Graduate Student Annual Planning
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Andrew Chien, 9/17/2003

In September of each year, its a good time to take stock of progress
and make planse for the next quarter and the entire year.  In our
individual meetings this time of year, Andrew will be speaking with
each of you about your research plans, course plans, and where
appropriate graduation and job plans.  Please spend some time thinking
about this, and come prepared with a draft plan and ready to have an
informed discussion.  More specifically, depending on where you are in
the graduate program, different issues will be most germane.

1st or 2nd year student:

- what initial research projects and areas
- research and courseload balance
- being a good team player and contributing
- priorities: what courses to take, in what order, how to spend
     your time

Mid-stage student (3rd or 4th year): 

- focusing on a research area and then topic
- getting to a focused project design and realistic plan
- expectations for progress and research contribution
- fostering team and leadership
- research and prelim exams

Finishing (within 12 months of graduating): 

- focused schedule with specific targets and milestones
- nuggets for publication as papers
- FINISHing the research project (the standard of completeness)
- writing a thesis document
- defending your thesis
- career / job options and planning

For the finishing category, another CSAG How To document, "Finishing a
PhD Thesis".

This annual planning period is an important opportunity to enable
rapid progress and accomplishment in the year ahead.  Please take
advantage of it.