Change Advisor or Research Project

Change of Advisor

A change of assigned advisor may be requested in exceptional circumstances, for example if the advisor leaves the University or in the case of communication difficulties between the student and the advisor. Students and advisors must make an effort to resolve any differences as early as possible and should consult with the Department Chair before formally requesting a change. 

Change of M.Ss. Advisor:

• The Department Chair (or Associate Chair) can initiate the main advisor change request by completing the “Change of Supervisory Arrangement” request
• The request should be approved by the Department Chair, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, and the Associate Provost for Academic Operations
• Accordingly, the relevant systems are updated to reflect the change

Change of PhD Advisor:

• The Main Advisor or the Department Chair can initiate the process by completing the “Change of Supervisory Arrangement” request.
• The request should be approved by the Department Chair, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, and the Associate Provost for Academic Operations.
• Accordingly, the relevant systems are updated to reflect the change.

Change of Research Project

A change of research project may be requested by the student and/or advisor on exceptional basis by providing clear justification/ reasons for requesting such a change. A ‘Request to Change Research Project’ must be completed to initiate this process. Students must attach a description of the newly proposed project to the request. Students sponsored by external organizations must also attach an approval letter from their sponsor.

The following approvals are required:

• Department Chair (or Associate Chair)
• Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the College.
• Associate Provost for Academic Operations.