Graduate Student Handbook, School of Anthropology

Graduate Student Handbook

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.

Table of Contents

Notice of non-discrimination
  1. New Student Information
    1. Automatic Payroll Deposit/Deductions
    2. Copier and Printer
    3. Cougar Card
    4. Counseling Services
    5. Insurance
    6. International Programs/SEVIS Information
    7. Mailing Services
    8. Office and Building Keys
    9. Office Assignments
    10. Setting up Email
    11. Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training
    12. Travel Information
    13. Department Visitors
  2. Description of Graduate Programs
    1. General MA and PhD Program Learning Outcomes
    2. MA in Archaeology
    3. PhD in Archaeology
    4. MA in Cultural Anthropology or Evolutionary Anthropology
    5. PhD in Cultural Anthropology or Evolutionary Anthropology
  3. Graduate Program Timelines
    1. Timeline for a MA
    2. Timeline for a PhD
    3. Process for Entering into the PhD Program Immediately Following the Completion of an MA
    4. Preliminary Exam Procedures
    5. Three Paper Dissertation Policy
  4. Graduate Student Annual Review
    1. Description of Annual Review
  5. Policies and Procedures
    1. Academic Performance Policies
    2. Academic Integrity
    3. Anthropology Graduate Student Organization (AGO)
    4. Assistantship Information
    5. Establishing Residency
    6. Extensions for your Program
    7. Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual
    8. Graduate Student Continuous Enrollment Policy
    9. Graduate Student Leave Status
    10. Grievance Procedures
    11. Institutional Review Board: Mandatory Human Subjects Training
    12. The Office of Research Support and Operations
    13. Registering for Classes
    14. WICHE Information
  6. List of Resources
    1. Department Contact Information
    2. Graduate Program Contact Information
    3. Admissions
    4. Access Center
    5. Student Financial Services
    6. Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
    7. Graduate and Professional Student Writing Center
    8. Graduate School
    9. New and Current Students Website
  7. Appendix with website links (Always search at Graduate School Forms website for current forms!)
    1. Graduate Student Annual Review Form (Department of Anthropology form)
    2. TA Checklist (Department of Anthropology form)
    3. Deadlines and Procedures for a Master’s Degree
    4. Deadlines and Procedures for a Doctoral Degree
    5. Graduation Checklist
    6. Program of Study Request
    7. Scheduling Exam
Go to Section 2 – New Student Information