair or co-chair a graduate student committee.

File a program of study. (This should be submitted online in by the end of January)

Your committee chair, in conjunction with other members, should aid you in developing your proposed program of study. This includes an official list of classes you have taken, those you intend to take, and your research interest. After the proposed program is signed by each committee member, it should be submitted online to Jo Bonner in the Anthropology Office. Each stream will meet to evaluate the proposed programs and ensure that they meet Department and Graduate School requirements.

Hold Your Thesis Committee Meeting.

The student is responsible for organizing a meeting of the thesis committee before the degree project is fully initiated, for example, before field work or data collection occurs. In most instances, this would occur during the student’s second semester. The purpose of the meeting is to provide all committee members with the specifics of a proposed research project early in the student’s program so that they are aware of the scope and aims of the planned study, and so that they can provide feedback and advice at the planning and implementation stage, when it is most likely to be useful. In advance of the meeting, the committee must be provided a written proposal outlining the research plan (ca. 3-4 pages). This plan should include the aim(s) of the study, the research question(s), field or research methods, the plan for data acquisition and analysis, the project’s significance, and a general timeline for completion. The faculty acknowledges that projects evolve, but the point of this meeting is to ensure the student and their committee members are operating from the same set of premises at the outset of the degree project.

Seek IRB Approval. (if applicable)

The University requires approval for use of human subjects or animals in research, so before you begin your research you must seek approval from the University’s Institutional Review Board. You will also need to provide verification that you have received approval to use human subjects or animals in your research prior to scheduling your final examination. For more information about IRB approval and The Office of Research Support and Operations, please refer to the IRB section of the Policies and Procedures page.

Semester three

Apply for residency.

After you have proof that you have lived in Washington for twelve months, you should apply for residency. This will allow you to be charged the lower in-state graduate tuition rate as you continue your studies. To learn more about establishing residency, please refer to the Policies and Procedures page.

File an application for master’s degree.

You should submit an application for degree online (Graduate School forms website) at least one semester before your final exam in scheduled. The Graduate School will then notify you of any final graduation requirements before enrolling for your last semester. Search for “graduation application” at the Graduate School Forms website.

Apply for Degree/Graduation, pay the graduation fee.

You must use the online application for degree and graduation application. It is online under the Graduate School website. The graduation fee is currently $60 (may be subject to change).

Semester four

Schedule your final oral exam.

After your thesis is complete, you should submit online the final examination scheduling form signed by your committee to Jo Bonner. It is submitted to the Graduate School, which will then schedule your final examination.

Graduation and diplomas.

The Bookie begins accepting orders for graduate regalia approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to commencement. MA students place order online or through the Grad Fair. Order graduation regalia.

Submit Your Thesis to Your Committee.

If you are planning to defend during a Fall Semester you must submit a complete draft copy of your thesis to your committee for review by October 10th or at least one month before your defense date. If you are planning to defend during a Spring Semester you must submit a complete draft copy of your thesis to your committee by March 10th or at least one month before your defense date. Students should be submitting individual chapters of their theses to their Chairs for approval before this deadline. Speak with your Chair at the beginning of the semester to ensure you are aware of his/her expectations and submission requirements.

Submit your thesis to the Graduate School and schedule your defense

To avoid any delays, be sure that your thesis is formatted in accordance with the Graduate School formatting guidelines. These guidelines can be found on the Graduate School Forms website (search for “Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guidelines”). Coordinate with Jo Bonner in the Anthropology Office to reserve the conference room, a laptop and other materials you may need to defend.

After Defense

After the successful defense of your thesis you will have five business days to submit the final version of your thesis to both the Graduate School and the Anthropology Department. Submission to the Graduate School is done electronically. You must hand in a hard copy of your thesis to the Anthropology Office and submit a pdf copy of your thesis to Jo Bonner by email. At this time you will also have to hand in your building and office keys. Please make sure your office has been cleaned out. Any items left behind will be donated or thrown out.

Update your mailing address.

Diplomas are mailed approximately eight weeks after commencement. If you move during that time, be sure to enter your new mailing address in myWSU.

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Timeline for PhD Students

Semester one

Select an academic advisor.

This person will be key in helping you navigate through the department and Graduate School policies. If you have not already been assigned an academic advisor, check with your stream coordinator or the faculty web pages to select one whose research fits your interests.

Begin to Select Your Committee.

By now, you’re probably settled in and have some idea of the type of research you would like to conduct. But first, you should select your PhD committee, which will help guide you through the research. Please note most dissertation committees have four members (and at least one member from your minor department if applicable).

Establish ties in Washington.

If you’ve relocated from another state, you should become a Washington resident as soon as possible. Graduate tuition is considerably less for residents than for out-of-state students. Establishing residency can significantly reduce the cost of your graduate education. Non-resident waivers are only guaranteed for one (1) year. To learn more about establishing residency, please refer to the Policies and Procedures page.

Semester two

Finalize Your Committee.

The graduate committee of each student shall have a minimum of three members for MA and three members for PhD. A majority of committee members shall be active Anthropology Graduate Faculty members. Additionally, a minimum of two members of MA and two members of PhD committees must be both permanent WSU tenured or tenure-track faculty and Graduate Faculty in Anthropology. Only Anthropology Graduate Faculty members who hold current tenure track appointments within Washington State University may chair or co-chair a graduate student committee.

For more information consult the Academic Policies listed online at the Graduate School’s Policies and Procedures page.

Seek IRB approval.

The University requires approval for the use of human or animal subjects in research, so before you begin you must seek approval from the Institutional Review Board. You will need to provide proof or said approval in order to use human or animal subjects in your research prior to scheduling your final examination. For more information about IRB approval and The Office of Research Support and Operations, please refer to the IRB section of the Policies and Procedures page.

File a program of study. (This should be handed in by the end of January.)

Your committee chair, in conjunction with other members, should aid you in developing your proposed program of study. This includes an official list of classes you have taken, those you intend to take, and your research interest. After the proposed program is signed by each committee member, it should be submitted online to Jo Bonner in the Anthropology Office. Each stream will meet to evaluate the proposed programs and ensure that they meet Department and Graduate School requirements.

Semester three

Apply for residency.

After you have proof that you’ve lived in Washington for twelve straight months, you may apply for residency, which enables you to be receive the lower in-state graduate tuition rate.

Semester four

Hold Your Dissertation Committee Meeting.

The student is responsible for organizing a meeting of the dissertation committee before the degree project is fully initiated, for example, before field work or data collection occurs. In most instances, this would occur during the student’s fourth semester, but could be somewhat earlier or later; however, it should occur before the student takes preliminary exams. The purpose of the meeting is to provide all committee members with the specifics of a proposed research project early in the student’s program so that they are aware of the scope and aims of the planned study, and so that they can provide feedback and advice at the planning and implementation stage, when it is most likely to be useful. In advance of the meeting, the committee must be provided a written proposal outlining the research plan (ca. 5 pages). This plan should include the aim(s) of the study, the research question(s), field or research methods, the plan for data acquisition and analysis, the project’s significance, and a general timeline for completion. The faculty acknowledges that projects evolve, but the point of this meeting is to ensure the student and their committee members are operating from the same set of premises at the outset of the degree project.

Schedule and pass your preliminary examination (this may also be scheduled during a later semester depending upon your degree progress).

Consult with your department and the Graduate School academic policies and procedures for more information about preliminary exams go to Graduate School Forms and search for “schedule exams.” Be sure to complete and submit the Preliminary Examination Scheduling Form at least ten working days prior to your exam date.

Your Second to Last Semester

File an application for doctoral degree.

You should submit an application for degree online (Graduate School forms website) at least one semester before your final exam in scheduled. The Graduate School will then notify you of any final graduation requirements before enrolling for your last semester. This can be done online at the Graduate School website: Graduation Application.

Apply for Degree/Graduation, pay the graduation fee.

You must use the online application for degree and graduation application. It is online under the Graduate School website: Graduation Application instructions. The graduation fee is currently $60, this fee may be subject to change.

Your Final Semester

Submit Your Dissertation to Your Committee.

If you are planning to defend during a Fall Semester you must submit a complete draft copy of your dissertation to your committee for review by October 10th or at least one month before your defense date. If you are planning to defend during a Spring Semester you must submit a complete draft copy of your dissertation to your committee by March 10th or at least one month before your defense date. Students should be submitting individual chapters of their dissertations to their Chairs for approval before this deadline. Speak with your Chair at the beginning of the semester to ensure you are aware of his/her expectations and submission requirements.

Schedule your final oral exam and submit your dissertation to the Graduate School.

After you complete your dissertation, be sure to complete the final examination scheduling form online (Graduate School Forms website), so they are able to schedule your final examination (search for “schedule exams”). These guidelines and other forms you will need such as: Copyright Acknowledgement, Dissertation Agreement Form, and Survey of Earned Doctorates can also be found at the Graduate School Forms page. Coordinate with Jo Bonner in the Anthropology Office to reserve the conference room, a laptop and other materials you may need to defend.

Order your cap and gown.

The Bookie begins accepting orders for graduation regalia approximately two months prior to commencement. PhD students place order through the Bookie. You may place your order by calling 509-332-2537 or by ordering graduation regalia online.

After Defense

After the successful defense of your dissertation you will have five business days to submit the final version of your dissertation to both the Graduate School and the Anthropology Department.

Submission to the Graduate School is done electronically. You must hand in a hard copy of your dissertation to the Anthropology Office and submit a pdf copy to Jo Bonner by email. At this time you will also have to hand in your building and office keys. Please make sure your office has been cleaned out. Any items left behind will be donated or thrown out.

Update your mailing address.

Diplomas are mailed approximately eight weeks after commencement. If you move during that time, be sure to update your new mailing address in myWSU.

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Process for Immediately Entering the PhD Program Upon Completion of an MA Degree in Anthropology At Washington State University

Admission Procedures:

1. All policies regarding admission into the graduate school at WSU shall be followed and shall not be influenced by the procedures listed below. The procedures listed below refer only to admission into the PhD program for students completing MA degrees in the Department of Anthropology and who wish to continue into the PhD program in the Department of Anthropology.
2. The student must apply for admission to the PhD program with a letter addressed to the Anthropology Chair.
3. At minimum, the letter must include the student’s proposed MA defense date, proposed dissertation research topic, proposed PhD dissertation chair, and a Curriculum Vitae.
4. Students applying for entrance into the PhD program immediately upon successful completion of the MA shall apply when they have scheduled their defense or when they will soon be scheduling their defense.
5. The student’s application is evaluated by the faculty of the respective stream and the stream faculty makes their recommendation to the Anthropology Chair.
6. The Anthropology Chair formally notifies the applicant regarding the admission decision. Every effort will be made to inform the applicant of his/her status by the end of the semester in which they defend.
7. A student can only be accepted into the PhD program after formal application but acceptance is contingent upon the successful completion of all the MA program requirements. If a period of one calendar year or more passes after the originally proposed defense date the student is required to reapply to the PhD program.
8. Any awards or funding for PhD level students made prior to completion of the MA are contingent upon the completion of the MA at the agreed upon time.
9. Upon a successful MA defense and positive admission notification from the Department Chair, the student must complete an Add an Academic Program Degree Level form. This form can be found on the Graduate School website and must be signed by the student, the Committee Chair, and the Department Chair. This form must be filled out and returned to the Program Coordinator to file with the Graduate School immediately following the defense.

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PhD Preliminary Examination Procedures

Students develop a reading list in consultation with their committee and prepare for and schedule the preliminary exam. The preliminary exam consists of a written component, followed by an oral examination. The student will be presented all questions at the beginning of the written component and their completed answers are due 14 days later. Answers to all questions are limited to a maximum of 40 double-spaced pages using 1” margins and Times New Roman 12 point font; references cited, figures and tables are not part of this 40 page total and should appear after the answers. The student chooses how to allocate both their time and the number of pages dedicated to each response—however, the page limit is absolute and no more than 40 pages are permitted. Committee members will grade each question using a 1-5 scale (1=extremely unsatisfactory, 2=unsatisfactory, 3=satisfactory, 4=high pass, 5=extremely high pass) or may abstain from voting on a question they feel unqualified to evaluate, and send their scores to the anthropology program coordinator for tabulation. The program coordinator will create a report for the committee that is advisory; the report will anonymously list all scores by question number and the average of the scores for each question. The oral portion of the preliminary exam should be scheduled to occur approximately 10 days after the written exam has been completed. The Graduate School indicates that all aspects of the examination must be completed within 30 days. Passage of the preliminary exam results in being advanced to candidacy. In the event of a failed examination, a student will be re-examined for a second and final attempt. At least three months must lapse between a failed examination and a re-examination. Preliminary exam questions will be posted when the student’s responses have been received by the anthropology program coordinator, and the questions will also become part of the open file of preliminary exam questions available to other students.

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WSU Department of Anthropology Policy for Three-Paper Dissertation

With approval from their dissertation committee, doctoral students may choose to write a dissertation whose core is three published papers. As with the standard dissertation, the three-paper option requires clear committee communication and feedback along the way. Students are advised to develop a publication plan as soon as is practical.

For the three-paper dissertation, the Department requires that the candidate have published, or submitted for publication, three academic papers on which the candidate is the sole or first author. If any of the three papers is based on work done for the Masters’ thesis, it must not be a “duplicate publication.” That is, it must represent a substantial, new and original contribution to the scientific literature beyond the contribution of the MA thesis. Acceptable dissertation papers based on work done for the MA would involve collection of new data or significant new analyses of data collected for the MA. The three papers must be on a related theme and be approved by the student’s committee. At the time of dissertation defense, two of the three papers must have been accepted for publication or be published. A third submitted (but as-yet-unaccepted paper) may, for expediency’s sake, be accepted if the committee evaluates it to be equal in quality to the other two and to be publishable in a peer-reviewed venue. The submitted dissertation will include a title, abstract, introduction and a conclusion that connect and contextualize the three papers.

The Department of Anthropology’s general criteria for approved publication outlets are the following. The publication must be clearly peer-reviewed and may not be a student journal. No more than one of the publications may be a book chapter, and the book itself must be subject to external peer review. At least one of the articles must be in a major anthropology journal, including the cross-subfield, or prominent subfield journals. Students must consult with their committees and receive approval on proposed publication venues for publications that will constitute the dissertation.

Graduate Student Annual Review

All active graduate students must complete a Yearly Evaluation Form whether or not they intend to apply for TA support. This yearly graduate student evaluation will be used to eliminate multiple “calls” for assessment/review information. This single yearly evaluation tool will be used for a number of different applications including, but not limited to:

1. Graduate student annual performance reports,
2. TA applications and evaluations,
3. Graduate student travel awards,
4. Graduate student excellence awards,
5. Student assessments for summer teaching,
6. And miscellaneous funding opportunities.

The Graduate Student Yearly Evaluation Forms and supporting materials are due on February 10th of each year. Supporting materials included in the annual evaluation are for the past 12 month period before the form is due (February 10th through February 9th of the next year). For example for the Spring 2025 review date (February 10, 2024), you would be asked to include all activities (publications, presentations, awards, honors, etc.) that you have received or completed during the past year from February 10, 2024 through February 9, 2025. A formal call will be sent out by the Department for Graduate Student Annual Reviews. This call will include a letter describing the review and the review itself.

The Graduate Student Yearly Evaluation is a cumulative assessment tool that takes your previous annual review scores and combines it with your most recent annual review score. This allows graduate student performance to be “smoothed” over a several year period and provides a more accurate assessment of student performance relative to a single year performance. However, student performance is also assessed based upon the number of semesters the student has been enrolled in a particular degree program. For instance, a student will likely have more publications and other performance points the longer s/he has been in a degree program. As such, longtime graduate students will tend to have an advantage over more recent graduate students. To counterbalance this effect our assessment tool divides performance scores by the number of semesters a student has been within his or her degree program.

The Graduate Student Yearly Evaluation Form only counts items once. For instance, if a graduate student was given credit for a paper after it was accepted for publication (a.k.a. in press), credit for the same publication will not be given when the paper actually appears in the journal or book.

All items listed on Graduate Student Yearly Evaluation Form should be for the twelve month period from February 10 through February 9. All items listed should be supported with a copy of the publications or in the case of an “in press” publication a letter from the editor or publisher stating the paper has been accepted for publication. Do not include papers that have been submitted or in review or in preparation. Such papers will not count toward student yearly assessment.

The list of criteria below document and discuss the kinds of materials along with their values that should be included in the Graduate Student Yearly Evaluation Form.

Graduate Student Assessment Criteria

There are 19 fields of information for our student yearly assessment form. These fields are compressed into three categories (Progress, Quality, and Promise). Those three categories are standardized and weighted to account for 20%, 40%, and 40% respectively, and summed. The greatest summed value is ranked highest. Each of the fields is explained below. Students are required to complete field 1 and 10-20 below.

• ID: Students should identify if they are interested in a teaching assistantship and complete the fields for date, ID number, and name.
• Current degree program (office will complete).
• Semester of entry into program (office will complete).
• Number of semesters completed for current degree, (office will complete).
• GPA: Grade point average since entering WSU graduate program (cumulative for both MA and PhD), (office will complete).
• Program: Program filed at time of application? 1=yes, 0=no, (office will complete).
• GRE: Average GRE prior to entering graduate program (for information only), (office will complete if GRE was submitted).
• Prelim: Successful completion of Preliminary Examinations 2=yes, 0-no, (office will complete).
• TA: Number of semesters at WSU during which the student has had TA or departmental RA (not including RA’s funded by grants) (office will complete).
• Grant: Successful grant application(s) generally 1 per external, 0.5 per internal. (Must be approved by time of application), depending on size and prominence. Minor grant examples: GPSA Travel Grant, .25; GPSA Registration Grant, .1.
• Publication: Professional publications (in press or in print) during the review period. Each publication is scaled from 3.0-0.5 and is divided by the number of authors if the student is not the first author. For instance, a non-peer reviewed report with the student as the second of two authors might be scored as 0.5/2=0.25. In Sp 2014 we scored as follows: sole-authored book, 3; edited volume, 2.5; first-tier journal article, 2; second-tier journal article, 1.5; edited volume chapter, 1.5, author or editor of substantial published or unpublished report; 1; author of chapter in published or unpublished report, .5; minor report, .25; book review, .25.
• Podium: Oral paper(s) presentation at professional meeting(s) during the review period. Each paper is valued 0.5 and is divided by the number of authors if student is not the first author. For instance, a paper presented at AAA annual meeting with the student as the second of two authors might be scored as 0.5/2=0.25. In the past we scored as follows: formal papers at inter/national venue, .5; major invited lecture, .5; formal papers at regional/local venues, .25; other invited lectures/presentations/seminars, .25; see below for WSU presentations.
• Poster: Poster presentation at professional meeting(s) beginning from the calendar year before entering current degree program and including poster presentations formally accepted through the review period. Each poster is valued 0.5 or .25, depending on scope of meeting (see above), divided by the number of authors if student is not first author. For instance, a poster presented at AAA annual meeting with the student as the second of four authors might be scored as 0.5/4=0.125.
• Chair: Other forms of meeting participation (e.g., session organizer, chair, and discussant) during the review period. Each event is valued 0.5 or .25, depending on scope and prominence.
• Colloquium: WSU Departmental/university presentation (colloquium papers, Center and Institution presentation, etc.) completed during the review period. Each event is scaled from 0.25 to 0.1 and is divided by the number of authors if student is not the first author. Examples: Anth. Dept. colloquium, .25; WSU Center for Integrated Biotechnology .25; etc. (Note: informal presentations such as brown bag talks, class lectures, and roundtable discussions are not given points under these criteria.)
• Service: Department or University service at WSU completed during the review period. Each event is scaled from 0.25 to 0.1. Examples: Faculty Search Committee member, .25; Grad rep to Faculty meetings, .25; Senator to GPSA, .25; Lipe Visiting Scholar Committee, .25; etc.
• Field, Laboratory, Archival: Research completed during the review period. Student must identify exact dates of field or laboratory research. This field is scaled from 1.2 to 0.1 depending upon venue of work and length of time. Does not include research associated with class assignments. The intent of this category is to reward research related to scholarly development of the graduate student as a professional anthropologist. Some examples include a 12-month field season collecting PhD related ethnographic data (1.2 pts); 3-month archaeological summer field project gaining experience to become a practicing archaeologist (0.3 pts); 2-month visit to the Smithsonian Institution or other museum or facility to collect archival data for a research paper (0.2 pts).
• Honors: Scholarships, medals, etc. awarded since entry into current WSU graduate degree program (0.5 to 0.25 per award). Examples: AAA student paper award .5, Daugherty RA, McNair, Foley, .5; Boeing, Daugherty Scholarship, .25.
• Progress: Describe in your own words, your progress toward degree completion. (Not included in quantitative ranking).

The above fields are used to calculate a student’s yearly evaluation. The calculation occurs by deriving a score for Progress, Promise, and Quality.

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Defining Progress, Promise, and Quality

Progress

Progress represents progress towards completion of degree scaled by number of semesters in current degree program. This includes the field of Prelim and Program (Prelim + Program divided by the number of semesters).

Promise

Promise includes intellectual and professional promise scaled by number of semesters in degree program. (Grant + Publication + Podium + Poster + Chair + Service + Honors + Colloquium + Fieldwork divided by the number of semesters).

Quality

Quality is simply the student GPA at WSU.

Weighted Sum

Weighted Sum is the sum of Standardized scores (values converted to z scores) for Progress, Quality, Promise adjusted to relative importance. Progress = 20%, Quality (=GPA) = 40%, Promise = 40%.

Rank

Rank: of students is based upon weighted sum.

Policies and Procedures

Academic Performance Policies

Although the Department of Anthropology expects all students who enter the program to succeed in their academic pursuit, it is necessary to have policies regarding continuance in the program.

Continuance in the graduate program is contingent on making normal progress toward the degree as determined by the Graduate School, the Chair of the Anthropology Department and the student’s advisory committee. Grounds for termination of participation in the graduate program include but are not limited to the following:

1. Failure to make normal progress. Normal progress is defined as:
   1. Maintaining a “B” average. Students who fail to maintain an average of 3.0 will be placed on probation.
   2. Completing “Incomplete” grades within one year (please note: if you have a TA or RA the incomplete must be complete before the beginning of your next semester in order to keep your assistantship).
   3. For full-time students: completing MA requirements in 6 semesters and completing PhD requirements in 9 semesters (exceptions may be evaluated on an individual basis)
2. Failure to actively pursue the degree.
   • Full-time students without funding are expected to enroll in a full semester course load (at least 10 credits) fall and spring semesters.
   • Full-time students with funding are expected to enroll in a minimum of 10 credits fall and spring semesters. Only take up to 3 graded courses and the rest of the credits will be taken as either 700 or 800 Research Credits. Please enroll in at least 1 credit of ANTH 700/800 each semester. (Exceptions may be evaluated on an individual basis.)
3. Failure to remove deficiencies.
   • Provisional Admittance: Students who have been provisionally admitted must satisfy provisions within the prescribed period.
   • Academic Probation: Students who have been placed on academic probation (due to low GPA or incompletes) must meet probationary criteria for continuance as determined by the Department of Anthropology on an individual basis. The department chair, graduate coordinator/committee chair and course instructor/s will evaluate the student’s probability of successfully completing the degree. One of these individuals will notify the student of decisions regarding continuance.

Academic Integrity

As an institution of higher education, Washington State University is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members of the university community share the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the university. To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the university cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty. To that end, the university has established rules defining prohibited academic dishonesty and the process followed when such behavior is alleged. These rules incorporate Washington State University’s Academic Integrity Policy, the university-wide document establishing policies and procedures to foster academic integrity. This policy is applicable to undergraduate and graduate students alike, as it pertains to dishonesty in course work and related academic pursuits. In cases of dishonesty in research and original scholarship, the University’s Policy and Procedural Guidelines for Misconduct in Research and Scholarship may take precedence over the policies and procedures contained herein. More information regarding the rules governing academic integrity can be found at the WSU Center for Community Standards.

Anthropology Graduate Student Organization (AGO)

The Anthropology Graduate Organization is an organization for currently enrolled WSU anthropology graduate students. The purpose of AGO is to promote graduate student professional development in anthropology. This is facilitated through several avenues, including support for participation in professional meetings, sponsoring guest speakers, and involvement in local community education.

In the past AGO has focused its efforts on raising money to send students to professional meetings, conferences and events. The organization has funded students who have attended the Northwest Anthropological Conference, the American Anthropology Association meeting, and the Society for American Archaeology meeting. Participation in these events provide opportunities such as presentations of thesis or dissertation research, networking with other professional individuals interested in similar research, and exposure to innovative professional studies.

For more information please check out the AGO website.

Assistantship Information

Graduate Assistantships

Teaching and research assistantships (TAs and RAs) are essential to providing a high quality academic experience for undergraduate and graduate students, and are integral to the teaching, research, and overall productivity of faculty members and the department as a whole. An assistantship is intended to prepare students for a professional career by providing professional growth opportunities through work. These opportunities should provide challenges and rewards that continue to promote personal and professional development, and contribute to the productivity of the student, the faculty, and the department.

Graduate assistants are expected to demonstrate responsible and professional behavior and provide the highest quality of work possible. Because faculty members have differing styles of work, it is very important that graduate assistants discuss work styles and specific expectations with each faculty member with whom they will be working. You will find a TA checklist in the Resources List of this handbook. You are encouraged to use it as a template when speaking with your supervising instructor.

You must complete Mandatory Responsible Conduct Training which can be found at the Graduate School’s responsible research website. (May now be administered through Workday or Percepio?)

The stipend for a graduate assistantship, like most salaries, is set annually and each TA or RA will be notified of their monthly stipend in their letter of offer. Each award requires 20 hours of service per week to the department. Generally, graduate students on appointment are expected to be available in the department from August 16th until December 31st (Fall Semester) and January 1st until May 15th (Spring Semester). The appointment period for teaching assistants is either one semester or nine months (the academic year). TA’s are required to register for a minimum of 10 credits. Of these 10 credits up to 3 classes can be graded course work and the rest can be a combination of Independent Study (ANTH 600) and/or Thesis or Dissertation Research (ANTH 700 and ANTH 800). Please enroll in at least 1 credit of ANTH 700/800 each semester. The maximum number of academic years a teaching assistantship may be awarded is two years for an MA student and four years for a PhD student.

Vacation/Leave Policy

There are no scheduled or guaranteed vacations. Students on appointment do not earn leave time. During the term of their appointments, all graduate student assistants are expected to be at work each normal workday, including periods when the University is not in session with the exception of the legal holidays designated by the Board of Regents. The major professor must approve all absences in advance.

The acceptance of admission, whether paid for from teaching funds, research grants, experiment station monies, or from public, private or foreign sources, implies a commitment on the part of the graduate student to conduct research with the major professor under a specific project. Except under extraordinary circumstances, students are discouraged from changing research projects. Doing so not only is disruptive of ongoing research, but also requires reassignment and finding other sources of financial support, both of which may be difficult, or even impossible.

Teaching Assistantships

TAs are typically assigned annually by the Department Chair based upon student experience, graduate student annual reviews and faculty/department needs. To qualify students must be enrolled full-time in either an Anthropology MA or PhD Program and must maintain “good standing” within the department. TAs are awarded for a maximum of 4 semesters to MA students and a maximum of 8 semesters to PhD students (this does not include summer assistantships). Some typical responsibilities associated with a graduate TA are listed below:

• Attend lectures (unless instructors wish otherwise)
• Help with preparation of class lectures (e.g. readying video clips or other visual materials)
• Act as a liaison between Instructional Student Services (ISS), library and instructor
• Proctor exams
• Contribute to development of exams
• Lecture occasionally
• Grade papers, exams and other assignments
• Set up and maintain grade sheets and rosters
• Enter student grades
• Hold regular office hours
• Develop and/or copy class handouts
• Conduct library searches and retrieval for faculty member
• Perform other work as needed by the faculty member

Also, the following website leads to great resources for everything from the preparation of teaching materials to workshops that help you learn new teaching skills/styles.

TA Workshops and Teaching Resources

Research Assistantships

RAs are funded by grants and contracts obtained by individual faculty members from sources outside the department. The pay scale, hours, and work year are set by the principal investigator (faculty member in charge of the grant or contract). The number of RAs varies from semester to semester and it is difficult to predict more than a few months in advance. Duties associated with an RA are determined by the contract and/or principal investigator, expectations should be discussed at the time of hiring.

Establishing Residency

Because in-state tuition is considerably less expensive for Washington residents than for out-of-state students, you should begin to establish residency right away.

Beginning one year prior to the semester during which you plan to apply (your first year of graduate school here at WSU), “establish ties” in Washington State. Below is a checklist of items that will help prove you have done so. Within two weeks of arriving in Pullman, be sure to complete the applicable items in this list. After you have lived in Washington for one year, you will submit a residency questionnaire (you will find the questionnaire at the: Establishing Residency page) to the Graduate School, along with all of the following items:

Checklist

• Any home purchase agreements, lease agreements, rent receipts or cancelled checks, or letters from your landlord that verify physical residence in Washington for 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of the semester in which you submit the residency application.
• A copy of your Washington State driver’s license. You must obtain a Washington State driver’s license at least one year prior to the semester in which you apply. If you do not drive, provide a copy of your Washington State identification card.
• Proof of any permanent full-time or part-time employment in Washington during the year prior to the semester in which you apply.
• A copy of your Washington State vehicle registration issued one year prior to the semester in which you apply. (A copy of your title will not suffice). Failure to provide this will likely result in a denial of Washington residency for tuition purposes.
• A copy of Washington voter registration issued one year prior to the semester in which you apply.
• Proof of having established a bank account in Washington.
• Any other documents you have to show that you have established ties in Washington for the one year prior to the semester in which you apply (clubs, organizations, etc.).

For International students

If you are not a U.S. citizen, but hold permanent resident immigration status, temporary resident status, or refugee status, submit a copy of both sides of your Resident Alien Card, Form I-94, Temporary Resident card or other verification of your status with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

Please note: You need to submit the above documents along with your permanent resident card.

Filing for a Program Extension

MA Students

Most full-time MA students in Anthropology require 2-3 years for completion of their program. The maximum time allowed for completion of a master’s degree is 6 years from the date of the program of study. The Graduate School and the Department of Anthropology recognize that some programs may take longer to complete. As appropriate, departments may request an extension of this time limit as described below.

PhD Students

Most students enrolled in doctoral degrees programs in Anthropology require 4-6 years for completion of their program. There are two time limitations for doctoral students:

1. The maximum time allowed for completion of a doctoral degree is 10 years from the beginning date of the earliest course applied toward the degree. This means that the courses (including transfer coursework) on the Program of Study remain valid only for 10 years from the earliest date of the course/s applied toward the degree.
2. In addition, the doctoral degree must be completed within 3 years of the date of the satisfactory completion of the preliminary examination.

Requesting an extension

First Extension.

A one-year extension may be requested by the thesis/dissertation chair as an exception to Graduate School policy in the following circumstances:

Students who have not completed their master’s degree within the 6-year time limit.

Students who have not completed their doctoral degree within 3 years of the semester they pass their preliminary exam or within 10 years from the beginning date of the earliest course applied toward the degree. (Student must meet both deadlines.)

The student must make a formal request in writing to their thesis /dissertation chair. The thesis/dissertation chair must then discuss this situation with the student and they should mutually outline a plan for completion within one year. The thesis/dissertation chair must then consult with the thesis/dissertation committee and, if all agree, forward to an Associate Dean of the Graduate School a memorandum for review requesting a one-year extension. The thesis/dissertation chair must explain why this exception is requested, and the thesis/dissertation chair should indicate the support of this request by the student’s committee. An Associate Dean of the Graduate School will grant or reject the exception to the policy and this decision will be communicated to the thesis/dissertation chair and recorded in the student’s file. Note: Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two research credits during either the fall or the spring semester of a First Extension (enrollment is required in the semester of degree completion).

Second Extension.

After having been granted a first extension, a second extension for one year may be requested by using the procedure outlined below. The second extension is a serious matter and should be considered a final stage of the process to complete the degree.

The student must request a second extension to their thesis/dissertation chair. The student must explain, in writing, why they were unable to complete the thesis/dissertation after a first extension. They also must develop a detailed time-line for completing the thesis/dissertation if they would be granted a second extension.

The thesis/dissertation chair must evaluate and approve the rationale and time-line for the requested second extension. The student must schedule and complete a thesis/dissertation committee meeting where the time-line for completion is discussed.

A faculty meeting must be held where the student’s request for a second extension is discussed by the entire faculty. Once the thesis/dissertation advisor presents the circumstances for this request, the Chair must ballot the faculty for their support of the request. The results of this balloting must be reported to the Graduate School as part of the request for a second extension.

If the faculty vote supports the action, the thesis/dissertation chair must write a memorandum to be reviewed by an Associate Dean of the Graduate School requesting a second extension. This memorandum must explain the rationale for this extension, provide the details of the time-line, verify the date of the thesis/dissertation meeting, and indicate that the thesis/dissertation committee concurs with the decision to request a second extension. This memorandum must be copied to the Chair of the degree granting unit.

The Associate Dean will render a decision to extend a second request. If the extension is granted, a letter will be sent to the student (and copied to the department or program chair, the chair of the thesis/dissertation committee, and the Dean of the Graduate School) explaining that this second extension is essentially a final opportunity to complete the thesis/dissertation by following the time-line developed by the student and thesis/dissertation committee. The letter will indicate that third extensions are very rare. Note: Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two research credits during both the fall and the spring semesters of a Second Extension or until degree completion.

Third Extension.

It is possible to obtain a third extension under exceptional circumstances (personal and/or family medical issues, etc.). The third extension is absolutely final. The following process will be used to request a third and final extension:

The student must request a third extension to their thesis/dissertation chair. The student must explain, in writing, why they were unable to complete the thesis/dissertation after the second extension. They also must develop a detailed time-line for completing the thesis/dissertation if they would be granted a third extension.

The thesis/dissertation chair must evaluate and approve the rationale and time-line for the requested third extension. The student must schedule and complete a thesis/dissertation committee meeting where the time-line for completion is discussed.

A faculty meeting must be held where the students request for a third extension is discussed by the entire faculty of the degree granting unit. Once the thesis/dissertation advisor presents the circumstances for this request, the Chair must ballot the faculty for their support of the request. The results of this balloting must be reported to the Graduate School as part of the request for a third extension.

If the faculty supports the request, the Chair then writes a memorandum to the Dean of the Graduate School explaining the rationale for the request, a detailed time-line for completion of the thesis/dissertation within one year, and any extenuating circumstances that need to be considered. This memorandum of request is submitted to the Graduate School.

The thesis/dissertation chair, or the Chair of the department, will be invited to meet with the Dean of the Graduate School to present the case. The Dean of the Graduate School will make a determination, after hearing all the facts to grant, or reject, the request for a 3rd extension.

The Dean of the Graduate School will write a letter to the student and explain that this is a third and final extension. The student will acknowledge receipt of this letter in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School and the Chair and explain that they understand that this is their final opportunity to complete the thesis/dissertation degree. If the student is denied a third extension, the student may appeal the final decision of the Dean of the Graduate School to the Graduate Studies Committee only if the appeal is based on procedural irregularities. The written appeal to the Graduate Studies Committee due to procedural irregularities must be filed within 15 calendar days following a notice of decision from the Dean of the Graduate School regarding the 3rd extension. Note: Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two research credits during both the fall and the spring semesters of a Third Extension or until degree completion.

Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual

See the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual. Please make sure you select the most up-to-date manual for current policy information.

Graduate Student Continuous Enrollment

All full- and part-time degree-seeking graduate students at all campus locations must maintain continuous enrollment in the Graduate School, registering for each semester, excluding summer sessions, from the time of first enrollment until all requirements for the degree are completed. Continuous enrollment is maintained by registering for a minimum of 2 graduate credits per semester (excluding the summer). International students who enroll for fewer than 10 credits must be approved by International Programs, in consultation with the Graduate School, prior to part-time enrollment during the academic year. Exceptions to the continuous enrollment policy are noted at the following website: Graduate School, Policies and Procedures, Chapter 5 Enrollment and Graduate Leave.

Continuous doctoral status (CDS) meets the continuous enrollment requirement.

Continuous Doctoral Status

Typically, doctoral students are able to complete their doctoral studies in a timely manner after completing their coursework and preliminary requirements. However, on occasion, doctoral students who have completed their coursework, preliminary exams and most of their research requirements do not have funding to continue to register for research credits; consequently, they must leave campus to finish their dissertation work. To meet the continuous enrollment requirement, doctoral students who have successfully completed their coursework and their preliminary exams and who DO NOT enroll for credit automatically will be placed into Continuous Doctoral Status (CDS). Students must complete their degree within three years of the date of the successful completion of their preliminary exam. Continuous doctoral status (CDS) is not intended to replace a student’s 800-research credit requirements. Please see the website above for more information include continuous enrollment fee information.

Graduate Student Leave Status

Typically, degree-seeking graduate students enroll in credits every semester until degree completion; however, sometimes circumstances are such that degree-seeking students are unable to enroll for credits. Such circumstances may include illness, family issues, financial need, work, or other obligations. These students must complete the appropriate graduate leave or internship leave paperwork, obtain approval from their faculty advisor and program chair, and submit the paperwork to the Graduate School in advance of the semester they will be away. Official leaves of absence, internship leave status, and absences not approved under this policy are included in the time limits to complete a degree.

Students who must be away from campus for reasons such as medical issues, family obligations, job obligations, military service, and who cannot maintain continuous enrollment in any given semester, may apply for an official graduate leave of absence. Only graduate leave for medical reasons and military service is available to doctoral students in continuous doctoral status. Students who are approved for graduate leave while in continuous doctoral status will not be charged the $50 administrative fee.

Students who wish to go on an internship approved by their program and who do not need to register for credits for the internship may apply for internship leave status. Only internship leave required by the student’s program is available to doctoral students in continuous doctoral status.

Students who are approved for internship leave while in continuous doctoral status will not be charged the $50 administrative fee.

Grievance Procedures

Should a graduate student have any grievances regarding the program, their assistantship, or their graduate experience, they should first discuss this with the most appropriate person depending on the nature of the concern. Relevant parties include: the student’s primary advisor, the coordinator of their graduate program, the department chair, and/or the WSU Ombudsman. If the grievance(s) are not resolved through any of these channels, they may also be brought to the Graduate School (see Grievance Procedures at the following website: Graduate School, Policies & Procedures, (Chapter 12).

Institutional Review Board (IRB): Required Human Subjects Training

WSU IRB requires the Principal Investigators (PIs) and encourages all staff involved in the research to complete Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training in the ethical use of human subjects in research. The PI is ultimately responsible to adequately train all staff listed on the application in the protection of human participants in research. Re-training is required every five years. Wade Lafferty (Director of Operations and IT for the WSU College of Arts and Sciences) must approve all devices used in collection and or storage of data. All new students starting after spring 2025 must complete the newer form known as eIRB.

1. The IRB will only review projects that meet the definition of research.
2. Principal Investigators (PIs) on IRB Applications must be WSU faculty or staff.

For CITI training options, visit the CITI website at CITI courses .

If you have questions, contact the IRB coordinator at (509) 335-2995 or at the IRB Training website.

CITI Course

1. Principal Investigators must complete required initial certification modules of the web-based Collaborative IRB CITI course for social behavioral research and biomedical research areas.
2. Completion of the required initial certification modules takes about 3 to 4 hours; all modules do not have to be completed during “one” on-line session. To re-enter the course, remember to SAVE your “username” and “password.”
3. Final approval of new studies will not be granted until CITI training certificates have been received.
4. Additional optional training modules can be completed based on the research areas (for example: PI conducting international research can benefit from taking “international research” optional module).

Accessing and Completing the CITI Course

1. On a web browser, go to the CITI Program website
2. Click on “Register”
3. Click on the right-hand arrow for a drop-down list for “Participating Institutions” and select Washington State University. (If you select anything other than WSU your certificate of completion will not be sent to the WSU IRB.)
4. Follow the instructions for Registration (select username and password) and complete the required modules. (Remember to save your username and password for re-entering the course to complete modules, take additional training and/or to print additional certificates.)
5. Upon completion of the required modules, print the course “Completion Certificate” for your records. Also, attach “Completion Certificate” to your application.

The Office of Research Support and Operations (ORSO)

The Office of Research Support and Operations (ORSO) was established in 1972 to serve the needs of the Washington State University’s faculty and graduate students who seek support for research and scholarly endeavors. ORSO’s primary functions include locating and securing program information from federal, state and private sources, maintaining an in-house library of funding agencies, assisting in the development of successful proposals, reviewing proposals prior to submission to outside agencies. In addition, accepting awards for sponsored projects for the University. ORSO is also responsible for ensuring that all research conducted by members of the University complies with legal and ethical standards of the Institutional Review Board and the Institutional Biosafety Committee. There are numerous types of funding support ORSO will assist you in locating: fellowships, grants, scholarship, and travel support. The sooner you begin your search, the better it is for you.

Items that will help in you search at ORSO are: a listing of descriptive words, variables, the scope and limits of your project and a very general idea of the amount of money needed. From the inception of your idea and to the start of your dunging, plan to spend 6 to 12 months on the process. Contact the Graduate Support Coordinator to schedule an initial visit.

Contact Information

• ORSO website
• Sr. Grant & Contract Administrator, WSU College of Arts and Sciences: Troy Boni (troy.boni@wsu.edu)
• Grant & Contract Manager, WSU Vancouver: Diane Rathbun (diane.rathbun@wsu.edu)

Other Campus Sources of Funding not Affiliated with ORSO

• Student Financial Services: (509) 335-9711, Lighty Building 380
• Graduate School: Tuition and Finances Website
• Graduate School: Graduate Funding Opportunities
• International Programs: (509) 335-2541, Bryan 206

Registering For Classes

Instructions for registration, and the policies and procedures for dropping or adding classes can be found in the time schedule of classes available on the Registrar’s Office home page. You will need to log into myWSU in order to register for classes. You will need your WSU username and password to enter.

• The normal load for a graduate student is 10-18 credit hours per semester (6-8 hours in an eight-week summer session). Graduate students on half-time teaching or research assistantships are expected to carry a minimum of 10 credits per semester with no more than 12 hours of graded credit (3-6 in an eight-week summer session). However, the Department of Anthropology prefers its students with assistantships to take no more than 3 graded courses a semester.
• See the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual for requirements for graduate students on appointment or taking examinations.
• All graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment in the Graduate School, registering for each semester and summer session (if you are a summer instructor) from the time of first enrollment until all requirements for the degree are completed. Continuous enrollment may be maintained by registering in one of the following categories:
  1. Full-time enrollment
  2. Part-time enrollment
  3. Graduate leave status enrollment

WICHE Information

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) makes high-quality, distinctive graduate programs available to students of the West at a reasonable cost. WICHE helps place graduate students in a wide range of graduate programs, all designed around the educational, social, and economic needs of the West.

Through WICHE, residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to enroll in available programs outside their home state at resident tuition rates. Students need not meet financial aid criteria for this program.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which Anthropology program is eligible for WICHE?

Only graduate students who are part of the Archaeology Stream and have residency in one of the 15 participating states listed above are eligible to participate in WICHE.

How do I apply for WICHE status?

Students apply for admission directly through the Archaeology Program’s regular admissions process. Applicants must meet all of Washington State University’s and the Department of Anthropology’s admission requirements and apply within our deadlines.

How do I establish residency for the program?

WICHE is open to all residents of the 15 participating states. Normally, you must be a resident of your home state for at least one year before applying for admission as WICHE student.

Determination of residency is usually made by WSU. If necessary, the WICHE certifying officer of your home state can assist the institution in making a determination of residency. Contact the WICHE Student Exchange Program Office for assistance at (303) 541-0270.

What should I do if I’m billed for the wrong tuition rate?

The Department of Anthropology is responsible for informing the WSU accounting and registrar offices of your WICHE Status. Occasionally, a student is incorrectly billed for the full nonresident tuition. If this happens, contact the Program Coordinator for help. If necessary, we can contact WICHE for clarification or assistance.

Can I enroll through WICHE as a part-time student?

Yes. Part-time students are eligible to participate in WICHE.

List of Resources

Anthropology Department

• Department of Anthropology website (anthro.wsu.edu)
• Office Number: College Hall 150
• Mailing Address: Department of Anthropology, WSU College Hall 150; PO Box 644910, Pullman, WA 99164-4910
• Fax Number: (509) 335-3999

People You Need to Know:

Andrew Duff: Chair

• Email: duff@wsu.edu
• Office Phone: (509)335-7828
• Office Location: College Hall Rm 384 and 150

Annette Bednar, Dori Emerson and Neal Baksi: Finance/Budget Team

• Emails: abednar@wsu.edu ; emersond@wsu.edu; nbaksi@wsu.edu
• Office Phone Numbers:
  • Bednar – (509) 335-2634,
  • Emerson – (509) 335-0534 and
  • Baksi – (509) 335-5790
• Office Location: Johnson Tower 401

Jo Bonner: Administrative Assistant

• Email: jobonner@wsu.edu
• Main Office Phone: (509) 335-3441
• Office Location: College Hall 150

Graduate Coordinators:

Archaeology:

Erin Thornton

• Email: erin.thornton@wsu.edu
• Office Phone: (509) 335- 3348
• Office Location: College Hall 257

Cultural Anthropology:

Rob Quinlan

• Email: rquinlan@wsu.edu
• Office Phone: (509) 335.5400
• Office Location: College Hall 310

Evolutionary Anthropology:

Rob Quinlan

• Email: rquinlan@wsu.edu
• Office Phone: (509) 335-5400
• Office Location: College Hall 219

Admissions

Find out all you need to know in order to apply for graduate study at WSU including information regarding deadlines, test scores and where to send your transcripts.

• Website: Graduate School Application
• Phone Number: (509) 335-6424
• Location: French Administration 324

Access Center

This center provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Services include: transportation, oral exams, extended exams, audio textbooks, sign language interpreters, note takers, large print exams and materials, and more.

• Access Center website
• Phone Number: (509) 335-3417
• Location: 217 Washington Bldg.

Student Financial Services

This website will bring to information regarding the financial aid programs in which WSU participates, scholarships available through WSU, and links to other useful financial home pages and on-line services.

• Student Financial Services
• Phone Number: (509) 335-9711
• Location: Lighty 380

Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)

The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) is the representative body for graduate and professional students at WSU. The GPSA’s primary role is to provide academic and professional support services. Through active participation and membership in numerous national, state, and university organizations and committees, the GPSA seeks to provide graduate and professional students with representation and a forum to express their concerns. All graduate and professional students are encouraged to direct their concerns and questions to their respective Senators, District Representatives, or to the President and Vice President.

The GPSA sponsors several activities for the benefit of graduate students. Go to the Graduate and Professional Student Association website for complete details.

Graduate and Professional Writing Center

This center is designed to aid graduate students with all types of written communication, from papers and publications they have to write as researchers to syllabi and assignments they have to write as teachers.

• Website: Graduate Writing Center
• Phone Number: (509) 335-7959
• Location: Smith CUE 414

Graduate School

The Graduate School has specific expectations and procedures students are expected to follow for completing course work toward their degree. For example, there are procedures and paper work for officially establishing a thesis/dissertation advisory committee and for thesis/dissertation formatting. Most importantly, the graduate school has very strict guidelines on meeting deadlines and filing forms for scheduling defenses. The most current and up-to-date information about graduate school policies, procedures, and forms can be found on the Graduate School website. Students should bookmark and familiarize themselves with this site.

The website contains everything you could possibly need to navigate your degree.

• Website: Graduate School
• Phone Number: (509) 335-6424
• Location: French Administration Building 324

Appendix

Forms from the Graduate School

Always search the Graduate School Forms website for current forms! Search for the following forms:

• Deadlines and Procedures for Master’s Degrees
• Deadlines and Procedures for Doctoral Degrees
• Graduation Checklist
• Program of Study Request
• Scheduling Exam

For questions, please email anthro@wsu.edu.