If a problem between a student and a Thesis Advisor develops, the following steps should be taken:

• The student and Thesis Advisor should attempt to resolve any differences through discussion

• If the student is not satisfied with the result, the student may present the situation to a member of his/her Thesis Committee

  • At the same time, the student must notify the CMB Office of this action

• In the event that the student does not yet have a committee, contact the CMB Office, who will put the student in contact with the Chair of the CMB Program

  • The CMB Program Chair will then attempt to resolve the problem to the mutual satisfaction of the student and Thesis Advisor

• If the problem is not readily resolved, The CMB Program Chair may seek the guidance of the Coordinating Committee (minus the Thesis advisor)

• If a solution requires a laboratory change, the Thesis Advisor may be asked to fund the student for one month after the student has left the lab

• The CMB Program may be able to provide financial support for a one month rotation period (for regularly admitted students only, not direct admit students)

• Following a laboratory change, the new Thesis Advisor will provide the student's source of funding

The Employee Assistance Office (EAO) at UW-Madison is available to faculty and CMB graduate students at no charge and may be a useful resource when dealing with Student - Thesis Advisor Concerns.