MIT philosophy: program:
guidelines & expectations

A supplement to the Ph.D. program blurb

• Drafts should be paperlike (prose, etc.), approximately 15 pages, clearly stating the main conclusion and (at least) sketching the main line of argument. A draft should be handed in by midnight before the end of term faculty meeting, the default day of which is the wednesday of exam week.
   
• When you hand in a draft, you should make an appointment to discuss it, and let Jen Purdy know by email that the draft has been submitted and the appointment made.
   
• When you hand in the final version of your paper, you should let Jen Purdy know by email that the final version has been submitted.
   
• Grades and comments for the student's file are expected within one month of final paper submission.
   
• Advisors should make appointments with their students to discuss the progress report that emerged at the end of term faculty meeting.
   
• 3rd/4th year committee meetings (with the student and the whole committee, typically at the end of the year) are strongly encouraged.
   
• You are strongly advised to meet with each of your committee members at least once per term, and with one committee member (typically the chair) at least five times per term.
   
• Term paper presentations in the final meeting of a seminar are an option -- ask and ye shall receive.
   
• You can have COGS tuneup at any time (an appointed small committee to assess your progress and give general advice) -- contact the Chief COG.