Graduate Handbook: Introduction & Resources for Students

This document describes the graduate degree program of the School of Physics. It includes detailed information about our courses of study, degree requirements, financial support, administrative matters, facilities, etc. There are many resources available in the School and across campus to support graduate students throughout their career at Georgia Tech. The Associate Chair for Student Success (Dr. Ed Greco in Howey W206) is always available to help with ANY issue that may arise at any time.

A. Academic and Administrative Resources

  • The School of Physics Academic Office (Howey W111) is the first point of contact to find answers to academic and administrative issues.
  • For Ph.D. students, the members of the Thesis Exam Committee (see Section IIB.5) should also be regarded as important resources to help resolve academic, research, or other questions.
  • The Georgia Tech Communication Center can assist students with CV writing, poster presentations, dissertation writing, as well as all other forms of scientific communication.
  • The Georgia Tech Office of Graduate Education can provide Institute-level guidance on completing and submitting the doctoral thesis, information on fellowships, and resources on professional development and career planning.
  • For all students, the Georgia Tech Office of Conflict Resolution & Ombuds provides a confidential, neutral, and independent resource to help resolve issues which may transcend the resources of the School itself.
  • Finally, the Registrar's Office and Bursar's Office can provide help and guidance related to registration and financial issues.

The Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA) has collected information on all of these resources, as well as other useful ones, in this handy PDF. Students are encouraged to download and save this sheet for easy access.

B. Health and Wellness Resources

  • Questions about Student Health Insurance should be directed to Jennifer White at STAMPS ((404) 894-0633).
  • Graduate school can be a stressful time for students. The Georgia Tech Center for Mental Health Care & Resources and STAMPS health services offer a wide range of programs and services that can help students who may need assistance. (See this Physics Today article by Andrea Welsh on her journey completing a Physics Ph.D. at Georgia Tech while dealing with mental health challenges.) The Georgia Tech Wellness Empowerment Center site includes information on many stress-management services available on campus (e.g., yoga, mindfulness), as well as diet and lifestyle resources.
  • Sometimes you might just need to talk to another graduate student who knows what you are going through. The Peer Coaching Program provides students with another way to receive support with their academic, social, and other concerns. Students are matched with a fellow Tech student who has been extensively trained to navigate mental health conversations and who is knowledgeable about campus resources.
  • Additional resources on campus that are there to assist graduate students include the Women’s Resource Center, the LGBTQIA Resource Center and the Veteran’s Resource Center.
  • Put the Georgia Tech Police number in your phone (404-894-2500) to call for any safety concerns. Call 911 for emergencies.

The bottom line: if you need help with anything, please ask! There are many resources available to ensure your Ph.D. experience is all you want it to be.

C. Policies on Equality, Harassment and Workplace Environment

The School of Physics strives at having a safe, respectful, and constructive workplace for all members of its community (faculty, researchers, students, and staff) where each individual is treated with respect and compassion. The School does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, intimidation or any behavior, either spoken or unspoken, that creates a negative or hurtful environment for any student. All graduate students must read and understand the Georgia Tech policies related to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and nondiscrimination:

If any graduate student either witnesses or experiences any behavior from a faculty member, staff member, or another student (graduate or undergraduate) that causes them concern, please reach out to the Associate Chair for Student Success, the Chair, or any other faculty member the student feels comfortable speaking to. Alternatively, students can report concerns or issues to Ms. Shaun Ashley (Howey N105) or Mr. Gary Longstreet (Howey W111). Students may also report issues to the Associate Vice Provost for Advocacy and Conflict Resolution in the Office of the Provost.Graduate students who report harassment or other violations of the above policies are protected by Georgia Tech’s non-retaliation policy.

Lastly, please be aware that the School of Physics prohibits romantic or sexual relationships between faculty or staff members and any person under their supervision. Note that graduate TAs are considered staff members.