Evaluation of Progress Toward Degree for Doctoral Students

As faculty advisors, you serve as the bridge between the institution and students. This role is vital in shaping the future of our students and contributing to the overall success of our university community. Please review the resources and information you will need to effectively advise students through navigating the various academic policies and procedures in place.

Annual evaluations are required for doctoral students to track their progress towards their degree. Each doctoral program will establish guidelines for this process. Evaluation results, including student comments, must be shared with the Director of Graduate Studies and the student and a copy must be placed in the student's file. If a student's progress is deemed unsatisfactory, a remedial plan must be communicated to the student, with a copy provided to the unit dean. Additionally, evaluations for students funded by University Fellowships or Diversity Scholarships must be sent to the Graduate School. Please contact the Program Chair with any questions regarding your program’s evaluation process.

Evaluation Overview 

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs)

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the accrediting body for the University of Louisville, requires that all present Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), whether at the Master’s or Doctoral level, undergo assessment for their teaching abilities. Each program is obligated to establish a procedure for evaluating the teaching responsibilities of GTAs. For doctoral GTAs, their evaluation can be part of the Evaluation of Progress Toward Degree and submitted as one document, but you will still need to evaluate any master's students who are GTAs as well. 

Doctoral Candidates

Every doctoral program is required to create criteria for assessing candidates, encompassing an annual review of each student's advancement towards their degree. This assessment, along with the student's feedback, should be communicated to both the Director of Graduate Studies and the student themselves, with a duplicate stored in the student's records.

Unsatisfactory Progress

In the event of inadequate progress towards their degree, a remedial plan must be outlined and conveyed to the student, while the Unit Dean should also receive an evaluation copy. Additionally, for students benefiting from University Fellowship, Diversity Scholarship and Assistantship, or Doctoral Dissertation Completion Award funding, copies of yearly evaluations must be forwarded to the Graduate School.

Please contact Courtney Kerr, clkerr01@louisville.edu or 502.852.6497, with any questions.