Who should read this handbook?
What is the Department of NHS?
What are the minimum grade requirements?
How do I get an adviser?
What are my responsibilities?
What forms do I need?
What is a thesis and dissertation?
What are seminars?
What graduate examinations do I need to take?
What can I expect on the final exam?
Are there professional organizations I can join?
Does NHS offer a Dietetic Internship?
Am I considered a "resident"?
How do I apply for assistantships and fellowships?
Do I need to be enrolled as a full-time student?
If I have an assistantship, can I work outside the University?
Do I get fringe benefits?
Is health care available to me?
How do I get a building pass and keys?
Is there bus service between City Campus and East Campus?
How do I get a parking permit?
Can I ask the secretaries to help me with work?
Who should read this handbook?
All graduate students in the Department of Nutrition & Health Sciences (NHS) are responsible for reading this handbook and becoming familiar with its contents. The handbook provides a summary of our policies and procedures and other useful information for successfully navigating graduate school.
What is the Department of NHS?
NHS is an academic department within the College of Education & Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska‒Lincoln. Classrooms, laboratories, and offices are located in Leverton Hall (East Campus) and Mabel Lee Hall (City Campus). The main office is 110 Leverton Hall and the phone number is (402) 472-3716. The Department of NHS has 25 faculty members, 1,100 undergraduate students, and 65 graduate students. Most of the Faculty in NHS engage in scholarly research that provides the basis for a graduate student’s masters thesis or doctoral dissertation.
What are the minimum grade requirements?
Graduate students enrolled in NHS must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Minimum grade requirements for specific courses are as follows:
|
Major Courses |
Minor and Supporting Courses |
800-level courses with |
B |
C |
800-level courses without |
C |
C |
900-level courses |
C |
C |
Students failing to receive a minimum acceptable grade for a graduate-level course or failing to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher may not continue in the NHS Graduate Program without permission. In such cases, the student's Supervisory Committee will recommend a course of action to be approved by the Graduate Program Chair.
How do I get an adviser?
A major adviser was identified for you prior to being accepted into the graduate program, as stated in your letter of acceptance. Selection of your major adviser was based on matching your career interests with your adviser's area of expertise. Most students contact potential advisers prior to the application process to ensure the best match. All students are encouraged to meet with their adviser at the beginning of their first semester to discuss course work and research plans.
What are my responsibilities?
Succeeding in graduate school requires motivation, professional ambition, and the ability to maintain a high level of integrity. Unlike undergraduate education, graduate students assume a greater responsibility for their graduate programs such as choosing a major adviser, appointing a supervisory committee, and selecting courses that best fit your career goals. The following section describes your responsibilities as a graduate student as well as the responsibilities of faculty advisers. We hope this information will help you better understand departmental expectations as you work towards your career goals.
Students have the responsibility to:
- Select a supervisory committee with the advice of his/her major adviser. Students will organize meetings of his/her supervisory committee for planning and executing his/her graduate program. Students will inform his/her supervisory committee of the status of his/her program and research at regular intervals and as necessary to maintain progress.
- Engage in research and other project-related work as defined by the degree option and the student's major adviser, regardless of the student's funding status.
- Ensure security and conservation of the project facilities, equipment, and materials.
- Establish an appropriate schedule to maintain his/her progress. Students must balance coursework, research, and other academic activities to successfully complete their degree program.
- Perform independent, original research (when required by the degree option).
- Properly interpret his/her research results and to write an acceptable thesis or dissertation that accurately reflects the research.
- Accept full financial responsibility for the preparation of his/her thesis or dissertation, including the purchase of all materials, typing, artwork, reproduction, and binding.
- Pursue employment after graduation.
- Make the commitment to his/her graduate program which is required for the successful completion of your degree. This often requires more time than generally expected when initiating a graduate program.
- Satisfy the requirements of the Graduate Studies Bulletin in force at the time the student is admitted to a degree program. Alternatively, the student may, with the consent of his/her major adviser, graduate under a subsequent bulletin provided the student complies with all requirements of the later bulletins.
- Follow all policies and meet all requirements and deadlines. A student planning to graduate should be familiar with the dates relating to application for graduation and other pertinent deadlines.
- Be familiar with the information presented in this handbook and the Graduate Studies Bulletin, and to know and observe all regulations and procedures relating to the program he/she is pursuing. In no case will a regulation be waived or an exception granted because a student pleads ignorance of, or contends that he/she was not informed of, the regulations or procedures.
Advisers have the responsibility to:
- Describe their expectations regarding student's activities, time commitment, and performance.
- Provide competent advice on course work, research, and employment opportunities when requested.
- Provide, or arrange for, the necessary facilities, supplies, equipment, and labor to conduct research.
- Provide opportunities for students to be imaginative and innovative in pursuit of their graduate degrees.
- Create an atmosphere of encouragement and support that leads to the successful completion of the graduate program.
- Stay abreast of the graduate student's research and its progress.
- Provide assistance in the form of critical review of the initial project proposal, seminars, manuscripts, presentations, theses and dissertations.
- Accept final responsibility for research conducted under his/her project.
The student's Supervisory Committee has the responsibility to:
- Guide the student in the development of a program of study.
- Provide input for and review of the student's research proposal and thesis or dissertation.
- Assist in the development and implementation of a graduate research project.
- Meet with the student to resolve matters concerning his/her graduate program or research project whenever necessary.
What forms do I need?
Several forms are required by all graduate students at different stages of their graduate program. Be aware of the submission deadlines for each form.
What is a thesis and dissertation?
The masters thesis and doctoral dissertation are written documents that describe the graduate student's research. The subject of the thesis/dissertation is chosen by mutual agreement between the student and major adviser, and must be approved by the student's Supervisory Committee. There is no fixed length for the thesis/dissertation, although the Supervisory Committee should provide guidance on format and content.
Masters theses should reveal a capacity to carry on independent study or research and should demonstrate the student's ability to use the techniques employed in their field of investigation. Doctoral dissertations should demonstrate technical mastery of the student's field and advance or modify current knowledge. Dissertations should treat new material, find new results, or draw new conclusions; or it should interpret old material in a new light. It is expected that the research contained in the thesis/dissertation will be worthy of publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals. Students are expected to prepare the manuscript(s) for publication prior to, or soon after, completion of their graduate program.
What are seminars?
Seminars are public presentations of research or other scholarly work given by graduate students, faculty members, and other professionals within and outside the department. All graduate students are expected to attend a weekly seminar—NUTR 986 Graduate Seminar or NUTR 921 Interdepartmental Nutrition Seminar—whether or not you are a scheduled presenter. The specific degree option you are in determines which seminar you should attend and whether you are required to enroll in seminar (i.e., give a presentation). The purpose of seminars is to give students the experience of researching the scientific literature, organizing data, assembling and delivering a presentation, and discussing scientific research in a public setting. Seminars are generally 30-40 minutes in length with at least 10 minutes for questioning.
What graduate examinations do I need to take?
Degree Option |
Comprehensive Written Examination |
Final Examination |
|
Written |
Oral |
||
M.S. without thesis |
No |
Yes |
No |
M.S. with thesis |
No |
No |
Yes |
Ph.D. |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
All masters and doctoral students are required to take a final examination at the end of their program. Masters students who enroll in a thesis option will take an oral examination, often referred to as a thesis defense. Students in a non-thesis option will take a final written examination. Doctoral students will take an oral examination in defense of their dissertation.
Doctoral students must pass a written Comprehensive Examination after completing most or all of their course work in order to be admitted to Candidacy. The Comprehensive Examination is not a repetition of course examinations, but is an investigation of the student’s breadth of understanding of their chosen field. The Comprehensive Examination is administered and graded by the student's Supervisory Committee. After successful completion, the Supervisory Committee will recommend to the Office of Graduate Studies the student's admission to Candidacy by signing the Application for Admission to Candidacy for the doctoral degree, noting the date of completion. Students are responsible for gathering signatures and submitting to the Graduate Program Chair. The application must be filed at least seven months prior to the final oral examination.
Following admission to Candidacy, the student must register for at least one credit hour during each academic-year semester until he/she receives the doctoral degree, even if the student has already met the total dissertation hours on their approved program of study. Failure to register during each academic-year semester will result in termination of the program of study.
What can I expect on the final exam?
Doctoral students and masters students in a thesis option must take a final oral examination. The first part of the examination is open to the public and consists of a formal presentation of the student's thesis/dissertation research, during which time all persons present may engage in general questioning. At the end of the public hearing, there will be a closed questioning portion of the examination where all persons except the student, the Supervisory Committee, and invited faculty must be excused. The final oral examination is given by the Supervisory Committee after the student's studies have been completed and the thesis/dissertation accepted. The Supervisory Committee also determines the character and length of the examination. The examination may focus on the student's thesis/dissertation topic, general knowledge, or critical thinking and judgment skills.
Masters students in a non-thesis option will take a final written examination within 24 months prior to the date of graduation (written examinations more than 24 months old are not valid for graduation). A final examination (written and/or oral) in the minor department may be waived—subject to the approval of the minor department—provided all grades in the minor are at least a B or Pass. The final written examination will cover the major area of study and may include any relevant general education topics. It will be administered by the Chair of the Specialization Advisory Committee. The date for the exam must be indicated on the student's Final Examination Report. The Chair of the Specialization Advisory Committee will solicit exam questions from the student’s major adviser and other relevant faculty members. The Chair, in consultation with the student’s major adviser, will coordinate grading the questions on a Pass/No Pass basis. If a student fails to pass the final written exam, the Specialization Advisory Committee must file a report in the Office of Graduate Studies and indicate what the student must do before taking another exam. Another exam may not be taken during the same semester or summer session in which the student failed.
Are there professional organizations I can join?
Many professional organizations and societies offer student membership. Benefits of joining a professional organization as a student include discounted membership dues, access to journals, access to employment information and meeting announcements, and the opportunity to network with professionals in your chosen field. Graduate students in NHS are encouraged to apply for membership to their relevant organizations and societies.
Does NHS offer a Dietetic Internship?
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a generalist, 30-week Dietetic Internship Program that requires concurrent enrollment in the NHS graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.). The Dietetic Internship Program is designed for individuals who strive to become registered dietitians. Entry into the program is on a competitive basis and requires a separate application in addition to the Graduate Program application. Upon completion of the program, interns will meet the Competency Statements for Dietitians as identified in the Standards of Education of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and are eligible for active membership in the ADA and to write the registration examination.
Am I considered a "resident"?
The term "residency" is used in two separate ways. First, the University of Nebraska has a well-defined policy regarding residency within the State of Nebraska for the purpose of establishing tuition rates. To see if you qualify as a Nebraska resident, link to the Application for Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes. If you wish to apply, submit the completed residency application and supporting materials to the Office of Graduate Studies.
"Residency" also refers to the number of credit hours a student must complete in regularly scheduled campus courses at UNL. While some graduate credits may be transferred from other institutions, students seeking an MS with Thesis must complete 10-12 semester hours of UNL campus courses, excluding credit in thesis research. Student seeking an MS without Thesis must complete at least 18 hours in regularly scheduled campus courses. At least one-half of the work for a masters degree must be in the department or area constituting the student's major.
For a student beginning a doctoral program at UNL with a bachelor's degree, the residency requirement for the PhD is 27 hours of graduate work within a consecutive 18-month period or less, with the further provision that 15 of these 27 hours must be taken after receiving the masters degree. For a student who transfers to UNL with a masters degree from another institution, or who takes a break in their graduate work at Nebraska between the time the masters degree is awarded and the time they start work on a doctoral program, the residency requirement for the PhD is 27 hours of graduate coursework (excluding dissertation hours) within a consecutive 18-month period or less. The work required for a masters degree must be completed within ten consecutive years.
The time limit on granting the doctoral degree is eight years from the time of filing the student's program of study in the Office of Graduate Studies.
How do I apply for assistantships and fellowships?
Several assistantships and fellowships are available in NHS on a competitive basis. A complete description of the application process is provided on the Assistantships and Fellowships webpage.
Do I need to be enrolled as a full-time student?
Under some situations, students may need to be enrolled as a full-time student. The University of Nebraska‒Lincoln defines "full-time" as being enrolled in at least 9 credit hours during an academic semester or at least 6 credit hours during summer sessions. Full-time status is required for students with fellowships and certain student loans. Fulltime status is not required for students with assistantships, although enrollment in at least 1 credit hour is required. With approval of the Dean of Graduate Students, students in the final semester of a masters degree program, or candidates for doctoral degrees registered for fewer than the minimum hours required for a full program, may be granted full-time status provided they are not employed more than 20 hours per week.
If I have an assistantship, can I work outside the University?
Graduate students who hold assistantships may not be employed more than 20 hours per week, all jobs considered, including the assistantship.
Do I get fringe benefits?
Students who hold a graduate assistantship do not receive sick leave, retirement, vacation or other fringe benefits. However, students with qualifying assistantships do receive tuition remission and a portion of their health insurance paid for by the University.
Is health care available to me?
The University Health Center provides affordable and convenient health care to UNL students. Some health services such as primary care visits are offered at no charge to students enrolled for 7 or more credits (4 credits during any summer session), although there are charges if a patient needs laboratory, radiology, physical therapy and other services. Many of these services are priced below community rates, and insurance will often cover a portion or all of these charges depending on your insurance plan.
Students are not required to carry medical insurance to use the University Health Center but you are strongly encouraged to do so. If you are not covered by medical insurance, a student health insurance plan is offered through the University Health Center. The student health insurance plan may include dependents and spouses at an additional cost.
Graduate students in NHS who hold an assistantship of 14 or more hours will be automatically enrolled in the student health insurance plan. The department will pay a percentage of the premium and the student will pay the balance. Graduate students without an assistantship will not be automatically enrolled in the student health insurance plan and will be fully responsible for their own health care coverage.
Job-related injuries and illness: When a personal injury accident occurs on University property, or when a University employee on duty suffers injury, or when an employee on duty becomes ill as a result of his/her work, the first concern is to obtain medical attention for those involved. The second concern is to see that the proper University authorities, including a security officer, are notified and that the necessary reports are made. An injured or ill employee should be sent or taken to the University Health Center near 16th and U Streets. If the injury or illness appears life-threatening, the employee should be sent by ambulance to the nearest facility where emergency treatment is available. The employee's supervisor should be notified at once. In all cases, it will be the responsibility of the employee's supervisor to assist the employee with the completion of the necessary reports.
How do I get a building pass and keys?
Graduate students in Leverton Hall after 5:00 p.m. or on weekends must possess a building pass and a valid student I.D. Application for building passes can be made with Donna Hahn (316 Leverton Hall). All passes are to be renewed each semester and for the summer sessions.
Keys to student offices, laboratories and outside doors are available to graduate students with permission of their advisers. The student must make the key request from their adviser. Inside door keys will be checked out from Donna Hahn (316 Leverton Hall) at no charge to the student. Outside door keys to Ruth Leverton Hall are obtained by taking a Key Card signed by the Department Chair and a $10.00 deposit to the Key Shop at 942 N. 22nd Street (east side of building). Upon completion of the graduate program, the student must return the inside door keys to the NHS Administrative Office. Outside door keys and the deposit receipt must both be returned to the Key Shop in order to receive the deposit refund. Keys are not to be loaned or transferred to other persons.
Is there bus service between City Campus and East Campus?
Students, staff, and faculty can commute free of charge between City Campus and East Campus. Riders must present a current UNL/StarTran bus pass and their University I.D. card. You may also use your bus pass and I.D. card to ride free on any other StarTran route in Lincoln. Bus passes and route maps are available at both the City and East Campus Unions.
How do I get a parking permit?
Students parking a vehicle on UNL-controlled property are required to register that vehicle with UNL Parking and Transit Services and have a valid University of Nebraska Parking Permit. Permits are not required at meters and time-controlled zones; however, the vehicle still needs to be registered at Parking and Transit Services.
Can I ask the secretaries to help me with work?
The department does not provide secretarial assistance or office supplies to graduate students, except for work related to the major adviser's research project. In such cases, the work request should be made by the major adviser. Personal correspondence, letters of application, thesis preparation, or course work is not the responsibility of the Department or the secretaries. Secretary telephones, typewriters, computers, printers, and paper are not available for student use. Student computers are available in 137 Home Economics. Student must supply their own paper, disks, and other personal supplies.
