UW-Stout
Graduate School
Research Adviser Handbook
Graduate School
Room 208 Robert S. Swanson Learning Center (RSSLC)
(715) 232-2211
gradschool@uwstout.edu
11/2014
Welcome to the Graduate Faculty at UW-Stout!
Membership in the Graduate Faculty is an acknowledgment of your expertise in a discipline
related to one or more of the graduate majors offered at UW-Stout. Graduate Faculty
participate on a regular basis in graduate education through teaching, advisement and
participation in relevant committees. Thank you for your commitment to graduate education.
Research advising is an important component of many of the graduate programs here.
Information on the topics below is provided to help you with that endeavor.
Table of Contents
Graduate Research Expectations at UW-Stout
General Principles
Expected Outcomes of Graduate Student Research
Plan A (Thesis & Ed.S. Field Study)
Plan B (Problems, Field Problems & Field Projects)
Expected of Graduate Students
Expected of Research Advisers
Expected of Department Chairs
Expected of the Program Director
Expected of Thesis Committee Members and Chair
Research Paper Registration Process
Appointment of Research Adviser/Chair & Committee Form
Course Registration
Human Subjects Training/Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval
Research Paper Process Tools
Research Paper Submission
Grades
Helpful Websites
Graduate School Newsletter
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Graduate Research Expectations at UW-Stout
*Adopted May 17, 1991, at the General Meeting of the Graduate Faculty
*Revised March 31, 2010 at the Graduate Education Committee Meeting
*Revised October 23, 2013 at the Graduate Education Committee Meeting
General Principles
1.
Appropriate methodological applications and designs will be applied in Plan A (M.S.
theses, MFA creative thesis project), Plan B (M.S. problems, M.S. field projects, M.S. field
problems), Ed.S. (Ed.S. Thesis and Ed.S. Field Problems), and Ed.D. (dissertation)
research.
2.
The level of analysis should generally be more sophisticated in Plan A, Ed.S. and Ed.D.
research than in Plan B. However, regardless of the plan followed, the level of analysis
required in the study should not exceed the level of understanding or preparation of the
student.
3.
The graduate research paper shall note any errors in the execution or limitations of the
study, and the impact such errors or limitations have on the conclusions discussed. These
errors need not place a student in jeopardy of having the work rejected, but they must be
recognized and addressed.
4.
Papers must be presented in appropriate form with correct spellings, appropriate sentence
structure, format, and citation of references.
5.
Students should not initiate any data gathering for the research paper until the design has
been discussed with the adviser and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) (see below). Generally, this
process should not start until after the student has completed at least one course in
research. Revisit after going through rest of document.
Expected Outcomes of Graduate Student Research
1.
Provide for and maintain care to protect human and animal subjects in research.
2.
Demonstrate ethical behavior and proper conduct in the execution of research.
3.
Demonstrate an understanding of data analysis commensurate with the research
proposal.
4.
Demonstrate an understanding of how knowledge is advanced within their field.
5.
Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of different approaches to the
development of knowledge, (e.g., empirical, experimental, developmental, qualitative,
quantitative, etc.).
6.
Demonstrate the ability to be a critical consumer of research including the understanding
of potential design flaws, and biases that may be reported in the popular press or in
discipline-specific journals.
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7.
Demonstrate an understanding of judgments and decisions made in the execution of a
study along with the subjectivity present even in highly controlled studies.
8.
Demonstrate the ability to synthesize, summarize research findings, address and solve
problems and make evidence based recommendations pertinent to the research findings.
Plan A, Ed.S., & Ed.D. papers
In order to qualify, the Plan A, Ed.S., or Ed.D. paper must contribute to the body of knowledge in
the relevant field. It should be characterized by at least one of the following criteria. The
paper:
1.
Presents results that generalize beyond the scope or sample of the study. (This may be
determined by the extent and method of sampling followed in the study. If the sampling
process seems limited, the student will demonstrate an awareness of its limitations and
defend the representation of the sample as it pertains to a population. A pilot study may
precede the main study.)
2.
Reviews and critically analyzes research using a meta-analytic procedure.
3.
Reviews and analyzes research using a critical science procedure.
4.
Analyzes national, regional, or unique data sets to derive new knowledge.
5.
Replicates research to confirm or extend previous studies.
6.
Uses qualitative procedures relevant to the student’s discipline.
Plan B (Problems, Field Problems & Field Projects) papers
In order to qualify, the Plan B paper must contribute to the body of knowledge in the relevant
field. It should be characterized by one or more of the following criteria. The paper:
1.
Replicates, with proper acknowledgment, a previously published study in a localized
setting.
2.
Develops and field tests an assessment tool in a localized setting.
3.
Reviews and critically analyzes research, literature or data in a selected area.
4.
Applies research methodology and principles relative to a particular discipline to solve a
problem for a regional organization the results of which might apply only to the
participating organization.
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Applies single case design methodology or examines the effects of an intervention (s) in a
localized setting.
6.
Conducts a pilot study.
7.
Develops a discipline related grant proposal.
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NOTES: 1. Studies involving only students or employees at UW-Stout or institutional research
about Stout are acceptable. 2. Grant writing Plan B does not require submission or
implementation of the grant.
Expected of Graduate Students
1.
Have the primary responsibility for designing, conducting, and reporting the research.
2.
Establish a climate of mutual respect and reciprocal communication with adviser and
colleagues.
3.
Complete the appropriate certification process (IRB or IACUC) prior to the collection of any
data involving human or animal subjects.
4.
Submit a detailed timetable for completion of the research project to the
adviser/committee.
5.
Effectively communicate ideas in writing.
6.
Understand the basics of research design and data analysis.
7.
Work with advisor to understand expectations for creating a comprehensive and relevant
literature review appropriate to research problem and discipline.
8.
Review paper for proper formatting before final submission to adviser.
9.
Submit required drafts and the finished document to the adviser/committee according to
the agreed upon timeline.
10.
Correct any deficiencies that may exist and return to the adviser according to the agreed
upon timetable.
Expected of Research Advisers
1.
Establish a climate of mutual respect and reciprocal communication.
2.
Meet with the student to approve the design of the study prior to its initiation.
3.
Discuss advisement expectations with the student.
4.
Complete the appropriate certification process (IRB or IACUC) which relates to the use of
human or animal subjects in research.
5.
Be reasonably available for consultation in accordance with the agreed upon time frame.
[Note: When this document was originally proposed, the Graduate Student Council
recommended the equivalent of one scheduled hour per week.]
6.
Provide written feedback to students on drafts of the paper within the agreed upon time
frame.
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7.
8.
Assist with the research design and data analysis, and provide suggestions on how the
results can be used in framing conclusions.
Assist with the integration of prior research with the findings of the current study.
9.
Review the paper for proper formatting before final submission.
10.
Evaluate the finished paper and, if approved, forward it and the signed cover sheet to the
Graduate School.
11. Once notification of final approval is received from the Graduate School, assign a grade.
12. Act as committee chair for Plan A, Ed.S., or Ed.D. committees.
Expected of Department Chairs
1.
Track numbers of advisees per graduate faculty.
2.
Determine release time for faculty thesis advisers.
3.
Track individual and aggregate graduate research paper data for the department.
4.
Encourage and facilitate the involvement of department faculty in research advising.
5.
Incorporate advisement into performance evaluations.
6.
Approve the appointment of department faculty as research advisers.
7.
Advise students regarding availability and expertise of a department faculty for research
advisement.
8.
Inform faculty of research advisement responsibilities, policies, and resources.
9.
Use advisement resources to support release time for research advisers.
10.
Monitor instructional load assignment for graduate research advisement.
11.
Incorporate the need for research advisement into departmental resource allocations.
Expected of the Program Director
1.
Advise students regarding potential research advisers.
2.
Advise students regarding completion of research requirements within the program.
3.
Advise students regarding thesis credit registration.
4.
Advise students regarding scope of research project, e.g.. Plan A versus Plan B.
5.
Advise students regarding the timing of research project within the total program plan.
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6.
Review and approve research topic.
7.
Advise students regarding registration, appointment of research adviser, the IRB process,
and the protection of animal/human subjects process.
Expected of Thesis Committee Members and Chair
Expected of Committee Chair
1.
The committee chair determines the grade for the research paper with input from the
committee.
2.
The committee chair schedules an oral examination upon conclusion of the research.
3.
Schedule a meeting with the student at the outset to review the responsibilities of both the
committee and the student.
Expected of all Committee Members
1.
Refine and approve the research design.
2.
Plan a timeline for completion of the paper.
3.
Discuss the value of the research and avenues for its dissemination.
4.
Provide timely feedback to the student.
5.
Be reasonably available for consultation either individually or collectively in accordance
with the agreed upon time frame.
6.
Participate in an oral examination upon conclusion of the research, and provide feedback
regarding the student's command of the subject matter.
7.
Read the finished paper and give final approval by signing the cover sheet of the research
paper.
Research Paper Registration Process
Appointment of Research Adviser/Chair & Committee Form
NOTE: Appointment of Research Adviser form must be approved by the Graduate
School PRIOR TO the research paper course registration.
 The student submits an Appointment of Research Adviser/Chair & Committee
form with the appropriate signatures to the Graduate School Office.
Required Signatures (all Master’s and Education Specialist research papers)
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Research adviser, department chair, program director, Director Office of Graduate
Studies
Additional Required Signatures: MS Plan A thesis, EdS Field Study, MFA thesis
and EdD Dissertation
Two committee members (one committee member should be from a department other
than the adviser)
Course Registration
Course Number
The student will register for the research paper course number associated with
their degree program (e.g. a student in the Master’s in School Counseling will
register for either SCOUN-735 (Plan B) or SCOUN-770 (Plan A)).
Section Number

Student will register under the section number associated with YOUR adviser
number. Don’t remember your adviser number? Find it at:
http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/student/research.cfm under Useful Links and
Resources, Research Section Numbers.
o

Exception. Course Registration: Special Section Number- Customized
Instruction
Tuition Rate for: MS Education (Online), MS Career and Technical
Education (distance ed.), MS Manufacturing Engineering, MS Operations
and Supply Management (distance ed.), MS Technical and Professional
Communication (Online), and MS Training and Human Resource
Development (distance ed.), PSM Conservation Biology, EdS Career and
Technical Education, EdD Career and Technical Education (distance ed.)
and MFA in Design (distance ed.).
Students register for their research paper by submitting the registration form (under the
Register tab at the following website: http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/student/research.cfm.
Human Subjects Training /Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval
Prior to beginning any research, all students must complete training and certification
related to the use of human subjects in research whether or not human subjects are part
of the research design for the student’s particular research project and paper.
 Human Subjects Training is administered through UW-Stout’s Research Services
Office:

http://www.uwstout.edu/rs/
Student completes Human Subjects training and submits the Protection of Human Subjects
Form as indicated in the directions at: http://www.uwstout.edu/rs/humansubjects.cfm.
Research Paper Process Tools
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


The Graduate School’s Research Guide contains a research guide, information
about support services available to students, a discussion of expectations (student
and adviser), and links to the associated Graduate School Forms
(http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/student/research.cfm).
A research paper formatting template and other helpful research project information
is on our website at: http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/student/research.cfm
Ordinarily twice a semester a Librarian, will hold a Thesis Survival Skills Workshop for
students. The workshops are advertised via flyers, the UW-Stout daily email and the
Graduate School Newsletter. See also: http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/research/index.cfm
Research Paper Submission




All research papers are to be submitted electronically to Amy Corr at
corra@uwstout.edu
Make sure that the student is CC'd on the email
The research paper needs to be attached in a WORD format (the file will end with
either .doc or .docx)
If you require it, the paper must include your scanned or digital signature and/or that
of your student.
The student can also submit the research paper by using the same directions listed above but
copying the research adviser on the email that is sent with the research paper.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student to contact their research adviser to find out whether
or not the signature is required.
Watch for an email from the Graduate School indicating approval or requesting changes and resubmission of the research paper.
Grades
Assign a letter grade at the end of the term during which the paper was registered as follows:
Guidelines for using I and IP grades
(This grading guideline is effective Fall 2012 for students registering for their research
paper/thesis credits for the first time.)
“I” Incomplete
Available for use in all grading schemes; should be used only in emergency situations which
prevent the student from completing the last major course assignment. Affects GPA –
automatically turns to an F after 1 year if grade change is not filed.
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“IP” In Progress
Available for use in select graduate courses. Is used only in those courses that often can’t be
completed in a 15 week term (e.g., some graduate research papers, especially Master’s and
EdS 6 credit theses and the EdD 12 credit dissertation). Does not affect GPA, requires reregistration if course not completed after 1 year.
Guidelines for using NC grade
“NC” No Credit
Use only when the student did not complete enough work for evaluation. Does not affect GPA;
requires re-registration if course not completed that term; no time extensions given.
NOTE: Please do not assign a letter grade until the paper has been approved by the
Graduate School.
In the case of a paper for which an IP was previously assigned, once the student has completed the
research paper, complete a grade change card and file it with the Registration & Records Office for
all semesters for credits earned.
NOTES
 Variable thesis credit courses do exist in some programs. Grades for papers for which
the student has registered over 2 or more semesters should be assigned only after the
research project is complete and approved by the Graduate School. An IP grade
should be assigned for intervening semesters prior to final paper approval.
Helpful Websites
Graduate School Website
Research Project Guide
Research Paper Deadlines
Human Subjects/IRB Process
Student Research Fund Grant Guidelines
Graduate School Policies
University Library (Thesis Survival Skills)
http://www.uwstout.edu/grad
http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/student/research.cfm
http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/current/graduation.cfm
http://www.uwstout.edu/rs/humansubjects.cfm
http://www.uwstout.edu/rs/students.cfm
http://www.uwstout.edu/grad/student/forms.cfm
http://libguides.uwstout.edu/thesis
Graduate School Newsletter
A monthly Graduate School Newsletter containing information on graduation, research
paper registration, deadlines, etc. is electronically distributed to the students and graduate
faculty.
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL WITH YOUR
QUESTIONS: 232-2211 OR gradschool@uwstout.edu. We’re here to help you!
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